Figs are considered demanding, sensitive and complicated to care for. However, this is a prejudice that is not true, because figs adapt well to the climatic conditions and soil conditions of their location. Properly cared for, the decorative tree grows splendidly even without the famous green thumb and produces lots of delicious fruit.
How do I optimally care for my fig tree?
For successful fig tree care, you should choose a warm and protected location, select frost-resistant varieties, plant the tree in spring, repot every two years, pay attention to the ideal amount of water and fertilize it. Trim dead branches and provide winter protection for bucket figs.
Which location is suitable?
The natural home of the fig is the Mediterranean regions, where the trees have been grown on large plantations since ancient times. Even in our latitudes, you should give the fig a warm and protected location in the garden. The fig also thrives in a pot on the balcony or terrace. Alternatively, a spot in the winter garden or in front of a sunny window is recommended.
Which fig varieties should you choose?
Always choose frost-resistant fig varieties as they can cope well with the winter temperatures in our latitudes. These requirements are met, among others, by the varieties:
- Brown Turkey
- Ronde de Bordeux
- Jardin
- Violetta, the Bavarian fig
Planting out the fig
The right time to plant the fig is after the last ground frosts in early spring. Plant the tree a little deeper than it was grown in the nursery's pot. Fill the planting hole with a mixture of compost and topsoil, which you loosen with fine sand and gravel.
How to repot figs?
A potted fig must be moved to a new planter about every two years. Figs grow well in conventional potting or balcony potting soil.
How much water and fertilizer does the fig need
Figs love moist substrates, but at the same time they react extremely sensitively to too much water. Therefore, only water both the potted fig and the outdoor fig when the soil feels dry. However, never allow the root ball to dry out completely. During the growth phase from spring to late summer, you can add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water once a week.
Can fig trees be cut?
In spring you should remove all dead and frozen branches. The fig tree also tolerates severe pruning well.
What diseases and pests are there?
Figs are very robust trees that are rarely attacked by pests. Plant diseases are often due to care errors.
Tips & Tricks
Always give the fig adequate winter protection and overwinter potted figs in a protected corner of the terrace or in the house. This is the only way to ensure that the fig does not freeze back too far and produces numerous fruits next year.
