Fig Tree Sultane - Ficus carica

Ficus carica 'Sultane' is an old self-fertile variety of fig tree that is very hardy and adaptable. It can be grown in many regions, except for extremely cold areas. The tree is vigorous and self-fertile. It can produce two harvests per year, first in July and again in September-October, if the first harvest is not destroyed by late frosts. Its purple figs have sweet, juicy, and aromatic flesh. The fruit is resistant to bursting and humidity, making it particularly appreciated in cooking.

'Sultane' forms a spreading tree that can easily reach a height of 5m (16ft) with a spread of 4m (13ft). This variety first produces fig flowers that can be harvested in early July, in favourable climates. The fruit is then elongated, dark purple to almost black in colour, and weighs up to 60 grams. The autumn fig, on the other hand, ripens in September-October. It is rounder, more bluish in colour, and weighs only 45 grams. This harvest, however, is more abundant than the first. 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.

The harvest is done in several stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, allowing the fruits to develop without pollination. It does not require other fig trees and does not rely on the blastophagus, the only fig-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 erect habit, often with a twisted trunk, reaching 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft) in all directions. 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 offers pleasant shade 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, it can be planted alongside pomegranate, white mulberry, and Japanese medlar. In cooler regions, it can be planted with quince, feijoa, and a chocolate vine, 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.