Troubleshooting
Violette de Bordeaux Fig problems — and how to fix them
Violette de Bordeaux Fig (Ficus carica 'Violette de Bordeaux') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Fruit splitting
Caused by uneven watering or heavy rain as figs ripen. Water consistently and shelter ripening fruit from sudden downpours.
Excess leafy growth, few figs
Usually from too-rich soil or high-nitrogen feed and unrestricted roots. Restrict the roots and switch to a high-potassium feed.
Frost-killed embryo figs
Pea-sized overwintering figs are killed below about -10°C, removing next year's main crop. Protect with fleece or move pots to a cold but frost-free spot.
Fruit failing to ripen
Insufficient sun or heat in cool seasons. Site against a warm wall and remove any large unripe figs in autumn so the tree carries only the embryonic crop into winter.
Prevent violette de bordeaux fig problems before they start
Most violette de bordeaux fig issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common common fig problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Violette de Bordeaux Fig watering schedule
- Violette de Bordeaux Fig light requirements
- Best soil mix for violette de bordeaux fig
- Violette de Bordeaux Fig temperature & humidity
- Full violette de bordeaux fig care guide
Looking for violette de bordeaux fig in general rather than its problems? Read the full violette de bordeaux fig care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Violette de Bordeaux Fig problems — FAQ
Why is my violette de bordeaux fig fruit splitting?
Caused by uneven watering or heavy rain as figs ripen. Water consistently and shelter ripening fruit from sudden downpours.
Why is my violette de bordeaux fig excess leafy growth, few figs?
Usually from too-rich soil or high-nitrogen feed and unrestricted roots. Restrict the roots and switch to a high-potassium feed.
Why is my violette de bordeaux fig frost-killed embryo figs?
Pea-sized overwintering figs are killed below about -10°C, removing next year's main crop. Protect with fleece or move pots to a cold but frost-free spot.
Why is my violette de bordeaux fig fruit failing to ripen?
Insufficient sun or heat in cool seasons. Site against a warm wall and remove any large unripe figs in autumn so the tree carries only the embryonic crop into winter.