Fig 'Violete de Bordeaux' (Ficus carica)
Regular price $22.95 Sale price $19.95Dark, Jammy Figs with Rich Flavor and Compact Growth
The Violette de Bordeaux Fig (Ficus carica 'Violette de Bordeaux') is a classic French heirloom variety cherished for its dark purple skin, deep red flesh, and complex, rich, almost berry-like flavor. These small to medium-sized figs are some of the best-tasting in the world, prized for their intense sweetness and concentrated flavor—perfect for fresh eating, drying, or making fig jam.
What makes this fig even more exceptional is its compact size and natural dwarf growth habit, which makes it ideal for container gardening, urban orchards, and small edible landscapes. It’s self-fertile, easy to grow, and performs beautifully in Zones 7–10, with reliable fruiting even in cooler climates.
The tree produces two crops per year in ideal conditions—a breba crop in early summer and a main crop in late summer to fall. With its manageable size, rich heritage, and gourmet fruit, Violette de Bordeaux is a must-have for fig lovers and food forest growers alike.
Growing Tips
Plant figs in full sun and provide well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Figs are adaptable and drought-tolerant once established, though consistent watering during active growth and fruit development encourages strong growth and reliable fruit production. All varieties are self-fertile, so a single tree can produce fruit, and they can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground. Figs are perennial, deciduous fruit trees that can begin producing within 1–2 years. Propagate by cuttings, and prune as needed to maintain a manageable size and encourage healthy new growth. Larger varieties can be kept smaller with regular pruning, while Little Ruby naturally remains a compact dwarf variety.
Most varieties are suited to Zones 7–10, while Olympian and Chicago Hardy are especially cold-hardy choices for colder climates. Olympian is cold-hardy to approximately 0°F, while Chicago Hardy can die back during severe freezes and regrow from the roots. Protect young trees from extreme cold, particularly during winter, and consider growing figs in containers that can be moved to a sheltered location in colder climates. Figs are generally dormant during winter, with fruit developing on new wood for most varieties.
Quick Care Guide
| Variety | Size | Harvest | Fruit In | Growth | Zones | Food Forest Layer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Honey | 10–15 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Yellow Long Neck | 8–15 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Violette de Bordeaux | 6–10 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Moderate–fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Olympian | 8–12 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 6–10 | Understory |
| Royal Vineyard | 8–12 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Moderate–fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Brown Turkey | 10–20 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Little Ruby | 3–6 ft. (dwarf) | Summer–fall | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Celeste | 8–15 ft. | Summer; early breba possible | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Chicago Hardy | 8–15 ft. | Summer–fall | 1–2 years | Fast | 6–10 | Understory |
All varieties are self-fertile and prefer full sun, moderate water, and well-draining soil. They are perennial, deciduous trees and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
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