Content
- Tips for hibernating the heat-loving fig
- Overgrown fig trees in the field
- Ensure good soil isolation
- Winter protection of the outdoor fig
- Overgrown figs in the pot
- Hibernation on the balcony
- Hibernation in the house
- Tips & Tricks
Tips for hibernating the heat-loving fig
Most of the fig trees cultivated in Germany are considered hardy. These robust fruit trees put away short-term minus temperatures up to 15 degrees below zero. However, this does not mean that the plants survive unscathed for longer periods of cold weather. With the right measures, the fruit trees, which were originally native to southern countries, can also hibernate outdoors in our latitudes. In cold areas it is advisable to cultivate fig trees in the pot and to take care of them in the apartment during the winter months.
Early article The propagation of the fig by offshootOvergrown fig trees in the field
In order for the fig to survive the first winter, it is important to choose a frost hardy variety and to give the tree a well-protected location. Always plant fig trees in the spring, so that the roots can form enough by fall. Young figs often freeze hard and it is therefore advisable to cultivate the fruit trees in the tub during the first two to three years.
Ensure good soil isolation
To protect the fig from frost, you can partially fill the planting hole with heat-storing gravel or lava. The air- and water-permeable materials also avoid unwanted waterlogging thereby prevent the formation of rot. In autumn, apply an insulating mulch layer of wood wool or leaves.
Winter protection of the outdoor fig
If the fig has completely lost the foliage in autumn, attach antifreeze from brushwood, straw or reed mats to the trunk. It is helpful to ram pegs into the ground next to the trunk where you can attach winter protection. Tie the branches together a bit or fix them well on the trellis.
Only remove winter protection if no ground frost is expected in spring. If, despite all efforts, some branches of the fig are frozen back, they will be removed at the spring pruning.
Overgrown figs in the pot
Pot-fry are not as robust as fig trees that grow in the garden all year round. They need good winter protection and should be brought to the apartment in cool regions.
Hibernation on the balcony
In mild regions, potted plants may remain outdoors during the winter months. Place the planters in a sheltered veranda corner. Wrap the pot tightly with bubble wrap or place it in a Styrofoam winter cover. Protect the plant additionally with raffia or straw mats, which store the radiating heat of the house. Periodically check the moisture of the substrate and pour the fig if necessary. Under no circumstances should the substrate dry out completely, as the fruit tree needs some water even in winter.
Hibernation in the house
Alternatively, you can overwinter the pot loaf in the apartment. Hardy varieties in the bucket may remain on the balcony or terrace until the first frosts. They only move to their winter quarters when temperatures drop permanently below freezing. A cool, frost-free room is ideal. Since the fig throws off the leaves, a dark garage is also well suited.
Tips & Tricks
Do not use fertilizer during the winter months. Pour extremely restrained, since waterlogging in the resting phase promotes the formation of rot.