The fig tree is used to the Mediterranean climate, but it can also survive our winters. We show how to successfully overwinter a fig tree.

With a little care, the fig tree can withstand colder temperatures

Unlike many other Mediterranean plants such as the olive tree or the oleander, the fig tree (Ficus carica) loses its leaves over the winter. So that it survives the winter well and sprout freshly in the spring with old strength, we have put together the most important things to consider for the winter.

Despite its Mediterranean origins, a fig tree can also beautify your garden. Depending on the variety and region, it can even overwinter outdoors. The plant sheds its leaves in winter, which makes it much more resilient and makes hibernation easier. For this reason, fig trees hardly need any water in winter and they should not be fertilized either.

Hardy Fig Tree Varieties

Over the centuries, some fig tree varieties have emerged that can boast a certain degree of winter hardiness. And so there are varieties that even survive the Central European winter outdoors. The 'Dalmatia' and the 'Bornholm fig', for example, are cold-tolerant. Find out more about hardy varieties here.

Wintering the fig tree: When does the fig tree get too cold?

Germany is actually not the typical distribution area of the fig tree - nevertheless it thrives quite well in our latitudes with the right protection. However, winters that are too cold are not for the plant. Hardy varieties can cope with temperatures down to -15 °C. Anything below becomes critical. If the above-ground parts of the fig are frozen, the root has often survived and can sprout again in spring.

Winter hardy figs survive temperatures down to -15 °C unharmed

Note: As soon as the temperature falls below 0 °C, you should prepare your fig tree for the winter or bring it indoors. This is usually the case in mid to late autumn. Your figs should be protected from -5 °C at the latest.

Fig treehibernate outside

Only hardy varieties should overwinter outside. But even these are not washed with all waters. Especially young and unwooded specimens are susceptible and should stay indoors for the first few winters. Older fig trees can also overwinter outside. Mild regions such as the Rhine Valley, coastal towns and wine-growing regions are suitable for wintering outdoors. But even there, fig trees need protection from the cold. You should protect the roots in particular with a thick layer of mulch, leaves or brushwood. Coconut mats are also an option. These can be wrapped around the trunk and main branches to protect the plant parts above ground. If it is particularly cold, an additional layer of bubble wrap offers special protection. An alternative is a ring of wire mesh, which is placed around the trunk of the tree with a lot of play and loosely filled with leaves and straw. Fig trees that are to be wintered outside in pots must be generously wrapped with fleece or coconut mats around the root ball. During the winter, fig trees should not be fertilized. You should only water when the substrate is dry - and even then not excessively.

Summary of wintering fig trees outdoors:

  • In mild regions such as wine regions, river valleys and coastal areas
  • Choose a variety that is as cold-tolerant as possible
  • Protect the roots and trunk with coir mats and mulch
  • Water very little and do not fertilize your fig tree in winter
A little snow is no problem for the fig tree, but too much can be dangerous

Winter fig tree in a pot

You should overwinter young fig trees or fig tree varieties that are not hardy indoors. Even in very cold regions, like many areas in eastern Germany, it is safer to bring the tree in over the winter. However, since fig trees shed their leaves, they are fairly easy to overwinter. They require very little light and almost no water as they don't have to tend their leaves. On the contrary, too much water in winter can even damage the roots, since the water cannot evaporate due to the missing leaves. The optimal location for the winter is a cool place with little light, such as a garage, an unheated basement with a window, or a garden shed. Of course, overwintering in a cool conservatory is also possible. The temperature of the winter quarters should ideally be between 5 °C and 10 °C.

Summary of overwintering fig trees in pots:

  • In late autumn, as soon as it gets cooler, bring in
  • Choose a cool place with at least a little light
  • Do not water or fertilize
  • Bring back outside in April to early May

Caring for fig trees after winter

As soon as the temperatures rise again and the days get longer again, the fig tree also starts the new year, unmistakably by the fresh leaf buds that are beginning to open. As a rule, the hibernation lasts until April, but no later than the beginning of May, and the fig tree longs for fresh air. If your fig tree has already put out fresh leaves in winter quarters, slowly get it used to the sun by first putting it in the shade. Otherwise there is a risk of sunburn. When the hibernation is over, it's time for more water and fresh nutrients.

You can find out more about caring for the fig tree here.

Category:

Fruit