The home of the fig is in the warm regions of the Mediterranean, where the trees thrive almost everywhere. With hardy offspring, fig trees can also be cultivated in our latitudes. With good care and in a protected location, these figs also produce many aromatic fruits in Germany, which enrich the autumn menu with their unique aroma.
Frost hardy fig trees
Not all fig trees survive sub-zero temperatures equally well. The varieties that have proven particularly successful include:
- Negronne
- Violetta
- Brown turkey
- Brunswick
- Palatinate fruit fig
You can see from the plant description how well the fig has adapted to the climate in Germany. Varieties that are winter-proof tolerate temperatures down to minus 15 degrees and do not freeze completely even if they fall further for a short time.
Leaf and fruit provide information about how frost hardy the fig is
If possible, look closely at the leaves of the fig tree when you buy it. Fig varieties with green or yellow fruits and less deeply lobed leaves are considered hardier.
Do these figs thrive in all regions?
How well the frost-hardy fig gets through the winter depends not only on choosing the right variety. The right location, the soil conditions and the wind conditions are also partly responsible for how hardy the fig tree is.
When do figs freeze back?
Depending on the robustness of the hardy fig, the branches freeze back from a temperature of minus 10 to minus 15 degrees. First, the not fully mature shoots suffer; in very frosty winters, however, the fig tree can also freeze back completely.
This is not a cause for concern just yet. The trees and shrubs often sprout again from the root ball in spring. If this shoot is above the grafting point, the fig will set fruit again the year after next. In the year after the severe frost, you unfortunately have to forego the harvest, as the figs only grow on the one-year-old wood.
Wind and frost protection
It is advisable to give a fig that is considered frost hardy sufficient wind and frost protection. Mulch the tree disc with a thick layer of leaves. This prevents deep freezing and drying out of the soil. Additionally protect the wood with straw or fleece mats.
Overwinter tub figs indoors
In areas with a very harsh climate, it is advisable to also cultivate fig varieties that are considered frost hardy in tubs. Clear the plants into their winter quarters as late as possible, because that way they stay healthier and pests hardly have a chance. Since the fig sheds its leaves in autumn, it can be overwintered in a darkened and frost-free place. Temperatures just above freezing are ideal. If you do not have a suitable place available, you can take care of the figs in the apartment or in the conservatory during the cold season.
tips and tricks
When it comes to winter protection, you have to show sure instinct. In warm wine-growing regions, too much protection can damage the plants, as they sprout early in warm periods. If the temperatures drop below zero again, the fresh shoots will freeze to death. In order to avoid this, it is advisable to lime the trunk and the thick branches of the frost-hardy fig.
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