Growing ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ figs in containers offers a rewarding experience for home gardeners, allowing cultivation even in limited spaces or colder climates. This fig variety is known for its compact growth habit, making it well-suited for container life. Its small to medium-sized, dark purple-black fruits boast a rich, sweet flavor with a deep red interior, often described as a blend of berry and honey notes. This self-pollinating tree can produce two crops annually, a lighter “breba” crop and a heavier late-season crop, providing a consistent supply of fresh figs.
Container and Soil Essentials
Selecting the appropriate container and soil mix is fundamental for a thriving ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ fig. Begin with a container at least 18 inches deep and wide to accommodate root growth, ensuring it has ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. While the pot material is less important than drainage, a stable container helps prevent tipping. Gradually increasing pot size as the fig grows is often recommended.
The ideal soil mix for container-grown figs is a well-draining, organically rich potting mix, not garden soil. This specialized mix prevents pests and diseases often found in garden soil and provides necessary aeration for roots. A good mix typically includes components like peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention, combined with perlite, vermiculite, or fine bark chips for excellent drainage. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 6.5.
Ongoing Care for Container Figs
Caring for a container-grown ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ fig involves consistent attention to its environmental needs throughout the growing season.
Light Requirements
‘Violette de Bordeaux’ figs thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit development. Placing the container in the warmest, sunniest location available is beneficial. Insufficient light can reduce fruit yield and impact the plant’s vigor. Rotating the container periodically helps ensure all sides of the tree receive adequate light, promoting even growth.
Watering Practices
Container figs generally require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground because their soil dries out more quickly. During warm summer months, daily watering, or even twice daily in extreme heat, may be necessary. The key is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Deep watering is important to ensure the entire root zone receives moisture, and monitoring soil moisture helps prevent overwatering or drought stress.
Fertilizing Schedule
Container-grown fig trees benefit from regular fertilization, as their root systems are confined and nutrients can leach out. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or 20-10-20 is often recommended. Fertilize when the tree is actively growing, typically in spring and early summer. Over-fertilizing, especially with too much nitrogen, can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Slow-release granular fertilizers or liquid fertilizers applied every few weeks can provide a steady nutrient supply.
Pruning for Container Growth
Pruning is important for managing the size and shape of a container-grown ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ fig and encouraging fruit production. This variety naturally has a compact, bushy habit, which can be maintained with strategic pruning. Light pruning can be done after leaf drop or in late winter to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree. Thinning cuts, which remove entire branches at their base, are generally preferred over heading cuts that only shorten branches, as heading cuts can lead to excessive regrowth. Pruning helps ensure adequate light penetration and air circulation within the canopy, which supports fruit development.
Winter Protection and Dormancy
Winter protection is necessary for container-grown ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ figs in colder climates, as they are typically hardy outdoors only in USDA Zones 7-10. As daylight shortens and temperatures drop in autumn, the fig tree will enter dormancy, shedding its leaves. This is the cue to prepare for winter storage.
Move the dormant fig tree indoors to a cool, dark, or semi-dark location that remains above freezing, such as an unheated garage, basement, or shed. An ideal temperature range for dormancy is 30 to 45°F (-1 to 7°C).
During dormancy, significantly reduce watering; the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, but the roots should not completely dehydrate. Watering once every five to six weeks may be sufficient. Do not fertilize the tree during this period. In early spring, gradually reintroduce the fig to warmer temperatures and increasing light by moving it outdoors for a few hours each day before placing it in its permanent summer location once the danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting Your Violette de Bordeaux Figs
This variety typically ripens in late summer to early fall, and in mild climates, a harvest can extend into midsummer. Knowing when the fruit is perfectly ripe ensures the best flavor and texture.
Ripe ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ figs will develop a dark purple to black skin and feel soft to the touch, similar to a ripe peach. They will often start to droop or hang down from the branch due to their weight, indicating they are ready. A slight tear or “dewy” appearance on the skin from concentrated nectar can also be a sign of ripeness.
To harvest, gently twist the fruit from the stem; it should detach easily without tearing. If there is milky sap when picked, it may indicate the fig is not fully ripe. Freshly picked figs are best enjoyed immediately, but they can also be used for preserves or dried.