Fig Tree Kadota - Ficus carica

The Kadota Fig Tree is a self-fertile variety that produces yellow-green fruits with sweet and tasty white flesh. It is a biferous variety, meaning it bears fruit twice, in June-July and then in September-October. The Fig Tree is a deciduous, hardy tree that thrives in sunny conditions. Plant in autumn-winter, frost-free (or in spring for colder regions).

Originally from Turkey and Asia Minor, the Fig Tree (Ficus carica) belongs to the Moraceae family. It is a small, vigorous, rounded and erect tree, with a trunk often twisted, reaching 3 to 5 m (10 to 16ft) in all directions.

There are distinguishable unifera varieties, which produce one harvest per year, and bifera varieties, which bear fruit twice a year. The 'Kadota' Fig Tree is a bifera variety, producing:

- figs called 'flower figs' in June-July, appearing on the previous year's wood, quite fleshy (100 to 120g)

- autumn figs, round and slightly smaller, from mid-August to October depending on the region (70 to 80g)

The 'Kadota' variety is cold-resistant and parthenocarpic (fruits obtained without fertilisation), it does not require the intervention of the blastophagus, the only pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too sensitive to survive in cold climates, to bear fruit.

The figs are green and then turn golden at ripeness, pear-shaped and fleshy for the summer fig, more rounded for the autumn fig. The leaves are rough, dark 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 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 figs should be harvested multiple times, as they need to be picked as they ripen and consumed fairly quickly. Refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the flavours of the fig and the skin may suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to consume them is fresh from the tree, preserving their honey-like fragrance. Figs are also used in sweet dishes (pies, clafoutis, compotes etc.) or savory dishes in combination with goat cheese, dry-cured ham or foie gras.

The fig tree enchants with the beauty of its branches and the quality of its fruit. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful fruit trees. The dark green of its foliage, the shape and size of its leaves also make it a wonderful haven of freshness during the summer heat. Plant it against a wall to protect it from the cold during harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure, alongside the Pomegranate Tree, the White Mulberry, and the Japanese Medlar in the southern half of our country. In the north, 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 you will plant it. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can damage walls made of dry stones or weak mortars, in the old-fashioned way.