Fig Tree (Ficus carica) PASTILIÉRE

Excellent, very early ripening frost-resistant fig tree variety with beautiful fruits and amazing taste. Since it only bears fruit once from August, is resistant to spring frosts. The variety is particularly interesting because of its early and plentiful crop. A real Pastilière should have velvety felted leaves. This variety is currently particularly widespread in Provence.

Synonyms: Rouge de Bordeaux, Hirta du Japon, Hairy Japanese
Origin: this variety is very well known in France, but according to several sources it comes from Japan. In 1895, Simon-Louis Frères states that this fig tree was brought by a botanist named M. de Sieboldi during his expedition to Japan to study the flora between 1823 and 1830.
Vigour: weak, compact. Older trees are small in stature, reaching a height of 2 to 3 meters in the open ground, depending on pruning. They are ideal for small gardens and for growing in containers.
Blossom: parthenocarpic, forms fruits without pollination. This variety belongs to the group of parthenocarpic varieties that do not require the fig wasp Blastophaga psenes for pollination.
Fruits: are really beautiful, initially blue, later almost black, medium-sized, spherical, finely tomentose. The fruit diameter is 5 - 7 cm, the weight is 50 - 60 g. The peel is fine, the stem is red-violet, 1.5 - 3 cm long. The pulp is aromatic, juicy and has a pink to strawberry color. Contains very few seeds and is therefore suitable for confectionery. The taste is pleasant, slightly sweet with a honey texture. Figs are particularly suitable for fresh consumption.
Harvest season: the figs ripen abundantly from August to October. After harvesting, it is not advisable to store figs in the refrigerator, as this changes the fig aroma and the peel can suffer from moisture and condensation.
Disease resistance: in our conditions, sensitivity to fungal diseases or pests is not known
Frost resistance: up to -17°C

We should not plant young fig plants directly outdoors. Only after three years in the container with frost-free wintering are the trees stable enough to withstand stronger frosts. A sheltered, sunny location in the garden must also be chosen for frost-hardy varieties, which sufficiently protects the tree from cold northern winds. The soil should be rich in nutrients and well drained. It is advisable to provide winter protection, especially for younger trees. The root area can be protected with a thick layer of mulch made of leaves or straw.