The fig (Ficus carica) from the deep south also thrives in the far north. Read here about the conditions under which you can plant a fig tree in Northern Germany. These are the best hardy fig varieties for hardiness zones 7 and 8.
Which type of fig can you plant in Northern Germany?
Recommended fig trees for Northern Germany are the varietiesBornholmandBrown Turkey with a winter hardiness down to -20° Celsius. Other winter-hardy fig varieties in Central Europe are 'Desert King', 'Bavarian Fig Violetta', 'Dalmatia' and 'Fruit Fig', which can withstand -12° to -15° Celsius in a protected location.
Can a fig tree grow in northern Germany?
For a fig tree (Ficus carica) to grow in northern Germany, the most important requirements are ahardy fig variety, aprotected locationandWinter protection These are the key conditions for successful fig cultivation in the far north:
- A self-fertile, hardy fig variety.
- A warm, sunny location protected from wind and frost.
- The fig tree in northern Germany should ideally be planted in a pot, maintained on the south-facing balcony and overwintered frost-free under glass.
- The best location for the planted fig tree in northern Germany is the house wall on the south side with extensive winter protection.
Which fig variety is suitable for northern Germany?
The best fig tree varieties for northern Germany areBornholmwith purple, juicy fruits andBrown Turkey with red-brown fruits. Both premium varieties boast a winter hardiness down to -20° Celsius. Furthermore, these self-fertile fig varieties are recommended for Central Europe:
- Desert King: American fig with green skin and strawberry-red flesh, hardy to -15° Celsius.
- Bavaria fig 'Violetta': large fruits, hardy down to -15° Celsius.
- Dalmatia: early ripening fig variety from mid-July, hardy down to -12° Celsius.
- Fruit fig: juicy, sweet, green fruits from August, suitable for winter hardiness zone 8.
Tip
Planting fig trees deep enough in Germany
Did you know that the correct planting depth is important for the survival of a planted fig tree in winter? Especially in northern Germany, a fig tree in the garden will always freeze back from -10° Celsius, despite winter protection, in the worst case right down to the ground. If you place the root ball a hand's breadth deeper when planting, there will be enough root mass available after frost damage for new shoots in spring.
