Fig trees enter dormancy after they finish producing their main crop. Dormancy is their built-in survival mechanism—a way to conserve energy and protect themselves through the cold months. This quiet period ends only when temperatures rise again in spring (Ref 1).
As I write this on November 17th, 2025, here in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York, the seasonal shift is fully underway. Nighttime temperatures are dipping into the low 30s, yet daytime highs are still hanging in the low 50s. It’s that in-between season when winter is knocking, but not fully settled in.
In my own garden, both my potted and in-ground fig trees have already shed all their leaves, a classic sign that dormancy is beginning. But does leaf drop automatically mean the tree is fully dormant? I see a lot of discussion on social media (Facebook, Reddit) where people equate leaf drop with complete dormancy.
Personally, I like to wait a bit longer before making that call, especially if you’re preparing to winterize your figs in a garage, shed, or cellar. For those of us tending more than a couple of fig trees, patience really does pay off. Giving the trees a little extra time helps ensure they’ve fully settled into their dormant state, making winterization smoother and safer for the trees in the long run.
Patience is a virtue—especially when it comes to figs.
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Stay tuned, keep on rootin’ and happy growing!
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