Ficus carica Gustissimo Perretta

The 'Gustissimo Perretta' Fig Tree is a recent variety that is still rare, with regular and abundant late fruiting, even in difficult years. It produces very large pear-shaped fruits with green-red to brown skin that can be stored for a long time on the plant. The red flesh is gently fragrant and delicious. This variety is particularly vigorous, fast-growing, and cold-resistant. It is a self-fertile and uniferous variety, meaning it fruits only once, in August-September. The Fig Tree is a deciduous, hardy tree that thrives in a sunny location. Planting should be done in frost-free autumn/winter (or in spring for colder regions).

Originating from Turkey and Asia Minor, the Fig Tree (Ficus carica) belongs to the Moraceae family. The 'Perretta' variety was discovered in the Alps by the Austrian nursery Lubera. It quickly forms a deciduous, very vigorous tree with a round and erect habit, often with a twisted trunk. It reaches approximately 4 to 5 m (13 ft 1 in to 16 ft 5 in) in height and 3 to 4 m (9 ft 10 in to 13 ft 1 in) in width at maturity. The leaves are rough, bright green turning yellow in autumn, finely velvety, relatively large (sometimes 20 cm (7.9 in) long), and have a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven crenate lobes (most often five) of varying shapes, with a velvety underside and prominent veins. The wood is soft and spongy, the bark gray and smooth. The root system of this small tree is powerful, spreading in all directions.

Among the Fig Tree varieties, there are:

- uniferous varieties, producing a single harvest per year, quite abundant, in early autumn.

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

The harvest will be done several times, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, allowing fruit to be obtained without fertilization. It does not require other Fig Tree plants or the intervention of the blastophage, the only pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too delicate to survive in cold climates.

Figs are used in sweet dishes (pies, clafoutis, compotes...) or savory dishes paired with goat cheese, dry-cured ham, or foie gras. After harvesting, refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the flavors of the fig and the skin can suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to enjoy them is fresh, under the tree, preserving their honey-like aroma.

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 space, very pleasant during summer heat. Plant the Fig Tree sheltered by a wall that will protect it from the cold during harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure, alongside the Pomegranate, White Mulberry, and Japanese Medlar. In the north, it can be associated with the Quince Tree, Akebia quinata, and Feijoa, which are also hardy and exotic. Take into account its adult dimensions to determine spacing between plants. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can cause damage to dry stone walls or walls made with weak mortar, in the old-fashioned way. The 'Perretta' variety easily regrows from the stump in case of severe frost.