Ficus carica Gustis Ficcolino

The Ficus carica Gustis Ficcolino is a recent variety originating from Switzerland. It is characterized by its high productivity, great hardiness, double summer and autumn fructification, and compact habit. It produces small to medium-sized figs, pear-shaped, with a thin and smooth skin, greenish-yellow in color, then yellowish-green when ripe. The fruit, with its red pulp, is juicy and very sweet, containing numerous small seeds (achenes), which can be eaten fresh after picking or utilised in various recipes. Very decorative, with its architectural habit, this fig tree offers many possibilities for integration in the garden, or on a balcony or terrace. Plant in frost-free autumn-winter (or in spring for colder regions). It is not prone to diseases and requires almost no maintenance.

Originating from regions with a warm temperate climate, ranging from the Mediterranean to Central Asia, the Fig tree (Ficus carica) belongs to the Moraceae family. Generally, it does not exceed three to four meters in height and has a fairly twisted trunk and a bushy habit. The deciduous leaves reach up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in length, divided into three to seven lobes with variable shape. The undersides of the leaves are velvety and show prominent veins. The wood, with its smooth gray bark, is soft, spongy, and hollow.

The Gustis Ficcolino variety forms a small, vigorous tree with a rounded and branched habit, reaching between 1.60 and 1.90 m (5 ft 2 in and 6 ft 2 in) in height and 1.20 to 1.50 m (3 ft 11 in to 4 ft 11 in) in width at maturity (7 to 10 years). Ficcolino is a self-fertile and biferous variety, meaning it bears fruit twice, first from late June, then in early September, if the climatic conditions are favorable. Among Fig trees, there are:

- uniferous varieties, producing a single, abundant harvest per year, at the beginning of autumn.

- biferous varieties, bearing fruit twice a year, producing figs called 'flower figs' in early summer, appearing on the previous year's wood, and autumn figs, developing on the current year's branches.

Among all the Fig tree varieties, the Gustis Ficcolino Fig tree abundantly produces flower figs of about 40 to 70 g in late June, then figs of 60 to 90 g in September-October. This staggered fruiting ensures a harvest of delicious figs throughout the season. The harvest will be done several times as the fruits ripen. It is a self-fertile and parthenocarpic variety, allowing fruit set without fertilization. It does not require other Fig tree plants and does not need the intervention of the fig wasp, the sole pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too sensitive to survive in cold climates.

Rich in fiber, the Fig has laxative properties and the seeds aid digestion. It is rich in minerals, trace elements, and vitamin B. To preserve the Fig's flavors after harvest, it is not recommended to store them in the refrigerator as the skin can suffer from humidity and condensation.

The Fig tree is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its unique foliage gives it an ornamental aspect and provides a beautiful shaded area. Plant the Gustis Ficcolino Fig tree against a wall that will protect it from the cold during harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure, either alone, integrated into a flowerbed, or in a large pot on a sunny terrace or balcony. Its small and compact habit allows it to be propagated succesfully in a pot in colder egions that can be bought indoors when tenperatures drop below -10°C.

It is important to choose the right variety based on the climate, garden size, and desired use of the fruits.