The home of the fig is in the warm Mediterranean regions, where it is grown on large plantations. In our latitudes, these original varieties are not that easy to care for. Self-fertile cultivars that are also hardy make the dream of a rich fig harvest from your own garden come true.
Can you grow fig trees in Germany?
Fig trees can also be grown in Germany if you choose winter-hardy varieties and offer them a protected, sunny location. In frosty temperatures they need winter protection or should be cultivated in a pot and overwintered indoors.
The fig, an important Mediterranean fruit tree
The fig, which is related to the mulberry tree, is one of the oldest cultivated plants and is already mentioned in the Bible. Their original home and wild form are not known. Researchers believe that the first fig trees developed in Southwest Asia. Since ancient times, the tree has been cultivated throughout the Mediterranean for its tasty fruits, which were a staple food at the time.
Germany – new home of the fig
In regions with a mild climate, the fig thrives even far from its homeland. In addition to the wine-growing regions in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, these include, for example, the Danish B altic Sea islands and southern England. It is estimated that at least 50,000 fig trees thrive in the Palatinate alone. Thanks to new varieties that can tolerate temperatures of minus twenty degrees for short periods, you can cultivate fig trees almost anywhere in Germany.
Figs from your own garden
So that the fig grows well in our latitudes, you should give it a protected and sunny location. The tree also thrives in a pot on the balcony or terrace and produces numerous fruits. These don't all ripen at the same time, but one after the other, so you can enjoy some tasty figs every day during the peak season.
The right location
The fig loves clayey, slightly acidic and nutrient-rich soil. Give the tree a warm and protected location. Since the fig copes well with pruning, it can be grown as an espalier fruit and, with its interestingly shaped leaves, is an attractive green decoration for the house.
Winter protection is necessary in our latitudes
You can overwinter bucket figs in a frost-free room in the house. You should give figs outdoors adequate winter protection. Since the fig tree supports one-year-old wood, next year's harvest would be at risk if the tree froze back too far.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to grow figs in Germany, you should definitely choose winter-hardy varieties. Fig trees as holiday souvenirs are often not suitable for the harsh climate in our latitudes. Therefore, cultivate them in the bucket and overwinter the plants indoors.
