'Brown Turkey' Fig Tree (Ficus carica) - Patio Fig Tree - 15 cm Pot - Height 50 cm - Set of 2

The fig tree (Ficus carica) is considered semi-hardy: it can tolerate short periods of frost down to around -8 °C to -10 °C when well established in the ground, in a sheltered location and after several years of acclimatization. However, prolonged frosts or temperatures below -10 °C risk seriously damaging the branches or even killing the plant down to the crown. In regions north of the Loire or at high altitudes, it is essential to protect the base with a thick layer of mulch (15 to 20 cm) and to wrap the plant in a winter fleece.

The best time to plant a fig tree in the ground is in spring, from'April to'June, once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a spot in full sun, preferably at the foot of a south-facing'wall that will retain heat and create a favorable microclimate. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the pot, add well-rotted compost to the bottom, then plant your sapling, making sure the crown remains slightly above ground level to prevent rot.

A young fig tree planted in a 15 cm pot and measuring about 50 cm tall can start producing a few figs in the second or third year after planting, provided it has a very sunny spot and appropriate care. Production becomes truly generous from the third or fourth year, when the root system is well established. The fig tree (Ficus carica) can produce two harvests per year in warm climates: a first one in June-July on the previous year's branches (the "early figs"), and a second, more abundant one, in August-September on the current year's shoots. In cooler regions, only the summer-autumn harvest is generally expected.

Yes, the fig tree (Ficus carica) is very well suited to growing in a pot or container on a sunny balcony or terrace. Choose a container of at least 40 to 50 litres with drainage holes, filled with a well-draining substrate (universal potting mix mixed with 20 to 30% sand or gravel). The root confinement of the pot naturally limits growth and even encourages fruiting. Water regularly in summer, as container substrate dries out quickly, and apply a potash-rich fertiliser every two to three weeks from May to September to stimulate fruit production.

Pruning the fig tree (Ficus carica) is not essential every year, but it helps maintain a balanced shape and stimulate fig production. The best time is late winter, in February or March depending on the region, just before the growing season begins: the cuts heal quickly and the risk of frost damage to the pruned wood is limited. Start by removing dead branches, those damaged by the cold, or those that cross inside the canopy to open up the structure.

The fig tree (Ficus carica) fits very well into a Mediterranean garden or an ornamental vegetable patch. At its base, plant drought-tolerant ground cover plants such as sage, thyme, or oregano, which benefit from the reflected heat and do not compete with the large roots. Lavender, rose bushes, and grasses such as stipa create beautiful Provençal-inspired compositions. In a flowerbed, the fig tree's large lobed foliage makes a beautiful contrast with the fine foliage of perennials such as agapanthus or hardy geraniums.

To protect a fig tree (Ficus carica) in regions with cold winters, start by generously mulching the base in November with 15 to 20 cm of straw, fallen leaves, or pine bark to insulate the roots from frost. If the plant is in the ground, wrap the branches in several layers of horticultural fleece or burlap, securing the wrapping with garden twine. In the event of severe frost being forecast, you can also surround the fig tree with a cylindrical wire cage filled with dry straw.