This fig has become one of my favorites. It has a strong berry flavor, it's early, hardy and beautiful. In fact, it's one of the best figs you can grow in a short season or cold climate.
Many growers report a significant amount of dropping of the main crop. Some believe it's a partial parthenocarpic issue or that the tree requires a few years to mature. The issue lies in the tree's hormones and form. Overly pruned, this variety will grow quickly and have a more difficult time fruiting successfully. Additionally, if the fruits are shaded on the branches by Pastiliere's large leaves or through improper training and bad form, the fruits will drop. The same phenomenon can occur in Celeste and St. Martin. These are easily learned skills that are well worth learning when cultivating fig trees. I've also mentioned them in detail on the blog.
So I think of this fig as a challenge. To really test yourself as a fig grower.
In the past I was curious to find out if the source of Pastiliere would make a difference in relation to how frequent the main crop drops. I'm sure some sources are more prone than others or require more or less sunlight. So far I haven't determined a superior source and probably won't for at least 3-5 years. In the meantime, I'm labelling them to include their source. This one comes from a commercial grower in Italy named Siro.
Whatever the case may be, after some years it eventually becomes one of the most hardiest, earliest, and most reliable figs you can grow. To top it off, it's also one of the most flavorful. In fact, Paolo Belloni has said that if he had to choose one fig, this would be it. This particular source of Pastiliere is originally from an Italian grower named Siro. I haven't noted any dropping from it yet.
Pastiliere (Siro) Fig Tree
Why choosing the right fig variety matters
Choosing the right fig variety can make all the difference in so many positive or even negative ways. A variety that is well suited to your climate and taste preferences will ensure that your getting the fig experience that you deserve.
It's heartbreaking when you put years of work into a tree to finally realize that it's just not suited to your location because it will rarely produce high quality figs and in some cases, may never produce fruit that's even edible!
Fig varieties are very location specific because they're so highly subjected to their environment while they're ripening. Unlike many other fruits, the fig can be destroyed in its final ripening stage. It's a soft fruit that can absorb water into its skin causing cracking, splitting, mold & fermentation all because the inside of the fruit gets exposed to the outside elements of nature.
An apple has a hard covering. A persimmon has a hard covering. Berries and other soft fleshed fruits are also susceptible to bad weather conditions, but they have a short window of time in which they're soft and ready to be picked. Figs can be soft hanging on the tree for 5, 10 or even 15 days!
How to choose the right fig variety for your climate
When choosing a fig variety, it's important to consider the climate in your area during the winter, summer and fall.
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Some fig varieties are more tolerant of cold weather and others can be grown in climates that have mild summers because of their reliable breba production or their early main crop harvest period.
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Others are better suited for humid climates because they don't need to hang as long on the tree and they have a skin that acts like a waterproof jacket. The water just slides right off.
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Others are better suited to warmer climates and have the ability to taste incredible even in 100-110F temperatures.
If you want fig variety recommendations, read through the description of each fig variety carefully, or better yet, don't be afraid to contact me. In your message, include your growing zone, location, annual rainfall, and how you want to grow them.
To read more about choosing the right fig variety, click here:
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