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The fig tree, originally from Asia, is usually only partially hardy in the local latitudes. But here, too, there are robust species that tolerate more frost than others. And the location is also important, because in a region with a mild climate, a fig tree can survive the winter outside. The age of the fig must always be taken into account, because up to the age of ten, Ficus carica is not quite as hardy as in the older years.
term "frost hardy"
Term "frost hardy" for figs
Twigs and branches are the first to be affected when there is a very frosty and cold winter. Depending on their winter hardiness, the branches and especially the young shoots freeze between temperatures of -10° to -15° Celsius. But that is not tragic, because the roots are spared from this frost. The dead and frozen branches and shoots must of course be removed, but Ficus carica usually sprout again from below.
But the harvest of the tasty fruits is then lost for the year. If a winter is very frosty and the fig is left unprotected outdoors, all branches can be damaged. It is therefore better to protect the figs outdoors in winter, so that a regular harvest is guaranteed.
location in winter
For the winter there are various locations where a fig tree can hibernate well. Since it is a deciduous tree, the apartment is not very suitable as a winter quarters. Because Ficus carica is definitely not an eye-catcher in the winter months.
In addition, the tree can grow up to three meters high in the bucket and therefore requires a lot of space, which is usually not available in the apartment. If you have a winter garden, you can also overwinter the tree here, it does not necessarily have to be heated. It is only important that no cold penetrates into the winter quarters and the room remains frost-free. The following locations are also ideal for winter.
- a basement that can also be dark
- a garage that is frost-free
- an entryway in a house
- older, hardy trees also outdoors without winter protection
- older and young, conditionally hardy trees with winter protection
If a fig stays in a bucket in a corner of the house, even a balcony or a terrace in a corner over the winter, then it must be wrapped with plant fleece and the bucket protected, especially if it is still young. For this purpose brushwood mats can be used for the sheathing, mulch or also brushwood is distributed on the earth. The pot itself should be placed on a piece of wood or polystyrene. The figs that were cultivated in a garden bed directly on a house wall can also be protected in winter in this way.
sorts
Ficus carica has many different species, not all of which can be named here. Above all, however, the more hardy a fig is classified, the smaller and less sweet its fruit. On the other hand, figs, which are not frost hardy, offer the larger and sweeter fruits.
Before cultivating, it should be considered whether there is a winter quarters for a non-hardy fig. Therefore, a small list of hardy and conditionally hardy figs has been compiled to provide a small overview of the trees and their tasty fruit.
Hardiness down to -20° Celsius
If you live in very cold regions in the local latitudes, where it can get very frosty and cold every winter, you should ideally choose a fig tree that is classified as very hardy down to -20 ° Celsius. But it is also true for these trees that they are only winter-proof from a certain age and need winter protection or a winter quarters for the first, around ten years. These include the following popular varieties.
Bornholm fig
- very hardy
- no large harvest of tasty fruits to be expected
- very early fruit ripening in early summer
- can also be placed outdoors
- Winter protection is still recommended
Brogiotto Bianco
- medium-sized, round fruits
- green shell
- delicious sweet aroma
- as it comes from the Mediterranean area, protect it in winter
Brown turkey
- very hardy
- good compromise for big cold
- tasty and sweet fruits
- suitable for a bucket
Ronde de Bordeaux
- autumn fig
- Harvest in September and October
- very sweet, blue fruits
- becomes very high, more suitable for outdoor use
- needs winter protection when young
Early Dark
- the harvest takes place in August and September
- very productive variety
- large, tasty and elongated fruits
- violet color
- suitable for tubs due to medium growth
twotimer
- Fig tree bears fruit twice a year
- oblong fruits
- first harvest in August
- second harvest a little later
- can be cultivated outdoors
- Conditionally hardy to -12° Celsius
Those who live in areas that are not quite so frosty can also fall back on the conditionally hardy species of figs, which are said to tolerate temperatures of down to -12 Celsius. These include the following fig tree species, all of which also bear tasty fruit.
Bavarian fig
- may move outdoors when older
- very popular in the local trade
- tasty and sweet fruits
Morena
- fast carrying
- blue-green fruits
- suitable as a container plant
Mere Veronique
- grows as a bush
- can be cultivated in a bucket
- green, tasty fruits
Peretta
- large, pear-shaped and green fruits
- Regular harvest guaranteed
- very delicious
- suitable for buckets
Dalmatia
- is also particularly suitable for rainy areas
- Suitable for tubs due to compact growth
- aromatic, sweet and large fruits in August
Rossa Rotanda
- reddish blue fruits
- strong growth
- requires a lot of free space all around