A temperate climate is suitable for the fig tree. The fig tree has been found for millennia in Arabia, Persia, Ethiopia, India…
Fossil plants have also been found in the quaternary tuffs of Fontainebleau, suggesting that the fig tree already existed when the first humans appeared. Successive variations in temperature and climate made it disappear in France.
You should know that most soils are conducive to fig tree cultivation. A calcareous soil is suitable, but deep and cool soil is better and more fertile. It is preferable to orient the fig tree to the south and protect it from the cold. The fig tree is found in France in the south of France, Brittany, the Atlantic coast, but also in Spain and North Africa.
The fig tree can also appear in the form of branched bushes or stocks. These bushes, if grown in pots or containers, can be protected from winter cold with peat on the stump. The branches do not withstand temperatures below -10 degrees. Thick plastic can help combat these negative temperatures. In case of frost (partial), the fig tree sprouts from the level of the stump, but the production of figs is inevitably affected.
REPRODUCTION
Fig tree reproduction can be done in several ways:
Air layering
Renovation
Cutting
Grafting
Air layering is done in spring with branches 1 to 2 years old. The middle part of the branch should be bent and buried. It is recommended to make an incision in this part covered with soil to promote and facilitate root emergence. It is also recommended to perform air layering in pots to protect the new, still fragile roots while waiting for final planting in the soil.
Multiplication by separation of renovations consists of separating from the stock a branch with roots. This practice is quite simple. The subject obtained regenerates renovations in turn.
The most effective grafting is the cleft grafting in May/June, which coincides with the sap flow, on a 2-year-old stock.
FRUITING
In warm climates, continuous vegetation accompanied by continuous fruiting is observed. Harvesting is done over time according to the ripeness of the fruits.
In France, the fig tree generally produces 2 harvests (spring/autumn). Spring figs are those of the past summer that have grown. The autumn harvest consists of figs born in spring (in the leaf axils). In reality, the fruits located in the lower half of the branches develop normally and ripen in autumn. The fruits of the tops remain as globular buttons called “flowered figs”. These figs ripen the following summer.
In fact, most varieties are self-fertile. The variant is the climate.
FIG TREE PRUNING
Fig tree pruning mainly refers to the bush:
in April, it is necessary to pinch the tips of the branches carrying the “flowered figs”
in June, it is necessary to remove the shoots that arise after this pinching operation, near the insertion point of the figs. (do not touch the 2 figs closest to the main trunk or beam).
finally, in November, it is necessary to remove the part that has borne fruit above the lowest of the 2 preserved shoots. This preserved part, in turn, will become a new fruit-bearing branch.
FIG TREE VARIETIES
There are different varieties of figs.
Those with light or white skin.
Others have the characteristic of being more numerous. These are green, black, or reddish-purple figs.
Therefore, we find:
“Blanca de Argenteuil” or “Madeleine fig” whose epidermis is white. Fruit maturity occurs in July and August.
“Violet Dauphine” with large violet fruits and pink flesh. They are juicy and sweet. The Violet Dauphine tree is described as hardy and fertile.
“Bordeaux Red” its name clearly indicates it, this variety is found in southwestern France. The figs are of good quality.
“Barbillonne” this fig is hardy and its epidermis is thinner than average.
“Bellone” is a vigorous and fertile tree. The skin of the fig is very dark.
“Marsellaise” this variety is grown in the Mediterranean area, especially around Marseille.
In general, figs are harvested from May to mid-November depending on the varieties and the climate.
