Ficus carica 'Panachée'

Description: Known as the Tiger Fig due to its unusual yellow striped fruits, 'Panachee' is an ancient variety mentioned as long ago as 1668. Excellent flavour and very good cold resistance. It is self-fertile and produces one crop of fruits in the autumn but the fruit requires a long warm season in order to ripen. Eat directly from the tree, dry, use in baking or make into a tasty jam.

The fig leaves are large and green with architectural quality.

Climate/Position: A sheltered South or South West wall is required to ensure fruit ripening.

Height/Spread: Train onto a wall for best effect.

Soil Requirements: Any soil which drains well.

Roots need to be restricted to enhance ability to produce fruit. Plant in large container or line planting hole with slabs or framework to restrict root growth.

Pruning: This will depend on position and shape require. Undertake pruning in June - pinch out new growth to 5 buds to increase fruiting. Thinning of the crop may be needed to ensure remaining fruit reach a good size. After winter remove any dead shoots and ensure trained to a frame.

Special Requirements:

The foliage and sap of Ficus is harmful if eaten and may irritate the skin and eyes.

The tiny flowers of the fig are out of sight, clustered inside the green "fruits", technically a synconium. In the case of the common fig the flowers are all female and need no pollination. The common fig bears a first crop, called the breba crop, in the spring on last season's growth. The second crop is borne in late summer on the new growth and is known as the main crop. In cold climates the breba crop is often destroyed by spring frosts. 'Panachée' produces only one crop in late summer.