Can I still plant Palatinate Figs outdoors?

Garden Experts

Four years ago, I bought a Palatinate Fig. It was advertised in the catalogue as a perennial plant. In the winter, I covered it with pine branches as frost protection. It froze anyway under the cover. In the spring, the figs sprouted again. Then I thought: “My mistake; I will pack it better and thicker next time!” - The result the following year was unfortunately the same. As a result, I now grow the fig as a tub plant. It grows and bears a lot of fruit. Now it is about a metre high and is becoming a problem for me to bring into the home for overwintering. Therefore my question: Is it advisable to try and plant the fig outdoors again?

The GARDENA gardening expert

The frost resistance of the fig must be looked at more closely, Mr. E. Such varieties and types are promoted as frost resistant as it has been shone to grow in the climate conditions north of the Alps. The “Bavarian Fig” (‘Violetta’) from Lower Bavaria with its continental climate were able to withstand winters with -19 to -15 °C for example.

But here is the catch:
Surviving the winter can mean that the fig only survived underground which is why we plant figs a hand's width deeper. Or, that the fig branches die in the late winter, when the days start getting warmer. This is because the braches heat up during the day from the sun's rays, slightly up to 15 °C but must endure considerable frost at night. They cannot withstand these temperature differences.

From the explanation to come back to putting into practice: The packing in brushwood is suitable for offering the fig a certain heat protection. “Heat Protection” for the reason that real frost protection is necessary starting with approx. -10 °C.

Better yet, in addition to the brushwood cover, add a sun ray protection in front of the fig, for example, a double straw mat. The plants should preferably only heat up slightly during the critical days in February.
Cultivating the plants in tubs is a suitable variation but given the growth vitality of figs and their high requirements of regular fertiliser and watering, it has its limitations. Therefore, planting in water reservoir tubs and clayey quality soil is highly recommended. However, figs react well to cutting.

When overwintering in a tub, very light leaves can occur with 5 – 10 °C or dark leaves with approx. -5 – +10 °C.
Instead of bringing the tub plants into the home, there is also the possibility of putting them into a mobile orangery. This should be shaded and well aerated in warm temperatures and with very cold temperatures, warmed up to almost frost free.
So in conclusion, the answer to your question regarding planting outdoors: depending on how much effort you would like to put into it, either method would be suitable. The professional overwintering at the gardener is also an option.

For a safe overwintering in a bed, the fig should be planted outside at the latest in May / June so that it is deeply rooted by autumn.