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Fig Violet de Bordeaux

Fig Violet de Bordeaux

$49.00 - $79.00
$79.00
$49.00 - $79.00
$79.00
The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree, an heirloom variety of Ficus carica, is cherished for its compact size, cold tolerance, and exceptionally sweet, flavorful fruit. Ideal for small gardens or container growing, this fig tree is a favorite among gardeners in warm climates and those in cooler regions with proper winter protection. Below is a detailed guide to its characteristics, care requirements, and cultivation practices.
Taste
  • Flavor Profile: Violette de Bordeaux figs are renowned for their rich, sweet flavor with a berry-like complexity, often described as jammy or honeyed with a deep, fruity punch. The flesh is a vibrant dark red, contrasting with the blackish-purple skin.
  • Texture: The fruit is tender and juicy, with a soft, luscious interior that melts in the mouth, making it ideal for fresh eating, drying, or using in preserves and desserts.
  • Harvest Timing: Figs ripen from late summer to early fall (typically August to October in most regions), with peak flavor when they soften and release easily from the branch.
Best Growing Environment
  • Climate: Thrives in warm, Mediterranean-like climates with long, hot summers and mild winters, requiring minimal chill hours (100–200 hours below 45°F) for fruiting. It adapts well to container growing for cooler climates.

  • Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Incorporate organic matter like compost or aged manure to enhance soil fertility and drainage.
  • Location: Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot to maximize fruit production and protect from strong winds. In colder regions, position near a south-facing wall to create a warm microclimate.
Common Names
  • Primary Name: Violette de Bordeaux Fig
  • Alternate Names: Negronne, Petite Negri, Bordeaux Fig
  • Regional Notes: Sometimes referred to as the “honey fig” due to its sweet flavor, though this term is also used for other varieties like Celeste.
Average Height and Diameter
  • Height: Grows to 6–10 feet tall at maturity, making it one of the more compact fig varieties, ideal for small gardens or containers.

  • Diameter: Canopy spread is typically 6–10 feet, forming a dense, rounded shape. Pruning can maintain a smaller footprint for container or espaliered growth.
  • Note: In containers, height may be limited to 4–6 feet, depending on pot size (10–15 gallons recommended for mature trees).
Growth Rate
  • Rate: Moderate, with 1–2 feet of growth per year under optimal conditions. Young trees establish quickly and may produce fruit within 1–2 years of planting.
  • Fruit Production: Begins bearing fruit early, often in the second year, with mature trees yielding 50–100 figs annually, depending on size and care.

Sun Requirements
  • Exposure: Requires full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily) for optimal fruiting and growth. Less sunlight reduces yield and fruit quality.

  • Placement: Avoid shaded areas or locations near tall structures that block sunlight, as figs need ample sun to ripen and develop sweetness.
Cold Hardiness
  • Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 6–10, tolerating winter lows down to 10–15°F with proper care. In zone 6, winter protection (e.g., wrapping or mulching) is essential to prevent branch dieback.

  • Frost Sensitivity: Vulnerable to late spring frosts, which can damage new growth or early figs. In colder zones, grow in containers and move indoors during winter.
Water Requirements
  • Young Trees: Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first growing season to establish roots, ensuring soil is moist but not waterlogged. In sandy soils, increase frequency; in clay soils, reduce to avoid root rot.

  • Mature Trees: Water every 1–2 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer), especially during fruit development. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can dilute fruit flavor.

  • Method: Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to deliver water to the root zone, keeping foliage dry to reduce fungal disease risk.
Planting Guide
  • Timing: Plant in early spring (March–April in zones 6–10) to allow root establishment before summer heat. In warmer zones (9–10), fall planting (September–October) is also viable.

  • Site Selection: Choose a sunny, well-drained location with protection from strong winds. In colder zones, plant near a south- or west-facing wall for added warmth.

  • Steps:
    • Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
    • Mix native soil with 20–30% organic matter (e.g., compost or well-rotted manure) and a handful of bone meal for root development.
    • Place the tree with the root ball slightly above soil level, backfill, and tamp gently to eliminate air pockets.
    • Water deeply and apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., bark chips), keeping it 4–6 inches from the trunk to prevent rot.

    • Stake young trees if planted in windy areas to ensure stability.
  • Spacing: Space trees 10–15 feet apart for in-ground planting; for containers, use 10–15 gallon pots for mature trees.
Detailed Fertilizing Guide
  • Timing:
    • Fertilize in early spring (late February to early March) before new growth begins to support budding and fruiting.
    • Apply a second feeding in early summer (June) to sustain fruit development.
    • Avoid fertilizing after August to prevent frost-vulnerable new growth.

  • Recommended Fertilizer: Use a balanced organic fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 8-8-8) with micronutrients like iron, zinc, and magnesium. Alternatively, apply composted manure or fish emulsion for organic gardens.
    • Young Trees: Apply 1 pound of fertilizer per application, spread around the drip line.
    • Mature Trees: Use 1–2 pounds, adjusting based on tree size and soil test results.

  • Application Tips: Spread fertilizer 6–12 inches from the trunk, water thoroughly to incorporate nutrients, and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over fruit. A biweekly application of seaweed extract can boost health during the growing season.