Ficus carica Portogallo

The Fig tree or Ficus carica 'Portogallo' is an ancient variety that produces very large elongated fruits, shaped like hanging pears, turning purple when ripe. Their flesh is pink-red, sweet, juicy, and delicately flavored. It is a moderately vigorous and productive fig tree, capable of bearing fruit twice a year, in early July and then in September, even in the Netherlands. A single plant is sufficient to obtain fruit, although it will be more abundant if it benefits from the presence of another fig tree nearby. Plant your Fig tree in a sunny and warm location. 

The Portuguese Long Fig tree is one of the many varieties derived from the Ficus carica, originating from a vast area of warm temperate climate, ranging from the Mediterranean basin to Central Asia (Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan). It is a fruit tree belonging to the Moraceae family, just like mulberries (the Morus). Once mature, the fig tree is hardy enough to withstand teperatures of -15°C. However, young recently planted trees are more susceptible to cold and will need a warm and sheltered location as well as winter protection in colder regions. It is a deciduous tree, which loses its leaves in autumn. Capable of surviving long dry periods once established and adapting to poor and rocky soils, the fig tree will be more lush and productive if it develops in deep and fertile soil.

'Portogallo' is a small tree with a spreading habit, slightly twisted branches, reaching an average height of 3 m (9 ft 10 in), with a crown that can measure 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in diameter. Its growth is fast, around 70 cm (27.6 in) per year under favorable conditions. This variety produces elongated fruits that can weigh up to 120 g, with green skin turning purple when ripe. Its light red flesh is sweet and flavorful. 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 variable shape, 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 varieties of Fig trees, we can distinguish:

- uniflorous varieties, producing a single harvest per year, quite abundant, at the beginning of autumn

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

The Portogallo variety is a biflorous variety, bearing fruit from early July and then in September. The harvest will take place as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, allowing fruit to be obtained without pollination. The presence of another fig tree is not essential, and the tree does not require the intervention of the fig wasp, the only pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too sensitive to survive in colder climates.

Figs are used in the preparation of sweet dishes (tarts, clafoutis, compotes, etc.) or savory dishes in combination 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 consume them is fresh, and they are best enjoyed under the tree, preserving their honey-like fragrance.

The Fig tree is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its original foliage gives it a somewhat exotic charm and provides a beautiful shaded space. 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 fruit-bearing pomegranate, white mulberry, and Japanese medlar. It can be associated with quince, five-leaf akebia, and trilobed pawpaw (Asimina triloba), which are also hardy and exotic. Consider its dimensions at maturity to determine the distance at which you will plant it. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can cause damage to dry stone walls or walls built with lean mortars, in the old-fashioned way. Finally, be aware that fig tree roots are capable of accessing water from quite a distance, so do not plant it near a septic tank or rainwater drainage system.