Fig tree Grise de Saint Jean - Ficus carica

Ficus carica 'Grise de Saint Jean', which is also sometimes called 'Grisette', is a vigorous and productive variety, producing very large rounded fruits with thin grey skin striated with violet. It reveals fragrant light brown flesh. It is a biferous variety, meaning it bears fruit twice a year, starting in early July and then towards the end of August. This variety is self-fertile. It is particularly suited for warm regions. It is a deciduous tree that thrives in sunny exposures. Plant this hardy fig tree in autumn/winter, when there is no risk of frost (or in the spring for colder regions).

Among the varieties of fig trees, there are :

- uniferous varieties, which produce an abundant single harvest each year, at the beginning of autumn

- biferous varieties, which bear fruit twice a year. In early summer, they produce figs called 'flower figs' on the previous year's wood. In autumn, they bear figs on the current year's branches.

Ficus carica 'Grise de Saint Jean' is a biferous variety, bearing fruit from early July and then towards the end of August. The harvest takes place in several stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, which means it can produce fruit without fertilisation. It does not require other fig trees and does not rely on the blastophagus, the only pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too cold-sensitive to survive in a cold climate.

Figs can be used in sweet dishes (pies, clafoutis, compotes, etc.) or savoury dishes when paired with goat's cheese or dry-cured ham. Figs also make delicious ice creams. Refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the fig's aroma and the skin may suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to enjoy them is fresh to preserve their honey-like aroma.

Ficus carica originates from Turkey and Asia Minor. It belongs to the Moraceae family. It is a small, vigorous, deciduous tree with a rounded and erect habit, often with a twisted trunk, reaching 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft) in all directions. The finely velvety leaves are bright green, turning yellow in autumn. They are relatively large (sometimes up to 20cm (8in) long), and have a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven crenate lobes (often five) of variable shape, with a velvety underside and prominent veins. The wood is soft and spongy, the bark is grey and smooth. The root system of this small tree is powerful, spreading in all directions. 

It is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its unique foliage gives it an ornamental aspect and offers pleasant shade during the summer heat. Plant it by a wall with a south or southwest exposure that will protect it from the cold during harsh winters. In warmer regions, it can be planted alongside pomegranate, white mulberry, and Japanese medlar. In cooler regions, it can be planted with quince, feijoa, and a chocolate vine, which are also hardy and exotic. You should consider its adult size to determine the distance at which you will plant it. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can damage dry-stone walls or walls made with weak mortars.