The optimal location for a fig tree is on the sun-drenched house wall. Read here the best tips on how to plant and care for a fig (Ficus carica) as an espalier fruit.
How can I cultivate a fig tree on the wall of the house?
It is best to plant a fig tree in May asespalier fruitat a distance of 30 cm on a sunny, protected house wall, a hand's breadth lower than in the container. Regular fertilization and watering, cutting in early summer andwinter protection are important care measures.
How do I plant a fig tree on the wall of the house correctly?
Plant a fig tree (Ficus carica) in May on the protectedwest or south wall in a spacious planting hole with drainage. Place the root ball deeper so that enough root mass is formed from which the fig can sprout again after frost damage. How to do it right:
- A 10 cm high drainage made of expanded clay prevents waterlogging in the planting hole.
- The excavation is enriched with compost.
- Plant the root ball a hand's width deeper than before in the container.
- Tie the leading shoot and lower shoots to the trellis.
Can fig roots damage a house wall?
In search of moisture, fig roots can growinto the masonryand damage the house wall in the process. As a Mediterranean fruit tree, the fig tree has specialized in finding water through its roots in dry conditions. The roots can therefore penetrate into cracks or crevices on the house wall. By planting a fig tree as an espalier fruit at adistance of 25-30 cm on the house wall, you can effectively prevent damage to the masonry.
How do I properly care for a fig tree on the wall of the house?
The most important care measures for a fig tree on the house wall are regularwatering and fertilizingduring the growing season. Apruningin spring and a simplewinter protection guarantee he althy growth and a generous harvest. It's worth taking a look at these care tips:
- Water the fig tree with rainwater when it is dry.
- Fertilize with compost from April to the end of August.
- Cut and thin out in spring before budding.
- Before the first frost, pile up a fig on the trellis with compost, mulch with straw and cover with winter fleece.
Tip
The best fig varieties for the house wall
A hardy, self-fruitful fig variety that sprouts early is best suited as espalier fruit. These premium varieties are recommended for growing figs on the house wall: Dauphine, Morena, Parretta (extra fast growth), Rouge de Bordeaux and Brown Turkey (particularly hardy). Innovative new fig varieties for the house wall are Twotimers from the Gustissimo series, which produce delicious figs on last year's and this year's wood.
