Fig Trees have much more to offer than only their known, sugar-sweet, drop-shaped fruits that - straight from the tree- taste so much better than dried figs. The hand-like shaped, multiform leaves are very decorative. In summer, sun elicits a sweet-acerb aroma that immediately makes you think of Mediterranean landscapes and the last holidays at the Mediterranean. Even in our climate the fruits ripen easily- already from the second year onwards. Modern varieties are not anylonger dependent on the complicated pollination by the gall wasp! The final fruits grow without any flowers or pre-fruits. A rich harvest is guaranteed every year, especially since Fig Trees are extremely robust and hardy plants that can be planted in the garden. Even permafrost is no problem for Fig Trees. The roots of all Fig Trees (not only for the so-called frost-proof varieties) survive any hard winter and grow new shoots. Extreme cold of about -15°C however will freeze any unprotected tree top. The wintering conditions can be improved by several degrees by wrapping the plant with fleece, rush mat or any other protective material permeable to light and water. Fig Trees in pots should be kept indoor from October/ November on. Occasional frost is no problem. Rooms suitable for wintering are garage, summerhouse as well as cool cellar room, staircase, unheated greenhouse or many other rooms (e.g. storage, barn). Fig Trees generally drop their leaves in autumn so that they need only little light during winter. Permanently heated rooms like living room or wintergarden are unsuitable for wintering Fig Trees. In that case the trees would grow unnaturally long shoots and giant leaves, produce only sparse fruits. With the years they would use up their energy because they lack the winter rest. A cool place in the winter is best in any case.

Varieties: 'Brogiotto Nero': medium-sized fruits with blue-violet peel, intensly red pulp and intense aroma; maturation: October/November; growth: vigorous with large leaves 'Columbaro Nero': violet peel and pink pulp, very good and sweet aroma; maturation: September/October; a first, small harvest also with large fruits in July is sometimes possible but in this country often fails; growth: vigorous & narrow, upright 'Melanzana': elongated, drop-shaped fruits with intense aroma; maturation: September/October; growth: moderate & narrow, upright 'Turca':one of the most popular varieties in the Mediterranean, purple peel, red pulp and exquisite taste; maturation: September/October; growth: vigorous & loose-growing Quality: even young plants produce tasty fruits; no pollinationa necessary for fruits; reliably rich harvest every year; attractive plants with hand-shaped and aromatic leaves; easy to winter Use: in pots starting from April outside on balcony & terrace or in the garden; planted in the garden; all year round in an unheated greenhouse

Family: Moraceae Origin: South-Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Turkey), Central-Asia, North-West-Africa Winter Hardiness Zone: 8-11 Minimum Temperature: -15 °C Average Temp. in Winter: 5 (±8)°C

Flower: none Fruit: fig Form/Growth: shrub or small tree Height: 1,8-3 m Location: full sun to sun