Figs are considered demanding, sensitive and complicated to care for. However, this is a prejudice that is not true, because figs adapt well to the climatic conditions and soil conditions of their location. Properly cared for, the decorative tree grows magnificently even without the famous green thumb and produces many delicious fruits.

Which location is suitable?

The natural home of the fig is the Mediterranean region, where the trees have been cultivated on large plantations since ancient times. Even in our latitudes, you should give the fig a warm and sheltered spot in the garden. The fig also thrives well in a bucket on the balcony or terrace. Alternatively, we recommend a place in the conservatory or in front of a sunny window.

Which fig varieties should you choose?

Always choose frost-resistant fig varieties, as they can withstand the winter temperatures in our latitudes well. The following varieties, among others, meet these requirements:

  • Brown turkey
  • Ronde de Bordeaux
  • jardin
  • Violetta, the Bavarian fig

Planting out the fig

The right time to plant the fig is after the last ground frosts in early spring. Plant the tree slightly lower than when it was cultivated in the nursery's pot. Fill the planting hole with a mixture of compost and topsoil, which you loosen up with fine sand and gravel.

How are figs repotted?

A bucket fig has to be put into a new planter about every two years. Figs thrive well in conventional potting soil or balcony potting soil.

How much water and fertilizer does the fig need

Figs love moist substrates, but at the same time react extremely sensitively to too much water. Therefore, only water the potted figs and the filing figs when the soil feels dry. However, never allow the root ball to dry out completely. In the growth phase from spring to late summer, you can add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water once a week.

Can fig trees be pruned?

In the spring you should remove all dead and frozen branches. The fig tree also tolerates a strong pruning well.

What diseases and pests are there?

Figs are very robust trees that are rarely attacked by pests. Plant diseases are often due to care errors.

tips and tricks

Always give the figs adequate winter protection and overwinter potted figs in a sheltered corner of the terrace or in the house. This is the only way to ensure that the figs do not freeze back too far and produce numerous fruits next year.

SKb

Category:

Indoor plants