Fig Tree Goutte D'Or- Ficus carica

Ficus carica 'Goutte d'Or' is a self-fertile variety native to France, producing elongated fruits with golden yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It is quite compact, perfect for pot cultivation or small spaces. This variety is biferous, meaning it bears fruit twice a year, starting from late July and then again in mid-August. It is a deciduous, hardy tree that thrives in sunny conditions. Plant in autumn or winter when there is no risk of frost (or in spring for colder regions).

This variety produces elongated fruits with golden yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. Figs can be used in sweet dishes (pies, clafoutis, compotes, etc.) or savoury dishes when paired with goat's cheese or dry-cured ham. Figs also make delicious ice creams. 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 them is fresh to preserve their honey-like aroma.

Among the varieties of fig trees, there are:

- uniferous varieties, which produce an abundant single harvest each year, at the beginning of autumn.

- biferous varieties, which bear fruit twice a year. In early summer, they produce figs called 'flower figs' on the previous year's wood. In autumn, they bear figs on the current year's branches.

Ficus carica 'Goutte d'Or' is a biferous variety, bearing fruit from late July and then around mid-August. Harvesting should be done in stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, meaning it can produce fruit without fertilisation. 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.

Ficus carica originates from Turkey and Asia Minor. It belongs to the Moraceae family. It is a small, vigorous, deciduous tree with a rounded and upright habit, often with a twisted trunk. This variety reaches a height of 2 to 3m (7 to 10ft) and a width of 3 to 4m (10 to 13ft). The finely velvety leaves are bright green, turning yellow in autumn. They are relatively large (sometimes up to 20cm (8in) long), and have a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven crenate lobes (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. It is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its unique foliage gives it an ornamental aspect and provides a shaded space, which is very pleasant during the summer heat. Plant it by a wall with a south or southwest exposure that will protect it from the cold during harsh winters. In warmer regions, plant it alongside pomegranate, white mulberry, and Japanese medlar. In cooler regions, it can be planted with quince, Akebia quinata, and feijoa, which are also hardy and exotic. You should consider its adult size to determine the distance at which you will plant it. Although the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can damage dry-stone walls or walls made with weak mortars.