Progress report for ONC24-149
Project Information
There has been little research or study of sustainable fig (Ficus carica) orchards and production in the North Central region. While it is known that figs can be grown by hobbyists in Zones 5/6, there is no documented research for farmers interested in growing for local markets. Fresh figs are sought after for their fruity sweetness, fiber, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, and nutritional value. Local farm stops and co-ops in the Midwest are seeking a wider variety of locally grown fresh fruits, including figs (personal communication). Most North Central residents do not have access to fresh figs and are relegated to only dried figs. Establishing conditions for growing figs locally will mitigate challenges of easily bruised, short-shelf life, and expenses associated with the rare transport from California.
This project compares cold climate production models in growing figs. Cold hearty variety selection, tactical placement and economical winter protection of in-ground and potted trees, attention to soil composition, and compatible living mulches will be applied. The early “breba” crop (developing on the old wood during spring after fig leaves emerge) and the main crop yields, soil moisture and temperatures, weed pressure, and signs of stress/disease, leaf discoloration, and premature fruit drop, will be measured.
- On-farm research of Ficus carica (fig) viability and fruit. Three varieties will be selected for cold climate fruiting heartiness. Planted selections in-ground with southern sun exposure, protection from westerly cold winds, and sustainable insulation will be compared with the same varieties in pots moved indoors (sheltered) during winter.
- These varieties will be planted, maintained, monitored, and results documented in a consistent method at the three farms to investigate sustainably and scalability in zones 5b, 6a, and 6b.
- Educate North Central farmers, including women, military veteran, and BIPOC farmers on strategies/techniques for growing of fresh figs in this region.
Cooperators
Research
Materials & Methods with Respect to each Objective
Objective 1. On-farm research of Ficus carica (fig) viability and fruit. Three varieties will be selected for cold climate fruiting heartiness. Planted selections in-ground with southern sun exposure, protection from westerly cold winds, and sustainable insulation will be compared with the same varieties in pots moved indoors (sheltered) during winter.
Choosing varieties for planting:
Three cold-hardy varieties of figs were chosen for this project based on conversations we had with cold-hardy fig nursery growers (e.g., Brambleberry Farm). The three chosen varieties:
a. Chicago Hardy - has been a common choice for hobby growers in Zones 5 and 6. As the name implies, it is hardy in the Chicago area and has been grown throughout the Midwest.
b. Syrian Dark - this variety was chosen because it is one of the earliest ripening cold hardy figs. While the figs are a little smaller than Chicago Hardy, and while it’s known to die back to the ground in winter when unprotected, it’s early ripening characteristics make it a good candidate for reliable fig production regardless of when the last frost date is.
c. Abou George - this cold hard fig variety was chosen because it also ripens before Chicago Hardy, but slightly after Syrian Dark. Abou George is a larger fig than Chicago Hardy and therefore, promises to give more large ripe figs before the last frost date compared to Chicago Hardy.
These three varieties were planted in multiples (4-5 rooted scions, or more) at each farm site, both in-ground and in pots.
d. Additional misc cold hardy varieties were also chosen. Due to limited availability, only a handful of each of the other varieties listed below are being tested; these predominantly are on Farm 2 but some are spread across the three farms sites. These varieties include:
Brooklyn White, Brooklyn Dark, Brown Turkey, Gino’s Black, Marseille, Ronde de Bordeaux, Lattarula, Mag Bar Hardy, Magnolia, Violette de Bordeaux, LSU Gold, Sunfire.
Planting:
Rooted scion (one year old, or less) was purchased from Brambleberry Farm (Paoli, IN; zone 6).
Potted figs were obtained either in 1 quart or 1 liter pots (with exception of Brown Turkey which was in a 1 gallon pot and reported to be 2 years old).
IN-GROUND:
In-ground figs were planted at all three farms the first weekend in June, 2025. All were under 1 foot tall in the small pots and had recently been rooted from dormant scion (by Brambleberry Farm).
In-ground figs were planted with compost. The amount of compost used at each site depended upon the depth of the holes mechanically drilled (bigger holes / Farm 2 &3) or hand dug (Farm 1).
1 gallon of compost per tree (Farm 1)
2-3 gallons of compost (Farm 2)
2 gallons of compost (Farm 3).
The original plan was to use wire cages, straw and burlap to protect the trees during winter at all three farms. However, Farms 1 and 2 pivoted to implementing simple infrastructure to train and grow the in-ground figs as cordons (low, horizontal cordons that are 1 foot off the ground). This decision was based on Farm 2 ’s visit to Japan to observe successful growing of figs on commercial farms there. Growing the figs closer to the ground and then covering with straw in the winter in theory will protect them more, especially from harsh winter winds (Figure 1)
Figure 1 Cordon Infrastructure
To create the protection and cordon infrastructure, figs planted in a row were protected on either side of the row by cattle panels supported by T-posts. The aluminum cordon horizontal support system, using 1” x 96” aluminum round tables supported by 1” T Pipe Clamps seated on top of buried rebar or aluminum tubes (2 foot buried and 1 foot left above ground) (Figure 1).
POTTED:
Figs destined to stay potted were kept in the small pots (1 quart or 1 liter) through the summer to promote more root growth and then up-potted to 10 gallon pots in August of 2025.
Raised bed potting soil/mix marketed for Raised Beds (1/2 Miracle Grow to 1 part Sunshine - obtained from Menards) was used for up-potting to 10 gallon plastic pots (Figure 2).
Watering:
Both in-ground and potted figs were watered weekly if as needed. All three locations experienced a severe drought (6+ weeks) in July-August, so an additional second watering each week was done for potted figs during that time.
Mulching:
Farm 1 mulched with cardboard topped with 4 inches of bark mulch
Farm 2 mulched with straw
Farm 3 mulched with plastic mulch
Deer Protection and Winterization:
In-ground Farms 1 & 2 (Zone 6b and 6a, respectively)
To winterize in-ground trees, straw was added on top of in-ground trees, enough to cover the trees (e.g, 10 bales used to cover 16 trees).
In-ground Farm 3 (zone 5b):
Figs trees were winterized using a more common method - wrapping the trees with burlap, using wire tree cages and dry leavess. The tops of the trees were covered with an upside down 5 gallon bucket (Figure 3).
Figure 3 Winterization of figs
Potted trees (Farms 1, 2, 3):
To winterize potted trees, pots were left outside during the first several frosts (through the end of November) to encourage the trees to go dormant. Once dormancy has set in, trees were moved to unheated garages or a pole barn. Farm 2, moved pots to a slightly heated garage (40 degree F) during the polar votex. Farm 1 left trees in an unheated garage that did not have temperature regulation (temperatures fluctuating between 25-45 degrees throughout the winter.
Objective 2: These varieties will be planted, maintained, monitored, and results documented in a consistent method at the three farms to investigate sustainably and scalability in zones 5b and 6a.
Figs were visually monitored for water need, and some preliminary growth information and fig production was documented through an excel spreadsheet. Detailed results will be documented in 2025, as the figs come out of dormancy.
Photos were taken on all three farms throughout the season to document progress.
Objective 3: Educate North Central farmers, including women, military veteran, and BIPOC farmers on strategies/techniques for growing of fresh figs in this region.
Brief articles on the project were written by the Ag Professional, Dr. Kris Heeter, and printed in The North American Fruit Explorers quarterly journal (POMONA), and the Indiana Nut and Fruit Growers Association’s quarterly newsletter (HOOSIER KERNEL) in 2024.
Dr. Kris Klueg Heeter has scheduled, and will be giving, a formal presentation on this Partnership Project at the Small Farm Conference (organized by Purdue University) on Wednesday, March 5th.
Dr. Heeter has reached out to the conference and workshop coordinators of the North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX) to schedule a second presentation, to occur later in the year, to NAFEX members as a virtual presentation.
Preliminary Results and Discussion Respect to Primary Objectives:
Objective 1. On-farm research of Ficus carica (fig) viability and fruit. Three varieties will be selected for cold climate fruiting heartiness. Planted selections in-ground with southern sun exposure, protection from westerly cold winds, and sustainable insulation will be compared with the same varieties in pots moved indoors (sheltered) during winter.
Growth and Fig Production
Very preliminary observations were made at the end of the first growing season, and noted in Tables 1 and 2.
IN-GROUND FIGS:
Of the total of 96 in-ground figs planted across all three farms, all in-ground trees were alive and several were already producing figs in this Year 1 (see Table 1).
Figs planted in the ground (first weekend of June) put on anywhere from 6 inches to 5+ foot of new growth depending on the variety (Table 2). The fastest growing fig variety was LSU Gold on Farm 2 put on 5 foot of new growth from June to Oct.
Table 2_Fig Production Data Year 1
Nearly all varieties planted in-ground at Farm 2 produced figs the first year. A few of the varieties at Farm 1 and Farm 3 also had a handful of unripe figs at the end of the season (Table 1 and Figure 4).
Farm 1 noted that as the in-ground figs started to go dormant in late October and early November, there was some rabbit damage (chewed bark). Once the damage was noted, this farm painted the fig tree trunks with a 50% latex indoor white paint (a standard non-toxic practice among fruit growers to discourage rodent damage on young trees during colder months).
POTTED FIGS:
Of the total 48 potted figs at all three farms, all potted figs at Farm 1 & 3 were still alive at the time of winterization.
Farm 2 experienced the loss of 4 out of 16 potted figs early on (in early July), due to drought. It was noted that those figs were still in small pots and the farmer was away for 10 days. While they had someone watering while they were gone, the intense heat and drought was enough to dry 4 of the pots out. These figs will be replaced in Year 2.
Potted figs at all three farms did exhibit new growth, but they did not produce figs this first year, presumable because they were kept in small pots ( 1 liter or smaller) until August (Table 1 &2).
Winterization:
In-ground figs were winterized as described in the MATERIALS & METHODS. Movement of potted figs to a shelter was completed as described.
At the time of this report, the figs are still being protected from winter weather. The outcome of the winterization methods for the in-ground figs will not be known until May, 2025.
The winterization of the potted figs (which were moved indoors at the end of Nov, 2024) will also be assessed in May, 2025. Preliminary visual observations suggest that most, if not all the potted figs, have winterized well. They appear to be alive and do not have die back to the "ground" (soil surface in the pot).
Farm 1 notes that despite the indoor unheated shelter reaching extended periods of a low of 25 degree F during the winter vortex, small Breba figs started to appear as of February 25th - this coincides the start of bud swell on last year’s new growth as the indoor temperature reached warmer temperatures (e.g., 40-50 degrees F).
Objective 2: These varieties will be planted, maintained, monitored, and results documented in a consistent method at the three farms to investigate sustainably and scalability in zones 5b and 6a.
This first year was dedicated to planting and implementing the needed simple infrastructure to protect the in-ground figs from deer pressure and to prepare the for winter protection.
Figs were visually monitored for water needs, and some preliminary growth information and fig production was documented (See Table 1 & 2). Detailed results will be documented in 2025, as the figs come out of dormancy.
Table 2_Fig Production Data Year 1
Objective 3: Educate North Central farmers, including women, military veteran, and BIPOC farmers on strategies/techniques for growing of fresh figs in this region.
Education initiatives have begun. Brief articles on the project were printed in The North American Fruit Explorers quarterly journal (POMONA), and the Indiana Nut and Fruit Growers Association’s quarterly newsletter (HOOSIER KERNEL).
Dr. Kris Klueg Heeter will be giving a formal presentation on the Partnership at the Small Farm Conference (organized by Purdue University) on Wednesday, March 5th.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
A press release and brief summary of the project was published in the Indiana Nut and Fruit Growers Association (INFGA)'s quarterly newsletter: The Hoosier Kernel. A summary and brief summary was also published in the North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX)'s quarterly journal: POMONA.
A presentation on the project is scheduled to be given by the Ag Professional, Dr. Kris Heeter, to Midwest farmers at the 2025 Purdue Small Farm Conference on March 5th, in Danville, IN.
Project Outcomes
This project is nearing the end of the first year (currently at 8 months since planting at the time of this report)
We anticipate that the project will contribute to future economic and environmental sustainability by identifying those cold-hardy fig varieties that grow best in zones 5 and 6 in the Midwest. We anticipate that farmers will have new opportunities to bring fresh figs to market through local markets and direct farmer to consumer channels, and create some value-added products. This can contribute to increased economic sustainability (adding new and unique fresh produce variety that is in high demand for market growers) and reduce the environmental impact of shipping fresh figs from temperate zones (e.g., California) to the Midwest.
Preliminary Project Outcomes with Respect to Primary Objectives:
Objective 1. On-farm research of Ficus carica (fig) viability and fruit. Three varieties will be selected for cold climate fruiting heartiness. Planted selections in-ground with southern sun exposure, protection from westerly cold winds, and sustainable insulation will be compared with the same varieties in pots moved indoors (sheltered) during winter.
and
Objective 2: These varieties will be planted, maintained, monitored, and results documented in a consistent method at the three farms to investigate sustainably and scalability in zones 5b and 6a.
All three farms were pleased with the overall growth this first season of the in-ground young fig trees.
Despite the 6+ weeks of no rain, we found that watering was only needed once a week at most. We attribute this to good mulching and the fact that figs are not disease prone.
This suggests that once trees are established and mulched well (preferably with biodegradable natural mulched) they will do well under a variety of conditions and will not need intense management.
The most time-consuming part this first year was the initial planting and the protection. Once established the first year, we foresee that subsequent years will require very little management on behalf of the farmer- only occasional watering during dry periods, pruning/training once a year (1 day), and the fall winterization (1 day). This could be viewed as a significant economic benefit to the farmer in terms of time and money.
Much more surprising and unexpected was the fact that nearly all varieties planted at Farm 2 produced figs the first year. A few of the varieties at Farm 1 and Farm 3 also showed some unripe figs at the end of the season (Table 2).
This suggests that farmers can potentially get a quicker return on investment compared to other fruit/nut tree crops (e.g., apples, pear, peaches, nuts, etc.).
We hypothesize that the better fig production at Farm 2 was a combination of both more compost used at the time of the initial planting, along with perhaps some dabbled shade for part of the day (the planting was near a forest edge). If some light dabbled shade does turn out to be helpful, this could be simulated with a 30% shade cloth over rows that are planted in full sun. Good mulching and/or the possibility of using shade cloth translates to better water retention in the soil, and ultimately less work for the farmer.
Potted figs at all three farms did exhibit new growth, but they did not produce figs this first year. We presume this was because they were kept in small pots ( 1 liter or smaller) until August (Table 1 &2). Potted figs do offer the possibility for small market farms (e.g on 1-acre) to grow novelty fruit that can command a higher price (economic benefit).
Both in-ground and potted fig growing in the Midwest is currently viewed as relatively new and novel on farms in the North Central region. The novelty of growing figs opens up the prospect of farm tours and U-picks which can increase both the economic and social benefit to the farmer -- similar to what has been found for growing other novelty or rare tree crops (e.g., Chestnuts, Pawpaws -- Red Fern Farm in Iowa is a good example of a small farm taking a novelty fruit crop and creating new revenue streams through U-pick and on-farm fresh fruit/nut sales).
The availability of locally grown figs, if successful, has the strong potential to offer a nice economic benefit. Small market farmers can command a higher price for fresh figs at local markets, farm stands and coops, and the possibility of creating new social experiences on farm or at these other venues.
Anticipated additional outcomes:
In addition to the fresh fig fruit, we are looking at value-added products that are of interest in local markets: e.g, fig leaf tea (noted as being highly nutritious), and fig jams. Both ripe and unripe figs lend themselves well for jams (e.g, Dillman Farms in Bloomington, IN, creates a F.R.O.G jam (fig, raspberry, orange, grape) which is popular in the Midwest.
Objective 3: Educate North Central farmers, including women, military veteran, and BIPOC farmers on strategies/techniques for growing of fresh figs in this region.
Education initiatives have begun, with the first conference presentation to farmer coming up in March, 2025. We will report further on how this education has benefited North Central farmers in Year 2.
One early success story comes from Farm 2:
The in-ground trees planted in June were producing figs on all three of the 3 main test varieties (Chicago Hardy, Abou George, Syrian Dark) by October. In addition, several of the other varieties being tested were giving figs in early October. While not all figs ripened in time, Farm 2 was able to obtain and enjoy a few ripe figs by removing many of the leaves to expose the figs to the sunlight.
One small success from Farm 1 & 3:
Both Farm 1 & # observed a handful of in-ground trees producing figs by Oct 15, 2024. While the figs did not ripen in time, these results are encouraging and a small success given. how late the in-ground planting (June) was.
(Farm 1 - Zone 6b /Farm 2, Zone 6a / Farm 3 - zone 5b)
None at this time (the first year has not been completed yet). We will start compiling recommendations after the in-ground and potted figs have been evaluated as they come out of winterization in May 2025.