Fig Tree (Ficus carica) TENA

American, yellow-fruited, very productive, cold-resistant fig tree variety. Bears fruit twice a year. Figs are characterized by high sugar content and high resistance to cracking and rotting.

Origin: one of the varieties from Dr. Ira Condit, which emerged from the University of California (UC Davis) , Riverside breeding program and was selected for its resistance to cracking. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. William Storey was improved by hybridization in 1975.

Vigour: strong, upright. Older trees reach a height of 3 - 5 m outdoors, depending on pruning.
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: medium-sized, broadly rounded. Figs from the first harvest have an average weight of 50 g, autumn figs are slightly smaller, 40 - 45 g. The skin is thin, green-yellow to yellow, the flesh is pink to amber-yellow, aromatic and pleasantly sweet. Figs are suitable for fresh consumption, drying and processing. In some climates, figs can dry out on the tree.
Harvest season: highly productive variety. The first harvest is slightly smaller, the second main harvest begins at the end of August and lasts until October if the weather is favorable.
Disease resistance: in our conditions, sensitivity to fungal diseases or pests is not known
Frost resistance: although Tena prefers hot and dry climates, it adapts wherever winter temperatures do not regularly fall below -15°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.