Fig tree - dead or alive?

[Amanda1]

I ordered a compact fig tree from JParkers and it came about 5 weeks ago. It looked dead and no more than a large twig. In the box in which it came there were no leaves fallen off so I presume it was in this condition when it was sent. I potted it into a large pot, watered it and left it in a sunny position on my decking. I was expecting (and hoping) that it would show signs of life but after a month it looked exactly the same. I called JParkers and they kindly sent me a replacement which I received yesterday. However, it looks exactly the same! It looks completely dead. Is there something I don't know about fig trees or have I been sent a second dead tree?

[vicky]

Figs are one of the last trees to come into leaf...if Parkers have kept them in cold storage (to keep them dormant) then they could take a while to wake up and show signs of life.
Saying that, I would give them a ring and ask them if it's ok...I've not been impressed by their quality so it could be either!

[Amanda1]

Thank you. They've been in cold storage so maybe they'll show signs of life eventually

[crichmond]

I have a fig that has been outside on the allotment all winter and still has no growth yet, I too was worried so I broke one of the buds and it was still green inside and I did a bark test (scraped some bark) and it too was green underneath, this tells us the plant is still alive but is still waiting to burst into life (or die).

Unfortunately 6 of my raspberries are totally dead.

[Alison]

My fig tree which has been in a pot outside all winter has been in full leaf now for 2 or 3 weeks. It did look dead for quite a while but looks great now with about half a dozen figs starting to swell also. Do the scratch test and if it's dead get your money back. I've not found Parkers quality to be very high and had some rotten bulbs off them a few years ago. They were pretty good at refunds though so am guessing they have quite a bit of practise!

[scarey55]

I thought you might like to have a look at these pictures.

My fig died back completely and I nearly threw it away. The last picture was taken a few minutes ago so I would say, just hang on to it, I'm sure it will come to life.

The pot is the same one.

Good luck.

[Amanda1]

I have been most reassured by these responses. I will do the bark test when I get home. Thank you all

[FoxHillGardener]

I think they're pretty much impossible to kill so you should be fine. And now you've got two for the price of one

[Amanda1]

I know, feeling (smugly) guilty!

[spursboy61]

Dead looking twigs can suddenly burst into life. I planted a small cherry bush last year, (Feb or March), it eventually grew about 3 leaves which died back. I cut it back until it was only a stick in the ground. I went down the bottom of the garden to do battle with the wild garlic this morning and saw that the cherry bush is covered with foliage. 3 other "sticks" in the ground, (2 redcurrant and a blackcurrant), all have masses of shoots on them. Sometimes it's best to leave them alone and let nature get on with it.

Regards, Mikey