3 Violette de Bordeaux Fig Tree Starter Plugs – Live Plant for Sweet Fruit

Overview

Welcome the delightful taste of homegrown figs into your garden with this set of Violette de Bordeaux fig tree starter plugs. Renowned for its abundant production of exceptionally sweet and flavorful fruit, the Violette de Bordeaux fig tree (Ficus carica ‘Violette de Bordeaux’) is a naturally dwarf and self-pollinating variety, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned gardeners and beginners. Originating in 17th-century France, this specific cultivar has graced gardens for centuries, prized for its deep red, ‘strawberry’ pulp and rich, honeyed taste. These live starter plugs offer a convenient way to begin growing your own fruit-bearing trees, promising a rewarding harvest of delectable figs. Its compact size also makes it suitable for container gardening, allowing even those with limited space to enjoy fresh figs.

The Ficus carica Violette de Bordeaux is not just about its fruit; it’s also a robust and adaptable plant. It exhibits good cold hardiness and pest resistance, ensuring a more trouble-free growing experience. Whether you envision it as a focal point in your garden or as a productive addition to your patio, this fig tree brings both ornamental beauty and culinary delight. With proper care, these starter plugs will quickly establish into thriving trees, ready to provide you with years of delicious, home-grown fruit.

Key Benefits

Growing your own Violette de Bordeaux fig tree offers numerous advantages, from fresh, sweet fruit to an attractive garden addition. This unique variety stands out for several reasons:

• Exceptional Fruit Quality: Produces highly prized figs with an exceptionally sweet, rich flavor and a distinctive deep red, "strawberry" pulp, far superior to store-bought varieties.
• Naturally Dwarf & Compact: Its natural dwarf habit makes it perfect for smaller gardens, patios, or container growing, allowing for easy management and harvesting.
• Self-Pollinating: This variety is self-fertile, meaning you only need one tree to get a substantial harvest, simplifying the growing process significantly.
• Cold-Hardy & Pest-Resistant: Known for its resilience, the cold hardy fig variety shows good resistance to common pests and can withstand cooler temperatures, expanding its growing range.
• Historical & Gourmet Appeal: Dating back to 17th-century France, this fig offers a touch of historical charm and is a favorite among gourmands for its exquisite taste.
• Versatile Growing Options: Thrives equally well when planted directly in the ground or cultivated in large pots, offering flexibility for various garden designs and climates.
• Ornamental Value: Beyond its fruit, the fig tree’s attractive foliage and unique growth habit add a beautiful Mediterranean touch to any landscape. Enjoy the beauty and bounty of your own sweet fig fruit.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

To ensure your Violette de Bordeaux fig tree starter plugs thrive, providing you with a bountiful harvest of sweet fig fruit, consistent and appropriate care is essential. Figs generally prefer a location with ample sunlight. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. When planting, choose a spot with well-draining soil, as figs are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. A slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. If growing in a container, use a high-quality potting mix designed for fruit trees or general-purpose potting soil with added perlite or grit for drainage.

Watering is crucial, especially during the establishment phase and when the plant is fruiting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering during the dormant season. Fertilize your dwarf fig tree annually in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, or use a liquid feed every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and shape the tree to maintain an open structure for good air circulation and light penetration. This also helps manage the size of your Ficus carica Violette de Bordeaux. Protect young trees from severe frost in colder zones; container-grown figs can be moved indoors or to a sheltered location.

Size & Details

This offering includes 3 Violette de Bordeaux fig tree starter plugs, providing a strong foundation for establishing multiple fruit-bearing trees in your garden. Each plug is a young, healthy live plant, carefully cultivated to ensure robust growth upon transplanting. These starter plugs are shipped bare root, without a pot, to minimize shipping stress and allow for easy integration into your chosen growing medium. While exact measurements can vary slightly, each plug is typically well-rooted and ready for immediate planting upon arrival. The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is a naturally dwarf variety, meaning it will generally reach a mature height of 6-10 feet when planted in the ground, and can be kept even smaller through pruning or container cultivation. Expect fruit production to begin within 1-3 years under optimal growing conditions, with increased yields as the tree matures. This cold hardy fig is perfect for those looking for a manageable yet productive fruit tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is a naturally dwarf variety, typically reaching 6-10 feet tall when mature, but can be kept smaller through pruning, especially when grown in containers. Its compact size makes it ideal for various garden settings.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This fig tree is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in full sun. However, in colder climates (outside its recommended USDA zones), it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter to protect it from frost.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: For optimal fruit production and healthy growth, the Violette de Bordeaux fig tree requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a sunny location in your garden or patio.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the dwarf fig tree is considered relatively easy to care for, especially due to its self-pollinating nature and good pest resistance. Consistent watering and annual fertilization are key for success.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your 3 Violette de Bordeaux fig tree starter plugs will arrive bare root. This means they are shipped without soil or a pot, carefully packaged to ensure they remain healthy during transit and are ready for immediate planting.
• Q: How long until it blooms or fruits? A: You can typically expect your Violette de Bordeaux fig tree to begin producing fruit within 1 to 3 years after planting the starter plugs, with yields increasing as the tree matures.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The cold hardy fig is known for its resilience. It is generally hardy in USDA Zones 7-10. In Zone 6 and colder, it may require winter protection or be grown in a container and moved indoors.
• Q: What’s the best soil for this fig tree? A: This fig tree prefers well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH. If planting in a container, use a good quality potting mix amended with perlite or sand to improve drainage.
• Q: Is this fig tree self-pollinating? A: Yes, the Ficus carica Violette de Bordeaux is a self-pollinating variety, meaning you only need one tree to produce fruit. This makes it an excellent choice for home gardeners.
• Q: Can I grow this fig in a pot? A: Absolutely! The naturally dwarf habit of the Violette de Bordeaux fig tree makes it an excellent candidate for container growing, especially beneficial for those in colder climates or with limited garden space.