Ficus carica Précoce de Dalmatie

Ficus carica 'Précoce de Dalmatie', or Dalmatian Early Fig is a variety that produces fruits with green-yellow skin and sweet, tasty red flesh. This variety is very cold-resistant and adapted to more humid regions. Its small size allows it to be grown in a pot. It is self-fertile and bears fruit twice, starting from early July and then towards the end of August. It is a deciduous, hardy tree that enjoys a sunny exposure. Plant 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. It is a small, vigorous, deciduous tree with a rounded and erect habit, often with a twisted trunk. The leaves are rough, bright green turning yellow in autumn, finely velvety, relatively large (sometimes 20cm (8in) long) and with a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven lobes with serrated edges (most often five), of variable shape, with a velvety underside and prominent veins. The wood is soft and spongy, the bark grey and smooth. The root system of this small tree is powerful, spreading in all directions.

 Among fig tree varieties, we can distinguish:

- unifere varieties, producing an abundant single harvest per year at the beginning of autumn

- bifere varieties, like the Dalmatian Early variety, bearing fruit twice a year, producing figs called 'flower figs' in early summer on the wood of the previous year, and autumn figs, developing on the branches of the current year.

Harvesting is in several stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, allowing fruiting without fertilisation. It does not require other fig trees and does not need the intervention of blastophagus, the only insect pollinator of the fig tree, which is too delicate to survive in cold climates.

Figs are used in the preparation of sweet dishes (pies, clafoutis, compotes) or savoury dishes combined with goat cheese, or dry-cured ham. After harvest, refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the flavour of the fig and the skin may suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to consume them is fresh, and to enjoy them 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 shady space, which is pleasant during summer heatwaves. Plant it sheltered by a wall that will protect it from cold during harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure, alongside Pomegranate, White Mulberry and Japanese Medlar in warm climates. In colder regions, it can be planted with quince trees, Akebia quinata, and Feijoa, which are also hardy and exotic. Consider its dimensions at maturity to determine the distance at which you will plant it. Even if the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can damage dry stone walls or those made with weak mortars.