Violette de Bordeaux Fig: A Complete Guide

Introduction

As a gardener who loves experimenting with unique and flavorful fruits, the Violette de Bordeaux Fig quickly became one of my favorites. Known for its rich, sweet flavor and stunning purple skin, this fig variety is perfect for anyone looking to grow fruit in their garden or home. The Violette de Bordeaux fig offers a combination of beauty and taste that elevates any space it inhabits. Whether you want to grow it in containers or as a tree in the garden, this fig variety provides delicious fruit while adding elegance to your landscape. Let’s explore how to grow, care for, and enjoy this exceptional fig variety.

Background and Origins of Violette de Bordeaux Fig

The Violette de Bordeaux Fig, sometimes referred to as the “Negronne” fig, is a small, sweet variety of fig that originated in France. It has since spread across Europe and to other parts of the world, where it’s prized for its deep, rich flavor and unique appearance. Unlike many other fig varieties, this one thrives in cooler climates, making it an excellent choice for gardeners outside of traditional fig-growing regions.

The plant is known for its dark purple, almost black skin, which contrasts beautifully with its pink to red flesh. The figs are small to medium-sized and packed with a deliciously sweet flavor. In addition to its edible fruit, the Violette de Bordeaux fig tree also serves as an attractive ornamental plant, with lush, deeply lobed leaves and a compact, bushy growth habit that fits well in both small and large gardens.

Plant Profile of Violette de Bordeaux Fig

The Violette de Bordeaux fig is a compact, deciduous tree that typically reaches a height of 3-5 feet when grown in containers and up to 8 feet in the ground. It has deep green, lobed leaves that provide shade in the summer and a beautiful display of color in the fall before they drop. The tree produces small to medium-sized figs with a deep purple or nearly black skin and sweet, red flesh inside. The flavor is rich, honey-like, and sometimes described as having berry-like notes, making it a favorite for fresh eating or using in recipes.

Although the plant’s primary attraction is its fruit, it also makes a beautiful addition to any garden. The compact size and attractive foliage make it an excellent choice for smaller spaces, patios, and even indoor spaces when grown in containers.

How to Grow Violette de Bordeaux Fig: Step-by-Step Guide

Growing the Violette de Bordeaux fig requires a few key steps to ensure it thrives. Here’s how to grow this beautiful fig variety:

Choose the Right Location

The fig tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least 8 hours of sunlight per day to produce the best fruit. In cooler climates, the plant can tolerate partial shade, but it will yield more abundant and flavorful figs with plenty of sunlight.

Prepare the Soil

Fig trees prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH (between 6.0 and 6.5). The soil should retain moisture while also draining well to prevent waterlogging. If planting in a container, use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for fruit trees to ensure the plant’s roots have enough nutrients and oxygen.

Watering

Regular watering is essential, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Once the fig tree is established, it becomes somewhat drought-tolerant, but it’s important to water it regularly during dry spells to ensure it thrives. Always ensure that the soil has proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Temperature and Climate

This variety of fig is more cold-tolerant than many others, but it still requires a warm climate for optimal fruit production. It thrives in temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C) and can tolerate short periods of cold down to 20°F (-6°C) if adequately protected. In regions with harsh winters, consider growing it in a container so it can be moved indoors when temperatures drop.

Fertilizing

To encourage healthy growth and fruit production, feed your fig tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit development.

Pruning

Prune your fig tree during the winter when it is dormant. Remove any dead or damaged growth and cut back long, leggy branches to improve air circulation and maintain the plant’s shape. Pruning encourages a bushier growth habit and helps the tree maintain its overall health.

By following these steps, you can grow a healthy and productive Violette de Bordeaux fig tree in your garden or container.

How to Care for Violette de Bordeaux Fig

Caring for the Violette de Bordeaux fig requires attention to several important factors. Here are some tips to help you keep your fig tree healthy:

1. Light: Ensure the fig tree receives plenty of sunlight, as it thrives in full sun. If growing indoors, place the tree near a south-facing window or a spot with bright, indirect light.
2. Watering: Water the plant regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The tree needs consistent moisture during its growing season but does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. When grown in containers, ensure that the pot has proper drainage.
3. Humidity: Fig trees, including the Violette de Bordeaux variety, thrive in moderately humid environments. While they can tolerate dry air, consider misting the plant regularly or placing it on a humidity tray if growing it indoors.
4. Temperature: The tree prefers warm temperatures and may struggle if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C). Keep the tree in a climate that stays within its preferred range, or grow it in a pot so you can bring it inside during cold spells.
5. Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the tree and encourages better fruit production. Remove dead or damaged branches and cut back any overly long or leggy growth to promote a more compact, productive tree.

Benefits of Violette de Bordeaux Fig

There are several benefits to growing the Violette de Bordeaux fig, making it a worthwhile addition to your garden or home. Here are some of the top benefits:

1. Delicious Fruit: The fig produces small, sweet, and flavorful figs that are perfect for fresh eating, adding to desserts, or making jams and preserves.
2. Tropical Look: The tree’s glossy, deeply lobed leaves create a lush, tropical appearance that enhances any garden. It’s a great choice for creating a Mediterranean or tropical-inspired landscape.
3. Compact Size: The fig tree is smaller and more compact than many other fig varieties, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, or even growing indoors.
4. Low Maintenance: Fig trees, especially the Violette de Bordeaux, are relatively easy to care for once established. They require little more than regular watering, sunlight, and occasional pruning to thrive.
5. Edible Leaves: In addition to the fruit, the leaves of the are edible in some cultures, often used in cooking for their soft, tender texture.

How to Prune Violette de Bordeaux Fig

Pruning is an essential part of caring for your fig tree. Here’s how to prune it effectively:

1. Remove Dead or Damaged Branches: Prune any dead or diseased branches to keep the tree healthy and prevent the spread of disease.
2. Trim Leggy Growth: Cut back any long, straggly branches to maintain the tree’s shape and encourage more compact growth.
3. Pruning Timing: Prune the tree in the winter, when it’s dormant, to prevent stressing the plant and to allow it to grow more vigorously during the next growing season.

Companion Plants

The fig tree pairs well with other Mediterranean and subtropical plants. Some great companions include:

• Olive Trees: Olive trees thrive in similar conditions and create a beautiful Mediterranean look when paired with figs.
• Lavender: Lavender enjoys well-draining soil and full sun, making it an excellent companion plant for figs.
• Rosemary: This herb thrives in similar growing conditions and can complement the fig’s appearance with its fragrant, evergreen foliage.

Culinary Uses

The fig is not only prized for its sweet flavor but also for its versatility in the kitchen. The fruit’s honey-like sweetness and smooth texture make it perfect for a variety of culinary uses. It can be eaten fresh, added to salads, or used as a topping for cheeses and crackers, offering a delightful contrast in flavor. Additionally, the figs can be dried, making them a great addition to baked goods, such as cakes, tarts, and breads. For a more savory twist, the figs can be paired with meats like prosciutto or used in sauces and jams, adding depth and sweetness to savory dishes. The fruit’s unique, berry-like notes make it an excellent complement to both sweet and savory recipes.

Fun Facts

1. Sweet Flavor: The figs produced by the Violette de Bordeaux tree are known for their rich, honey-like sweetness.
2. Small but Mighty: Although the tree is smaller than many other fig varieties, it still produces an abundant crop of delicious fruit.
3. Long Lifespan: Fig trees, including the Bordeaux, can live for many decades if well cared for.

Conclusion

The Violette de Bordeaux fig tree is a perfect addition to any garden, offering both ornamental beauty and delicious, sweet fruit. With its compact size, easy care requirements, and striking appearance, this fig variety is a wonderful choice for gardeners looking to create a tropical or Mediterranean-inspired landscape. By following the care tips in this guide, you can enjoy a thriving fig tree that provides both beauty and delicious fruit for years to come.

For more information on fig varieties, check out our guides on Kadota Fig and Black Mission Fig.