Content
- Cultivating a fig tree in Germany - is that possible?
- The fig, a significant Mediterranean fruit tree
- Germany - new home of the fig
- Figs from their own garden
- The right location
- Winter protection is necessary in our latitudes
- Tips & Tricks
Cultivating a fig tree in Germany - is that possible?
The home of the fig is located in the warm Mediterranean regions, where it is grown on large plantations. In our latitudes, these original varieties are not easy to maintain. By self-fertile cultivars, which are also hardy, the dream of a rich fig harvest from their own garden is true.
The fig, a significant Mediterranean fruit tree
The fig related to the mulberry tree is one of the oldest cultivated plants and is already mentioned in the Bible. Their original home and wild form are unknown. Researchers suggest that the first fig trees developed in southwest Asia. Since antiquity, the tree has been cultivated throughout the Mediterranean for its delicious fruits, which were a staple at the time.
Germany - new home of the fig
In regions with a mild climate, the fig also thrives far from home. In addition to the winegrowing areas in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, these include the Danish Baltic Sea islands and southern England. According to estimates, at least 50,000 fig trees thrive in the Palatinate alone. New breeds, which tolerate temperatures of minus twenty degrees Celsius for a short time, allow you to cultivate fig trees almost everywhere in Germany.
Figs from their own garden
So that the fig grows well in our latitudes, you should give it a sheltered and sunny location. Even in the bucket on the balcony or terrace, the wood thrives excellently and produces many fruits. These do not ripen all at once, but one after the other, so you can enjoy some tasty figs every day in the main season.
The right location
The fig loves loamy, slightly acidic and nutrient-rich soils. Give the tree a warm and sheltered location. Since the figs can cope well with cutbacks, they can be used as trellises and with their interestingly shaped leaves they are an attractive green adornment for the house.
Winter protection is necessary in our latitudes
Buckthorn figs can be kept indoors in a frost-free room. Figs in the field should be granted sufficient winter protection. Since the fig tree bears on annual wood, the harvest of the next year would be in danger if the tree froze too far.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to grow figs in Germany, you should definitely choose hardy varieties. Fig trees as a holiday souvenir are often not suitable for the harsh climate in our latitudes. Therefore, cultivate them in the tub and overwinter the plants in the house.
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