Fig trees in Spain – a paradise for lovers of exotic fruits

Spain is a country whose climate is ideal for growing many exotic plants, including fig trees. The common fig tree (Ficus carica) is one of the most characteristic trees of southern Europe, providing locals with tasty and healthy fruit for centuries. If you are a Pole living in Spain, it is worth learning more about this remarkable tree and how to grow it.

Types of fig trees

There are many varieties of fig trees in the world, but the most common ones in Spain are:

• Ficus carica 'Black Mission' – a popular variety with dark fruit and an intense flavor.
• Ficus carica 'Kadota' – a green fig with a sweet, honey-like flavor.
• Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' – a hardy variety with brown fruit.
• Ficus carica 'Calabacita' – commonly grown in Andalusia, with small but very sweet fruit.

When does the fig tree bloom and bear fruit?

Fig trees are unique because their flowers are hidden inside the fruit. So we don’t see traditional flowers, and pollination occurs in a unique way, often involving special insects known as blastophages.

In Spain, fig trees bear fruit twice a year:

• First crop (brevas) – appears in early summer (June–July) on last year’s branches.
• Second crop (higos) – ripens in late summer and fall (August–October) on new growth.
• In warmer regions, such as Andalusia, fruit can be harvested as late as November.

Fig Tree Cultivation in Spain

Fig trees are hardy and low-maintenance. Here are a few key tips for growing them:

• Location – they grow best in full sun, in a warm and dry climate.
• Soil – well-drained, slightly alkaline, and dry.
• Watering – Mature trees tolerate drought well, but young plants require regular watering.
• Pruning – in early spring, you can remove dry or unwanted branches to encourage new growth.

Fun Facts About Figs

• The fig tree is one of the oldest trees cultivated by humans—its fruit was already being eaten over 9,000 years ago!
• Fresh figs are rich in fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, and calcium.
• In Greek mythology, the fig was considered a gift from the gods, and in ancient Rome, important political decisions were made under fig trees.

Uses of figs

Figs have a wide range of uses both in the kitchen and in the food industry. Fresh figs are perfect as a snack on their own or as an addition to salads, cheeses, and desserts. Dried figs are a popular ingredient in baked goods, energy bars, and muesli. Figs are also used to make jams and preserves, and in Spain, figs macerated in brandy are a popular delicacy. Additionally, figs are used in the production of liqueurs, and their leaves are sometimes used as an aromatic addition to dishes. Thanks to their high fiber and antioxidant content, figs are also valued in nutrition and natural medicine.