Fig Tree (Ficus carica) BRUNSWICK

Common Fig - Variety 'Brunswick'

'Brunswick' is a legendary large-fruited variety that has won the hearts of growers worldwide with its reliability and large summer fruits. It is a true master of disguise – its leaves are so deeply and finely lobed that the small tree resembles an ornamental Japanese maple rather than a fruit tree. Thanks to its naturally compact nature and high cold hardiness, it is the absolute number one for growing in pots on terraces, as well as a luxurious visual element in smaller gardens.

Common Fig (Ficus carica) 'Brunswick'

This is an old variety of unclear origin, which, however, became extremely popular in England and subsequently throughout Europe as early as the 18th century. The reason was its ability to ripen reliably even in cooler climates. It is also known by the synonyms Magnolia, Castle Kennedy, or Braunschweig.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Large summer fruits: The summer crop (Breba) produces fruits weighing up to 120 g.
• Excellent taste: Honey sweetness enriched with subtle notes of berries.
• Compact growth: Lower and wider habit, ideal for terraces and pots.
• High ornamental value: The extremely deeply lobed leaves look very exotic.
• Good cold hardiness: Mature wood reliably withstands frosts down to -15 °C.
• Self-fertility: The variety is parthenocarpic and highly resistant to diseases.

Detailed variety description: Plant

• Growth and habit: Naturally compact and lower, but relatively wide. In the open ground, it grows to a height of about 2.5 to 3 meters and can reach a width of up to 3.5 meters. It tolerates spring pruning and shaping very well.
• Leaves (High ornamental value): The leaves are extremely deeply lobed (cut), making them look very exotic and elegant. The variety is highly popular among landscape architects for this appearance.

Fruits and flavor profile

• Appearance and shape: The fruits are medium to very large, with a typical elongated pear shape.
• Color and skin: It has an attractive green-yellow base color, which is covered with a purple to brownish blush (striping) on the sunny side.
• Flesh and texture: It is light yellow, amber to light brown. At full, perfect ripeness, the center of the flesh acquires attractive reddish shades. It is extremely juicy.
• Taste and aroma: The taste is excellent, honey-sweet, enriched with very fine, delicious notes of berries. The fruits are great for fresh consumption and for making jams.

Growing characteristics and agrotechnics

• Ripening and yield:
  • 1st crop (Summer / Breba): Ripens from mid-July on last year's wood. The fruits are very large (100 – 120 g). In our conditions, this crop is the most reliable.
  • 2nd crop (Main autumn): Ripens from late August to September on new shoots. The fruits are smaller (approx. 80 g) but very concentrated in flavor. It needs a long and hot summer to ripen fully.
• Pollination and requirements:
  • Pollination and location: The variety is parthenocarpic (self-fertile). It requires full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Cold hardiness and planting: Reliable (USDA zones 7-9, 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.
• Growing tip (Ideal for containers): Thanks to its compact shape, 'Brunswick' is the absolute number one for container growing. In cooler areas, grow it in a larger pot on a sunny terrace, and in winter, after the leaves fall, simply move it to a frost-free cellar or garage.

Disadvantages of the variety:

• Demanding autumn crop: The autumn (main) crop requires a long and hot summer to ripen fully (in cooler areas, the grower relies mainly on the summer crop).
• Winter protection: Young plants require winter protection in the first years after planting in the open ground.