Fig Tree Grise De Tarascon - Ficus carica

Ficus carica Grise de Tarascon (also known as Rouge d'Argenteuil, Boule d'Or, Adam, Grosse de Juillet) is a vigorous, self-fertile variety of fig tree, known for the abundance, size, and excellent flavour of its figs in July, which are recognizable by their almost grey skin. The late summer production, although equally abundant, consists of much smaller figs, dark brown in colour, sweet but less flavourful. The sought-after fig flowers are destroyed by frost, so this variety is preferably grown in the South of France, where late frosts are exceptional.

The Grise de Tarascon fig tree has a spreading habit, wider than it is tall, easily reaching a height of 4 metres (13 feet) with a spread of 6 metres (20 feet) (up to 5 metres (16 feet) by 7 metres (23 feet)). This variety has the unique characteristic of producing as many figs in June-July as autumn figs in September-October, in favourable climates. The fig, of very large size and grey-purple colour, can weigh up to 150 grams, while the autumn fig, much smaller and dark brown in colour, weighs 60 to 80 grams. The flesh of the fig, pink in colour, is renowned for its sweet flavour and almost syrupy texture. The autumn fig remains sweet, but its taste is less delicate.

Figs are used in sweet dishes (pies, clafoutis, compotes...) or savoury dishes in combination with goat cheese, dry-cured ham, or foie gras. After harvest, refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the fig's aroma and can cause the skin to suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to enjoy them is freshly picked and eaten, preferably under the tree, to fully savor their honey-like fragrance. The harvest should be done in several stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, allowing fruit to be obtained without pollination. It does not require other fig trees and does not rely on the intervention of the fig wasp, the only pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too sensitive to survive in cold climates.

Among the varieties of fig trees, there are:

- Unifere varieties, which produce a single harvest per year, quite abundant, at the beginning of autumn.

- Bifere varieties like Grise de Tarascon, which bear fruit 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.

Native to Turkey and Asia Minor, the Fig tree (Ficus carica) belongs to the Moraceae family. It is a deciduous small tree with a often twisted trunk of a greyish colour. The leaves are rough, bright green turning yellow in autumn, finely velvety, relatively large (sometimes 20 cm (8in) long), and have a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven crenate lobes (usually 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.

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 the 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, the White Mulberry, and the Japanese Medlar in warmer regions. In cooler regions, it can be associated with the Quince tree, the Akebia quinata, and the Feijoa, which are also hardy and exotic. Take into account its dimensions when fully grown to determine the distance at which to plant it. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can cause damage to dry stone walls or walls built with weak mortars, in the old-fashioned way.