Fig Tree (Ficus carica) TENA

Common Fig - Variety 'Tena'

'Tena' is the result of the prestigious breeding program at the University of California and represents the absolute pinnacle among yellow-fruited fig varieties. This modern fig was created with a clear goal: to bring growers fruits that are not only extremely sweet but, above all, highly resistant to bad weather. If you are looking for a vital tree that can easily handle a wetter summer without the fruits cracking, while treating you to the taste of true Californian sunshine, 'Tena' is the ideal choice for you.

Common Fig (Ficus carica) 'Tena'

This is a triumph of modern pomology from the USA (University of California, Riverside). The legendary experts Dr. Ira Condit and Dr. William Storey are behind the creation of this exceptional cultivar, introducing it to the market in 1975 after years of precise research. It is also known by the synonym UC 143-36. Beware of confusion: In the horticultural world, this variety was mistakenly propagated and sold for years under the name 'White Marseilles'. However, the true 'Tena' is easily recognized by its leaves (it has 5 long lobes) and pinkish flesh.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Closed fruit eye: Perfect protection against insects and flesh fermentation in the rain.
• Resistance to cracking: High genetic resistance to fruit splitting in wet weather.
• Neat growth: Upright habit ensures easy pruning and comfortable harvesting.
• Double crop: Bears fruit twice a year (Bifère) with high productivity.
• Excellent taste: Mild, honey-sweet flavor with the ability of fruits to dry directly on the tree.
• Easy propagation: Cuttings root extremely easily and quickly.

Detailed variety description: Plant

• Growth and habit: Strong, vital, and naturally upright. In the open ground, it reaches a height of 3 – 4 meters. Thanks to its neat growth, it is very easy to maintain at the desired dimensions by pruning.
• Leaves: They are very characteristic – deeply lobed, consisting of five long lobes (resembling long fingers).
• Propagation: The variety is known for its cuttings rooting extremely easily and quickly.

Fruits and flavor profile

• 1st crop (Summer / Breba): Ripens during July on last year's wood. The fruits are medium-sized (approx. 50 g) with a broadly rounded shape. The juicy amber flesh excels with a fine texture and high levels of natural sugars.
• 2nd crop (Main autumn): An extremely rich wave begins in late August and continues until October on new shoots. The fruits are smaller (40 – 45 g). The thin skin is light green to bright yellow, and the eye of the fruit is tinted red. The light pink to beige-amber flesh has a thick honey consistency. The taste is medium sweet, very mild.
• Specificity: On hot days, the fruits have the unique ability to start drying naturally right on the tree, which intensifies their flavor even more.

Growing characteristics and agrotechnics

• Pollination: The variety is parthenocarpic (self-fertile) and belongs to the Adriatic botanical group. Fruits develop without the need for pollination by the fig wasp.
• Resistance and requirements:
  • Closed eye (Huge advantage): Thanks to this anatomical barrier, neither moisture nor insects penetrate the fruit during rains. This guarantees a clean harvest with no tendency for the flesh to sour.
  • Resistance to cracking: It is valued worldwide for its high resistance to fruit splitting, making it a favorite for areas with wetter summers.
  • Cold hardiness and planting: Very good (down to -15 °C). Plant 2 to 3-year-old trees in the open ground. In cooler locations, protect the trunk and crown with fleece until the trunk reaches a thickness of 6 – 7 cm.

Disadvantages of the variety:

• Smaller fruits: Especially in the autumn crop, they reach a weight of only 40-45 g.
• Milder taste: The flavor is rather delicate and honey-like (mild), lacking the distinct berry notes sought after by some gourmets.
• Winter protection: Young plants require winter protection in the first years after planting in the open ground.