Violette de Bordeaux Fig Tree Starter Plug – Dwarf, Sweet Fruit

Overview

Experience the joy of growing your own delicious fruit with the Violette de Bordeaux fig tree. This starter plug offers a fantastic opportunity to cultivate one of the most highly prized fig varieties, known scientifically as Ficus carica ‘Violette de Bordeaux’. Originating in 17th-century France, this particular fig tree is celebrated for its naturally dwarf growth habit, making it an ideal choice for both spacious gardens and smaller patios where container growing is preferred. As a self-pollinating variety, it simplifies the growing process, ensuring a bountiful harvest without the need for a second tree. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this exquisite fig tree promises a rewarding experience with its exceptional fruit.

The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is not just about its fruit; it’s also a robust and adaptable plant. It’s recognized for its cold-hardiness and natural resistance to many common pests, which means less fuss and more enjoyment for you. This live plant starter plug provides a healthy foundation for a thriving fig tree that will become a cherished part of your edible landscape. Prepare to savor the unique, rich flavor and deep red pulp of these gourmet figs, often described as having a ‘strawberry’ like sweetness.

Key Benefits

Cultivating a Violette de Bordeaux fig tree offers numerous advantages for any home gardener. From its delicious fruit to its manageable size, this fig tree is a true garden gem.

• Exceptional Fruit Quality: Enjoy the renowned sweetness and rich flavor of Violette de Bordeaux figs. The fruit boasts a unique deep red, ‘strawberry’ colored pulp that is exceptionally juicy and aromatic, perfect for fresh eating, preserves, or baking.
• Naturally Dwarf Growth Habit: This variety is naturally compact, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, urban spaces, or for growing in containers on patios and balconies. Its manageable size means less pruning and easier harvesting.
• Self-Pollinating Convenience: The dwarf fig tree is self-pollinating, eliminating the need for companion plants to produce fruit. This ensures a reliable harvest even if you only have space for one tree.
• Cold-Hardy and Pest-Resistant: Known for its resilience, the Violette de Bordeaux fig tree exhibits good cold tolerance and natural resistance to many common garden pests, contributing to easier maintenance and healthier growth.
• Versatile Growing Options: Suitable for both in-ground planting in appropriate climates and container growing, offering flexibility for various garden designs and climates. It thrives in sunny locations and well-draining soil.
• Historic and Prized Variety: With roots dating back to 17th-century France, this fig tree carries a rich history and is highly esteemed by fig connoisseurs for its superior taste and performance.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is straightforward, especially given its resilient nature. For optimal growth and fruit production, specific conditions should be met. Figs thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. When planting, ensure the location offers good air circulation to deter fungal issues. This variety is known to be a cold hardy fig, generally suitable for USDA Zones 7-10, though protection may be needed in the colder parts of its range or for young plants.

Watering is crucial, especially for young trees and those grown in containers. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with regular irrigation. Well-draining soil is paramount; a sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. For container-grown plants, use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, and again in mid-summer if needed, following product instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilization.

Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. You can also shape the tree to maintain its dwarf size and encourage fruit production on new wood. Watch out for common pests like spider mites or fig rust, though the Ficus carica Violette de Bordeaux is known for its general pest resistance. Early detection and organic pest control methods are usually effective. With proper care, your container fig tree will flourish and provide many years of delicious harvests.

Size & Details

This offering is for one Violette de Bordeaux fig tree starter plug, providing a vigorous young plant ready for transplanting. While specific measurements can vary, starter plugs typically stand a few inches tall, with a well-developed root system, prepared for growth into a mature specimen. As a dwarf variety, this fig tree generally reaches a mature height of 6-10 feet and a similar spread when planted in the ground, though it can be kept smaller through pruning or by growing it as a container fig tree. Expect a moderate growth rate, with fruit production often beginning within 1-2 years of planting. The plant will arrive bare root or with minimal soil, carefully packaged to ensure its health during transit, ready to be potted or planted upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Violette de Bordeaux fig tree get? A: The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is a naturally dwarf variety, typically reaching a mature height of 6-10 feet and a similar spread when planted in the ground. Its size can be easily managed with pruning or by growing it in a container.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This fig tree is primarily an outdoor plant. However, in colder climates (below USDA Zone 7), it can be grown in a container and brought indoors during winter to protect it from freezing temperatures, making it a versatile container fig tree.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: For optimal fruit production and health, the dwarf fig tree requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A full sun location is ideal, though some afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is considered relatively easy to care for. It’s a robust plant known for its cold-hardiness and pest resistance, making it a good choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Violette de Bordeaux fig tree starter plug will arrive as a healthy, young plant, typically bare root or with its roots protected in a small amount of soil. It will be carefully packaged to ensure its safe arrival, ready for immediate planting.
• Q: How long until it produces fruit? A: With proper care, the Ficus carica Violette de Bordeaux can begin producing fruit within 1-2 years of planting. Established trees will yield more abundant harvests.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: This is a cold hardy fig, generally hardy in USDA Zones 7-10. In Zone 7, it may require winter protection, especially when young. In colder zones, it must be grown in a container and overwintered indoors.
• Q: What kind of soil does this fig tree prefer? A: The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree thrives in well-draining soil, ideally a sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. For container planting, use a high-quality potting mix designed for good drainage.
• Q: Can I grow this fig in a pot? A: Absolutely! Its naturally dwarf growth habit makes it an excellent container fig tree. Growing it in a pot allows for easy relocation to protect it from harsh weather.
• Q: What makes the fruit of this fig tree special? A: The fruit of the Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is highly prized for its exceptionally sweet, rich flavor and distinctive deep red, ‘strawberry’ colored pulp. It’s considered one of the best tasting fig varieties for fresh consumption.