Figs - Part 2: From Nordic Hardiness to French Charm

Do you dream of your own harvest of sweet figs, straight from your garden or balcony? We're continuing our series with an overview of four more exceptional and proven varieties that differ in taste, color, fruit size, and growing method.

All four varieties are from the MP edition, which means I have personally tested them at home, with family, or with friends and acquaintances.

Quick Overview: One or Two Crops a Year?

  • Once-bearing figs: Produce one main crop on the current year's growth, usually from late summer to autumn. They are reliable and often less demanding to overwinter.
  • Twice-bearing figs (or "bifère"): Produce two crops. The first, the spring crop (called breba), ripens on last year's wood. The second, main crop, ripens on new shoots.

Introducing 4 Proven Varieties

1. Bornholm's Diamond – "The Nordic Jewel"

This "Nordic jewel" from the Danish island of Bornholm is a guarantee of exceptional cold hardiness. It is a champion for growers in more northern and marginal areas.

  • Crop Type: Twice-bearing (mid-July and from mid-August).
  • Growth Habit: Weak to moderate, very compact and bushy (height 2-2.5 m).
  • Fruits: Medium-sized (40-60 g), round-oval, green-yellow with a bronze hue.
  • Flesh: Light amber to pale pink, with a delicious sweet, honey-like flavor.
  • Frost Hardiness: down to -18°C (some sources claim even more).
  • Conclusion: An ideal hardy choice for pots and for planting in the ground.

2. Brunswick – The Giant with Decorative Leaves

A very old European variety, known for its enormous fruits from the first, summer crop and its deeply lobed leaves. Better suited for planting in the ground.

  • Crop Type: Twice-bearing (mid-July and from late August).
  • Growth Habit: Vigorous and spreading, height 2.5-3 m.
  • Fruits: The summer crop (breba) is very large (100-120 g), asymmetrical, yellow-green with a violet blush.
  • Flesh: Amber to pinkish, pleasantly sweet and juicy.
  • Frost Hardiness: down to -15°C.
  • Conclusion: A great choice for those who crave gigantic summer figs.

3. Longue d'Août – The Reliable "Long August"

This excellent French variety combines great frost hardiness, high productivity, and a top-tier taste. One of the best varieties for our climate.

  • Crop Type: Twice-bearing (July and from late August).
  • Growth Habit: Vigorous and upright, height 2.5-3 m.
  • Fruits: Large and elongated. Summer fruits weigh 120-180 g, autumn fruits 60-80 g.
  • Flesh: Deep strawberry red, dense and jammy. The taste is considered top-notch—very sweet, rich, with fruity notes.
  • Frost Hardiness: down to -17°C.
  • Conclusion: A versatile and highly productive variety for planting in the ground.

4. Pastilière – A Gourmet Experience for Pots

Another gourmet variety from France, prized for its phenomenal, complex flavor and naturally compact growth. A fig for true connoisseurs.

  • Crop Type: Once-bearing (from mid-August).
  • Growth Habit: Weak to moderately vigorous, compact, height 2.5-3 m.
  • Fruits: Medium-sized (40-60 g), flattened, dark purple to black.
  • Flesh: Beautifully deep red, jammy. The taste is extremely rich, sweet, with notes of forest fruits, grapes, and a slight acidity.
  • Frost Hardiness: down to -17°C.
  • Conclusion: The absolute ideal choice for growing in pots.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

Whether you are looking for the Nordic hardiness of Bornholm's Diamond, the giant summer fruits of Brunswick, the reliable and tasty harvest of Longue d'Août, or the gourmet experience of Pastilière, each of these figs offers a unique experience.

Consider your available space, climate conditions, and taste preferences, and choose the fig tree that will best suit you.

Which of these varieties caught your eye the most? Let us know in the comments!