The home of the fig is in the warm regions of the Mediterranean, where the trees thrive almost everywhere. Through hardy breeding, fig trees can also be cultivated in our latitudes. With good care and in a protected location, these figs also produce many aromatic fruits in Germany, which enrich the autumn menu with their unique aroma.
Which fig tree varieties are hardy in Germany?
Winter-hardy fig tree varieties such as Negronne, Violetta, Brown Turkey, Brunswick and Palatinate Fruit Fig can be cultivated in Germany. They tolerate temperatures down to minus 15 degrees and require a protected location, correct soil conditions and wind conditions for optimal growth.
Frost-hardy fig trees
Not all fig trees survive subzero temperatures equally well. The following varieties have proven particularly successful:
- Negronne
- Violetta
- Brown Turkey
- Brunswick
- Palatinate fruit fig
You can see from the plant description how well the fig is adapted to the climate in Germany. Varieties that are winter-proof tolerate temperatures down to minus 15 degrees and do not freeze completely even if they drop further for a short time.
Leaf and fruit provide information about how frost hardy the fig is
If possible, look closely at the leaves of the fig tree when purchasing. Fig varieties with green or yellow fruits and less deeply lobed leaves are considered more winter hardy.
Do these figs thrive in all regions?
How well the frost-hardy fig gets through the winter doesn't just depend on choosing the right variety. The right location, the nature of the soil and the wind conditions are also responsible for how winter-proof the fig tree is.
When do figs freeze back?
Depending on the robustness of the hardy fig, the branches freeze back at a temperature of minus 10 to minus 15 degrees. First of all, the shoots that are not fully mature suffer; In very frosty winters, the fig tree can freeze back completely.
This is nothing to worry about yet. The trees often sprout new shoots from the root ball in spring. If this shoot is located above the grafting point, the fig will produce fruit again the year after next. In the year after the severe frost, you unfortunately have to forego harvesting, as the fig only grows on annual wood.
Wind and frost protection
It is advisable to give even a fig that is considered frost hardy sufficient wind and frost protection. Mulch the tree disc with a thick layer of leaves. This prevents the soil from freezing and drying out deeply. Additionally protect the wood with straw or fleece mats (€5.00 on Amazon).
Overwintering bucket figs indoors
In areas with a very harsh climate, it is advisable to cultivate fig varieties that are considered frost-hardy in containers. Move the plants to their winter quarters as late as possible, so you stay he althier and pests hardly stand a chance. Since the fig sheds its leaves in autumn, it can be overwintered in a darkened and frost-free place. Temperatures just above freezing are ideal. If you don't have a suitable location, you can care for the fig in the apartment or in the winter garden during the cold season.
Tips & Tricks
When it comes to winter protection, you have to show sensitivity. In warm wine-growing regions, too much protection can harm the plants as they sprout early during warm periods. If the temperatures fall below zero again, the fresh shoots freeze. To avoid this, it is recommended to lime the trunk and thick branches of the frost-hardy fig.
