Biting frost leaves its mark on fig trees in Germany. Don't give up on a frostbitten Ficus carica because there is hope for new growth. Read how to revive a fig tree with frost damage here.
What can I do if a fig tree is frozen?
You can revive a frozen fig tree bypruning into he althy wood. The best time is in June, when you can clearly distinguish between dead, yellowish-brown wood and live, green wood. Cut back frozen shoots to a swelling bud.
How can you tell if a fig tree is frozen?
A fig tree is frozen when its shoots arehanging weaklyandcolored brown. A vitality test dispels any remaining doubts about frost damage. Cut a branch. If deadyellowish-brown wood appears, the fig tree in this area is frozen. Juicy green tissue under the bark is an indication that the branch is still alive.
North of the Alps, young wood on fig trees without winter protection will always freeze back from -10° Celsius. A planted fig tree is only hardy down to -15° Celsius if the branch diameter is 5 cm or more.
Can I save a frozen fig tree?
A fig tree with frost damage can be saved byPruningBy cutting frozen shoots back to he althy wood, you clear the way for new growth. The best time isin June When the leaves sprout, you can accurately distinguish between frozen and he althy wood.
In Germany, a fig tree can freeze back to the root area without dying beyond hope. The correct planting depth ensures sufficient root volume. If you plant the root ball a hand's width deeper, the rhizome will form enough wood mass for sprouting after frost damage.
How can I protect a fig tree from freezing?
The best prevention against frost damage to the fig tree isprotected overwintering. These tips get to the heart of how you can overwinter a fig in the garden and pot without frostbite:
- Wrap the fig tree in the garden before the first frost with winter fleece (€23.00 on Amazon), mulch the root area with leaves or straw and needle twigs.
- Fig tree in a pot should ideally be moved to frost-free winter quarters.
- Overwinter the potted fig on the balcony: place the pot on wood, cover it several times with bubble wrap and jute, and put a fleece hood over the crown.
Tip
Fertilizing with potassium strengthens winter hardiness
Did you know that potassium lowers the freezing point in plant cell tissue? As the main nutrient, potassium plays an important role in he althy metabolism. Due to a higher s alt concentration, potassium fertilizer also improves the winter hardiness of lawns, ornamental grasses and fruit trees such as fig and apricot trees. After harvesting, fertilize a planted fig with potassium-rich comfrey manure or potash magnesia, also called patent potash.
