Turkey Figs in a pot?

I would love to get a Fig plant, but was wondering if it is possible to grow them in a large pot..... I have a sunroom that I could keep it in for the winter.... Another question... can you all suggest the best place to get a start for a fig tree (bush). I live in the Western part of Middle Tennessee, right near the Tennessee River...

Thanks Bunches,
Blessings,
Carolyn

Figs tend to be very large plants, but confined in a pot they might be kept smaller. I have one fig variety - Petite Nigra - that the nursery said would top out around eight feet, and it is now about 12 feet. It's planted in ground and has been there five years. A group called North American Fruit Explorers has worked extensively with figs and has a lot of information. http://www.nafex.org/fig.html

Carolyn, I have 2 "dwarf" figs in pots, a Petite Nigra and a Black Jack. The term dwarf is a relative term since the dwarf variety is compared to a standard sized tree. You would have better luck growing a dwarf variety because as Yuska said figs are very large and very vigorous plants. I bought my Petite Nigra fig from RainTree Nursery. I bought the Black Jack from a nursery in San Jose, CA. When we moved I brought some cuttings with me. I have several. Would you like one?

According to all I've read about figs in pots, the potting soil should be replaced every spring. Root prune and replant in the same pot. Prune the top to compensate for root loss. I use 24" pots. In the ground, figs don't need too much fertilizer otherwise they produce leaves at the expense of fruit. But in a pot, they do need fertilizer as potting soil is relatively sterile. I've had good success. Good enough that, as we were getting ready to move, someone stole the orginal plant, pot and all, before my son was able to go pick it up.

Let me know if you want the fig.
Veronica

Veronica -- Just getting around to reading about figs...do you still have your cuttings (Black Jack or Petitie Nigra)? Would be interested in trying figs. Both of yours must be delicious! Have bananas going well -- received in the first central Florida plant round up in February. Maybe they'll fruit this year. Let me know what I could do besides postage? I've been harvesting Spiderwort seeds : )

soozer,
I have an 8" rooted cutting of Black Jack that I potted up about a month ago. I'd be interested in a banana plant. What varieties do you have?

The Petite Nigra is still too young to take cuttings. I may be able to make an air layered cutting later in the year. Let me know about this one.
Veronica

Hi Soozer, I see you are in Safety Harbor... My hubby and I will be visiting there next week... in fact we will be in the area for Two weeks... We have friends there too that run a Small engine Repair / Mower / Sales place there in Safety Harbor.. I don't know if we are allowed to tell who it is on DG, but their name begins with B.
My husbands son is in the Tandem Health facility there.... and so we will be spending some time with him...
It would be nice to meet you while we are there.... LMK if you will be available...

Blessings,
Carolyn

Veronica --
ooooh - I was afraid you'd ask that. I planted the three given me (the woman didn't know what they were) and have no idea what they are. So I planted them where they could be as tall as they needed to be...not in pots. They are growing well, but I guess it could be months before there is a pup?

Do have a mango (growing in a pot, waiting for a new home) that came from one I've had for years which is exceptionally good...no pulp which means it is suitable for freezing. I make sure to have some over the winter months that way. Great flavor! These can be picked when the blush of color begins on the fruit, that way the critters don't get them. Will be expecting to eat the first ones in about a month.

Also have loquat seedlings that were received recently from another DG person! Tried fruit locally off a tree (delicious) that will go down with the development scheduled. :(
So if you would prefer mango or loquat....could be ready to go!

Would be interested in the Petite as well since they both are smaller growing varieties.

Let me know
Sue

Sue,
According to some information I've read recently, loquats will grow in zone 8b, but will not produce fruit. Mangos get too large to grow in a pot and it wouldn't survive our winters. Bananas do grow here with some protection. That's why I was interest in one. Do you have anythings else to offer?

oof--

broke elbow+ last sat. & things are going very slow right now. typing and writing with left hand very interesting and fun(ny).

DG visitors would be fab! much help from hubby and you could stop by? maybe you could take seedlings with you?

Sue

Carolyn-- you have mail :)