Ficus carica Ice Crystal

The 'Ice Crystal' Fig Tree (Ficus carica) is a compact variety, perfect for container cultivation or small spaces. Its highly cut foliage is very decorative. This self-fertile variety produces fruits with dark red skin and slightly acidic flesh. It is a biferous variety, meaning it bears fruit twice a year, starting from early July and then towards the end of August. It is particularly well suited for cooler climates. The Fig Tree is a deciduous, hardy tree that thrives in sunny locations. Plant in autumn or winter, frost-free (or in spring for colder regions).

The 'Ice Crystal' Fig Tree produces fruits with dark red skin and slightly acidic flesh. Figs are used in sweet dishes (pies, clafoutis, compotes...) or savoury dishes when paired with goat cheese, dry-cured ham, or foie gras. After harvest, refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the fig's aroma and the skin may suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to enjoy figs is fresh, straight from the tree, which preserves their honey-like fragrance.

Among the varieties of Fig Trees, we distinguish:

- Uniferous varieties, which produce a single harvest per year, quite abundant, in early autumn

- Biferous varieties, which bear fruit twice a year, producing figs called 'flower figs' in early summer, appearing on the previous year's wood, and autumn figs, developing on the current year's branches.

The 'Ice Crystal' variety is a biferous, bearing fruit from early July and then towards the end of August. The harvest will be done multiple times, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, allowing fruit production without fertilization. It does not require other fig trees and does not rely on the blastophagus, the fig tree's sole pollinating insect, which is too sensitive to survive in cold climates.

Originating from Turkey and Asia Minor, the Fig Tree (Ficus carica) belongs to the Moraceae family. It is a small, vigorous deciduous tree with a rounded and erect habit, often having a twisted trunk, reaching up to 2m (6-7ft) in all directions for this variety. The leaves are rough, bright green turning yellow in autumn, finely velvety, relatively large (sometimes 20cm long), and with a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven crenate lobes (most often 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 Fig Tree is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its unique foliage gives it an ornamental aspect and provides a shaded area, which is very pleasant during summer heatwaves. Plant Fig Trees sheltered by a wall that will protect it from cold during harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure, alongside Pomegranate, White Mulberry, and Japanese Medlar in milder areas. In cooler climates, it can be associated with Quince, Fiveleaf Akebia, and Feijoa, which are also hardy and exotic. Take into account its dimensions at maturity to determine the distance at which you will plant it. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can cause damage to dry stone walls or walls built with weak mortars, in the old-fashioned way.