Overview

The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is a highly sought-after variety known for its exceptionally sweet and rich-flavored fruit. This starter plant, approximately 5-7 inches tall, provides an excellent foundation for growing your own bountiful fig harvest. Originating from France, the Ficus Carica ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ is a compact, vigorous deciduous shrub that is well-suited for a variety of growing conditions, including container planting or directly in the garden. Its attractive foliage and prolific fruit production make it a favorite among home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike. Often producing two crops per year, this variety promises a generous yield of small to medium-sized, dark purple figs with a deep red interior and an intensely sweet taste. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, growing fig trees can be a rewarding experience, bringing fresh, delicious fruit right to your backyard.

Key Benefits

Adding a Violette de Bordeaux fig tree to your garden or patio offers numerous advantages, from its aesthetic appeal to its delectable produce. This robust plant is designed to thrive and provide years of enjoyment and delicious harvests.

• Exceptional Fruit Quality: Enjoy small to medium-sized figs with a rich, dark purple skin and a deep red, sweet, and jammy interior. The flavor is often described as complex, with berry undertones.
• Prolific Bearing: This variety is known for its ability to produce two crops per year in ideal conditions, offering an early breba crop and a larger main crop in late summer or fall, maximizing your harvest potential.
• Winter Hardy: Suitable for USDA Zones 6-10, this deciduous fruit shrub demonstrates good cold tolerance, making it a reliable choice for many temperate climates.
• Versatile Growing: The compact nature of the ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ makes it ideal for container gardening on patios, balconies, or smaller garden spaces, as well as traditional in-ground planting.
• Ornamental Value: Beyond its fruit, the fig tree offers attractive lobed leaves, adding a touch of Mediterranean charm and lush greenery to any landscape.
• Easy to Grow: Fig trees are relatively low-maintenance once established, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for a rewarding fruit-bearing plant.
• Fresh, Healthy Produce: Grow your own organic figs, ensuring fresh, chemical-free fruit for snacking, baking, preserves, or culinary creations. This contributes to a healthy lifestyle and sustainable eating.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Successful fig plant care for your Violette de Bordeaux fig tree involves understanding its basic needs for sunlight, soil, water, and protection. This starter plant is already well-rooted, giving it a strong start in its new home. Figs thrive in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is essential for optimal fruit production and plant health. Choose a location in your garden that receives ample sun throughout the day, or a sunny spot on your patio if growing in a container.

Well-drained soil is crucial for fig trees. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). If planting in the ground, amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost to improve drainage. For container growing, use a high-quality potting mix formulated for fruit trees or general-purpose use, ensuring the pot has adequate drainage holes. While established fig trees are somewhat drought-tolerant, consistent moisture is important, especially during fruit development. Water deeply when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During active growth and fruiting, you may need to water more frequently. Fertilize sparingly, typically once in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, or a fertilizer slightly higher in potassium if fruit production is a priority. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant to remove any dead or crossing branches and to shape the tree for better air circulation and light penetration.

Protect your ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ fig tree from harsh winter conditions, especially in the colder end of its USDA Zone 6 range. Container-grown plants can be moved indoors to an unheated garage or shed, or wrapped with burlap and insulation. In-ground trees can be mulched heavily around the base and potentially wrapped for extra protection. Regular inspection for pests and diseases, though generally rare, will help maintain the health of your deciduous fruit shrub.

Size & Details

This Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is supplied as a well-rooted starter plant, approximately 5-7 inches in height. It arrives ready for planting in a 2.5 x 3.5 inch pot, providing a strong root system for successful establishment. This compact fig variety typically grows to a mature height of 3-5 feet when maintained with pruning, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or container cultivation. Its moderate growth rate allows for careful shaping and management. Expect this fig tree to begin producing fruit within 1-2 years of planting, with increasing yields as it matures. The ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ is known for its ability to produce two crops per year in favorable conditions: an early breba crop on old wood, and a main crop on new growth later in the season. This plant is a fantastic addition for those interested in growing fig trees and enjoying fresh, homegrown fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree typically grows to a mature height of 3-5 feet with proper pruning. It can be kept smaller in containers or allowed to reach its full potential in the ground, making it a versatile deciduous fruit shrub.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This starter plant is shipped as a well-rooted plant in a 2.5 x 3.5 inch pot, providing a healthy foundation for its growth.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is primarily an outdoor plant, hardy in USDA Zones 6-10. However, in colder climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This fig tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production. Plenty of sun is key for good fig plant care.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ fig trees are relatively easy to care for once established. They require consistent watering, well-draining soil, and full sun, making them suitable for gardeners of various skill levels interested in growing fig trees.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Violette de Bordeaux fig tree starter plant will arrive as a healthy, well-rooted plant in its pot, carefully packaged to ensure its safe journey.
• Q: Can I eat the fruit directly from the tree? A: Absolutely! The figs produced by the ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ are known for their delicious, sweet flavor and are perfect for fresh eating, baking, preserves, or drying.
• Q: How long until it produces fruit? A: With good care, your Violette de Bordeaux fig tree can start producing fruit within 1-2 years of planting, with yields increasing as the plant matures.
• Q: When is the best time to plant? A: The best time to plant your fig starter plant is in spring after the last frost, or in early fall. This allows the plant time to establish its roots before extreme temperatures.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: This variety is winter hardy in USDA Zones 6-10. In Zone 6, some winter protection may be beneficial, especially for young plants, to ensure successful overwintering of your deciduous fruit shrub.