Fig Tree (Ficus carica) RONDE DE BORDEAUX

Common Fig - Variety 'Ronde de Bordeaux'

'Ronde de Bordeaux' is rightfully considered one of the absolute best and most reliable fig varieties for the Central European climate. This French classic perfectly combines aesthetic elegance with unprecedented winter hardiness. If you are looking for a fig tree that will never disappoint you and will bring a rich harvest of small, dark purple gems with an explosive forest fruit flavor, 'Ronde de Bordeaux' is the number one choice.

Common Fig (Ficus carica) 'Ronde de Bordeaux'

This ancient variety originates from France, specifically from the famous wine-growing region of Bordeaux (Aquitaine region). It is also known by the synonyms RdB or Round of Bordeaux. Its centuries-old presence in this region testifies to its extraordinary ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions. It has become a firm pillar for growers across Europe, mainly due to its enormous vitality and ability to regenerate extremely quickly after any winter fluctuations.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Top cold hardiness: Mature wood can withstand frosts down to -17 °C and the tree regenerates extremely quickly.
• Very early ripening: The main crop ripens as early as August, which is ideal for cooler regions.
• Fantastic taste: Concentrated, sweet flavor reminiscent of blackberry jam.
• Reliable yield: The variety is self-fertile and produces a rich harvest.
• Excellent health: The tree is extremely healthy, strong, and overall very vigorous.

Detailed variety description: Plant

• Growth and habit: The tree is strong, vital, and very energetic. In the open ground, it typically reaches a height of 3.5 – 4 meters, and under optimal conditions, it can form an even more massive habit.
• Shaping and ornamental value: Forms a dense, richly foliated, and highly decorative bush or tree. It tolerates spring thinning pruning very well, which helps keep its vigorous growth under control.

Fruits and flavor profile

• Appearance and size: The fruits are small to medium-sized, weighing 35 – 45 g. As the name suggests (Ronde = round), they have a perfectly round shape.
• Color and skin: The skin is thin and has a captivating dark purple to blue-black color, covered with a fine, attractive waxy bloom.
• Flesh and texture: The dark red flesh is extremely dense, with a wonderful "jammy" consistency.
• Taste and aroma: The taste is very concentrated and distinctly sweet. It excels with fantastic, refreshing notes of dark berries, where nuances of blackberries and currants clearly dominate.

Growing characteristics and agrotechnics

• Ripening and yield:
  • Fruiting type: Belongs to the Unifère type, meaning it bears fruit only once a year (does not produce a summer breba crop). It puts all its strength into one main autumn wave of harvest on new shoots.
  • Harvest time (Key advantage): Ripens from early August to September. It is one of the earliest ripening main crops ever. This guarantees that the entire rich fruit set will safely ripen in full quality before the arrival of the first winter frosts, even in cooler foothill locations.
• Pollination and resistance:
  • 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.
  • Cold hardiness and planting: One of the most cold-hardy varieties (down to -17 °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.
  • Health: The variety is extremely healthy, strong, and resistant to wood or leaf diseases, and does not suffer from common pests.

Disadvantages of the variety:

• No summer crop: Bears fruit only once a year (Unifère type) – lacks the early summer (breba) crop.
• Smaller fruits: The fruits are smaller (35 – 45 g) compared to other popular varieties.
• Space requirements: Vigorous and strong growth requires plenty of space in the garden or regular thinning pruning.