Everything you always wanted to know

Where are the flowers on the fig tree?

The inflorescence of a fig (Ficus carica) consists of numerous individual flowers and is located internal in the young fruit set. This inconspicuous, green fruit has not yet been fertilized.

The actual process of fertilization on the fig tree is very special. A tiny opening can be seen at the upper end of the jug-shaped fruit base as an entry point for the pollinators to the individual flowers.

Which pollinators fertilize the blossoms on the fig tree?

are pollinators of fig tree blossoms fig wasps (Agaonidae), an insect family with 35 genera mostly native to Southeast Asia. The only European wasp species that takes care of itself in this country

fig gall wasp (Blastophaga psenes) around the pollination of fig tree blossoms.

In order for a fig tree to bear fruit, it goes together with its pollinators symbiosis a. The female fig gall wasp penetrates through the opening into the inner inflorescence, lays her eggs there and at the same time fertilizes the flowers. After successful pollination, the fertilized inflorescence turns into a fig within five months.

Are there self-pollinating fig tree varieties?

For your own fig cultivation in Garden and on the balcony there are numerous self-pollinating fig tree varieties. These premium strains are hardy and don't need pollinators:

• Brown Turkey: growth height up to 4 m, especially hardy, bearing twice.
• Rouge de Bordeaux: growth height of up to 2.50 m, hardy to -15° Celsius, bears blue-violet figs with garnet-red flesh.
• Bornholm fig: growth height up to 3.50 m, hardy to -12° Celsius, bears juicy, sweet figs in August and September.
• Little Miss Figgy: high-yielding tub fig, growth height up to 90 cm, wine-red figs with strawberry-red, sweet flesh.