Fig Tree Violette Dauphine - Ficus carica

The 'Violette Dauphine' Fig Tree, also known as Boule d'Or or Rouge d'Argenteuil or Grise de Tarascon, is a very hardy, vigorous, fast-growing and self-fertile variety. This Fig Tree bears fruit twice a year, once in July and again in September-October. The large fruits have a purple skin, juicy bright pink flesh, and a sweet and fragrant flavour. They can be enjoyed fresh, cooked in recipes, or dried. The medium-sized tree and unique foliage make the 'Violette Dauphine' Fig Tree a highly decorative and charming bush. Plant it in the autumn-winter, avoiding frost (or in spring for colder regions).

Originally from warm temperate regions, ranging from the Mediterranean to Central Asia, the Fig Tree belongs to the Moraceae family. It usually grows up to three to four metres tall and has a twisted trunk and a bushy habit. The deciduous leaves are rough and hairy, reaching up to 25cm (10in) in length, and are divided into three to seven lobes with variable shapes. The underside of the leaf is velvety and shows prominent veins. The stems, leaves, and fruits contain a white latex that can cause irritation. The wood has a smooth grey bark and is soft, spongy, and hollow. The spreading roots of the fig tree are powerful.

The 'Violette Dauphine' Fig Tree or Grise de Tarascon or Boule d'Or or Rouge d'Argenteuil bears an abundant crop of purple-skinned figs with bright pink flesh. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and fragrant, with few seeds. There are two types of fig varieties: unifere varieties that produce one abundant harvest per year, usually in early autumn, and bifere varieties that bear fruit twice a year. The figs appear as "fig-flowers" in summer on the previous year's branches and then develop normally in autumn on the current year's wood.

Among all the Fig Tree varieties, the 'Violette Dauphine' Fig Tree is a bifere variety. It bears an abundant crop of "fig-flowers" weighing approximately 100 to 120g in July, and figs weighing 50 to 80g in October-November. This staggered fruiting ensures a harvest of delicious figs throughout the season. The figs need to be picked multiple times to ensure they are fully ripe and can be enjoyed with maximum flavour. It is a self-fertile and parthenocarpic variety, meaning it can produce fruit without pollination. It does not require other fig trees or the intervention of the fig wasp, the only insect pollinator of the fig tree, which cannot survive in cold climates.

When fully ripened, figs can be enjoyed fresh, revealing their full flavour and succulence. They can also enhance sweet dishes such as tarts, clafoutis, and compotes, as well as savoury dishes in combination with goat cheese, cured ham, or foie gras. They also pair well with poultry or white meats. The delicate and pronounced flavour of figs can be enhanced with honey. They also complement sweet fruits such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, blueberries, and grapes. Among fruits for making jams, figs have a prominent place with their delicate and rich flavour.

Figs are rich in fibre and have laxative properties, while their seeds aid digestion. They are also rich in minerals, trace elements, and vitamin B. After harvesting, it is not recommended to store figs in the refrigerator as the skin can suffer from humidity and condensation, which could alter their flavours.

The Fig Tree is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its unique foliage adds an ornamental touch and provides a pleasant shaded area, especially during hot summer days. Plant the Fig Tree against a wall to protect it from cold during harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure. It can be planted alongside Pomegranate, White Mulberry, and Japanese Medlar in the southern regions of the country. In the northern regions, it can be associated with Quince, Akebia quinata, and Feijoa, which are also hardy and exotic. Consider the mature size of the tree when determining the planting distance. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern structures, they can harm dry stone walls or walls built with weak mortar, in the traditional manner.

It is important to choose the right variety based on the climate, garden size, and desired use of the fruits.