A real fig (Ficus carica) takes it slow with its budding north of the Alps. This is no reason to worry, but is due to its Mediterranean origins. Read here when the leaves come on the fig tree. This is how you speed up leaf emergence.
When do the leaves come on the fig tree?
The leaves come out on the fig treein spring. The exact time when the leaves emerge depends on the fig variety, overwintering and location. An early summer fig in a pot gets its leaves earlier in its winter quarters than a planted fig tree in northern Germany.
Which measures accelerate the budding of the fig tree?
As a potted plant, you can accelerate leaf emergence on the fig tree with 3-step care:Overwinteringin the bright, cool winter quarters,Repottingin February andAcclimatize from mid/end of April during the day on the balcony in sheltered partial shade. On a planted fig tree, you can get the leaves going with these precautions:
- Plant a summer fig because, due to early fruiting, the leaves appear from April onwards.
- Overwinter the fig tree in the garden with winter protection and put protective fleece over the crown until the beginning of June when late frosts are announced in the evening.
- Fertilize fig trees in beds and containers regularly.
When do the leaves come out on the fig tree?
The leaves come out on the fig treein spring. The month in which the leaves appear on a real fig (Ficus carica) depends on the fig variety, location and type of cultivation. The first fig leaves often sprout in the bucket in the bright winter quarters in early spring. If the heat-loving mulberry plant (Moraceae) is granted a protected location on the sunny wall of the house, the first leaves emerge in March/April. A hardy, planted Bavarian fig in northern Germany does not put on its leaves until the beginning of June.
Tip
Pruning the leafless fig tree
If a fig tree in the garden does not sprout any leaves, frost damage is the most common cause. Young wood will always freeze back in severe frost. By cutting back into he althy wood, you clear the way for new growth. The best time for the rescue measure is in early summer. From the end of May/beginning of June, you can easily distinguish between dead branches and undamaged wood on a frozen fig tree.
