Fig trees are reminiscent of Mediterranean landscapes, but the number of these warmth-loving plants is also steadily increasing in Germany. We accompany you from the purchase, through the planting and care to the propagation and harvesting of your fig tree.
Fig trees (Ficus carica) make us think of a fresh Mediterranean breeze under the hot Mediterranean sun. But the biblical trees have also been growing in German wine-growing regions for a long time. Because with a few tips and a little skill, figs can also be cultivated in this country and overwintered successfully. Here you can find out what you should consider when planting a fig tree in our latitudes.
Fig tree: origin and properties
The common fig (Ficus carica) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and probably comes from Southwest Asia, from where it spread over large parts of the world to the entire Mediterranean region has spread. The fig already plays an important role in the Bible when Adam and Eve want to cover their nakedness with a fig leaf in paradise.
Perennial figs are a species of the fig family (Ficus), which also includes the popular ornamental plant Ficus benjamini. Fig plants, on the other hand, belong to the mulberry family (Moracea) and are therefore also related to the mulberry trees (Morus).
Fig trees are heat-loving plants that bear abundant sweet fruit in warm and dry summers. Cool summers and cold winters, however, affect the cold-sensitive plants. But that's no reason to worry, because the wintering of fig trees is quite uncomplicated. In general, fig trees are also quite easy to care for and rarely fall victim to diseases and pests.
Hardy Fig Tree Varieties
Due to a long breeding process, some hardy varieties of the common fig have emerged over time. With the right protection, they can also survive the German winter. The ˈBornholm figˈ, which comes from the Danish B altic Sea island of the same name, is particularly frost tolerant.The ˈBrown Turkeyˈ variety is also not so easy to break down. Learn more about different hardy fig tree varieties here.
Buying a fig tree: you should pay attention to this
When buying, choosing the right fig tree is sometimes crucial so that the plant survives the next winter outdoors. The selection also has an influence on how many fruits ultimately grow on the tree. Breeds for areas north of the Alps are usually self-pollinating and therefore do not require insects for fruiting. When buying, it should also be taken into account that not all fig varieties are suitable for keeping in buckets. So get good advice before you buy.
We have compiled more information about buying a fig tree for you here.
Plant a fig tree
The cultivation of the frost-sensitive plant is also possible in Germany. Whether outdoors or in a container, we have collected the most important things to consider when planting.
Planting a fig tree: requirements and location
Figs grow particularly well in mild regions such as wine-growing regions, where temperatures remain comparatively high in winter. But don't worry: even if you live in a rather harsh area such as northern Germany, cultivation is possible. Many of the fig trees on the market are breeds that tolerate higher minus temperatures, at least for a short time. The key here is to find a suitable location in the garden. Therefore, choose a sheltered and sunny place for the fig - for example the south side of the house or a sun-exposed wall. Fortunately, figs are not particularly demanding on the soil, ideally with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and sandy loam.
Summary of site selection when planting fig trees:
- Protected and sunny location (south side)
- Neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 - 7.0)
- Ideal soil texture: sandy loam
Planting a fig tree in the garden
Spring is the ideal time to plant a fig tree outdoors, as this gives the Mediterranean tree the entire summer to get used to its new location. To plant the figs, you should first dig a larger planting hole. Make sure the soil is not too compacted and loosen it if necessary. Then he cantree are placed in the planting hole, which is filled with soil.
For a more detailed guide to planting fig trees in the garden, see this article.
Planting a fig tree in a pot
When planting figs in a bucket, there are a few things to keep in mind. Since figs do not tolerate waterlogging well, the pot you choose should definitely have a drainage hole. Basically, the substrate should not be too dense. As a rule, you can use normal potting soil for this purpose, for example our peat-free Plantura organic potting soil. It optimally supplies your figs with nutrients and at the same time is harmless to animals and humans.
We have prepared more information about planting and caring for fig trees in pots here for you.
Propagate Fig Tree
Frequently referred to as an offshoot of the fig tree, these are actually so-called cuttings with which the plant is propagated. Cuttings are cut branches that, with the right technique, will root again. To do this, cut off several branches with a few leaves about 15 centimeters long from the fig in the spring. Then place the branches in water or directly in potting soil. If rooting is successful, you can repot the young plant after a few weeks. Since not every cutting develops roots and the branches can always rot, it is worth making several cuttings.
You can find detailed instructions on how to propagate fig trees in our special article.
Caring for the fig tree
Fig trees do not usually have it as easy in this country as in the Mediterranean region due to the cold winters. But with a few tips and tricks for proper care, the fig can also grow into a strong and he althy tree in your garden.
Watering the fig tree
Although the summers in the region of origin of the fig can be very dry, the warmth-loving plant is happy about regular watering, especially during fruit formation. Due to the small soil volume, this applies in particular to the care of figs in the tub. The permeable substrate ensures faster water loss than outdoors, which is why you should always water the fig as soon as the soil has dried up. So keep the soil moist, but be sure to avoid waterlogging. Both too much and too little water lead to leaf shedding on the fig tree. Only over the winter do fig trees need as good asno water and should only be watered when the substrate is almost dry. However, water little because the lack of leaves means that no water can evaporate in winter.
Fertilize Fig Tree
In order to prevent figs from dropping their fruit prematurely in late summer, it is worth occasionally fertilizing fig trees between April and September. It should be noted that figs, in principle, do not need to be heavily fertilized. Therefore, be careful when fertilizing and give less than too much to avoid oversupply. In addition to fertilizer with a high potassium content, the incorporation of compost or citrus fertilizer has proven itself. We recommend using organic fertilizers to keep the soil nutrient load as low as possible. Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is such an organic fertilizer. This supplies your fig tree with all the important nutrients and is also kind to the environment.
You can read everything you need to know about fertilizing fig trees here.
Pruning fig tree
Fig trees are not among the trees that necessarily have to be pruned. However, in some cases, slicing figs can be useful:
- When the treetop grows so dense that other plants no longer get any light
- If the fig tree is bare on the inside
- For frost damage after winter
- When individual branches interfere with each other
Note: Figs are usually only pruned in early spring to give the tree enough time to recover before winter.
Click here for more information on pruning fig trees.
Winter fig tree
A particular challenge when growing figs in Germany is overwintering the plant properly. Although the species bred in this country are hardy, prolonged cold spells can cause serious damage. If you keep your tree in a bucket, you should always bring it to a frost-free room such as the conservatory or garage. The optimal winter quarters for the plant is cool and at least slightly lit. Since this is of course not possible with fig trees outdoors, other means are required for overwintering. After the leaves fall in the fall, a thicker mulch layer of leaves and straw is good for insulating the soil. The plant should also be protected in winter by wrapping it in brushwood, straw and fleece. In selectinga suitable variety and warm winter protection, you can look forward to your newly sprouting fig tree the following year.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about successfully overwintering fig trees.
Harvesting and storing figs
The fruits of the fig trees do not all ripen at the same time. This makes it all the more important to recognize ripe figs. The first figs can usually be seen in spring, but at this point they are still hard and green. Only after successful fertilization do they begin to grow and their color changes. Depending on the variety, the fruits turn purple to bright green-yellow.
Figs are ripe as soon as they soften and their skin is covered with a whitish, waxy layer. Another indication is the slightly kinked fruit stalk, so that the fig can be easily harvested. After harvesting, you can enjoy the fig immediately. If you want to keep the sweet fruit a little longer, you should harvest it shortly before it is ripe, as figs continue to ripen and otherwise quickly become overripe. In this case, you must be very careful when harvesting to avoid bruising. But even when stored in a cool place, figs do not keep very long and should be enjoyed quite soon. The sweet fruits go particularly well with cheese or in a fresh salad. But it's also perfect sliced directly on bread with fresh quark. The best way to preserve the ripe figs is to dry them in the oven. Alternatively, a wonderful jam can be made from figs.
You can find inspiration for other plants for a Mediterranean garden here.