This is a fig that Belfiore Nursery in Italy believes to be the original Dall'Oso depicted in Gallesio's drawing. I personally have no idea if that's true, but I value this variety for other reasons. It's a keeper with layered complex flavors. It also has a unique reddish-brown shaded pulp. In 2021, my in-ground tree is maturing and has become quite impressive. I am very much so looking forward to the fruits of this one to see the differences in quality compared to prior seasons.
End of 2021 update: The fig changed quite a bit from prior years. After planting it in the ground, the stem, neck, and shape are very different! Much more impressive now that it has an elongated shape. This fig is a good producer, early, rain resistant, and tastes good to boot. Among my best varieties for sure. I highly recommend it for a wide variety of climates and is 1 of 4 varieties Belfiore Nursery recommends for Northern Italy.
In 2024, Dall'Oso was once again quite elongated in shape. The few figs that ripened showed good rain resistance. In 2025, my tree will finally turn a corner producing many high-quality figs. I can't wait to evaluate it and see what other changes/traits can be observed.
Dall'Oso (Belfiore) Fig Cuttings - 3 Per Order
Why choosing the right fig variety matters
Choosing the right fig variety can make all the difference in so many positive or even negative ways. A variety that is well suited to your climate and taste preferences will ensure that your getting the fig experience that you deserve.
It's heartbreaking when you put years of work into a tree to finally realize that it's just not suited to your location because it will rarely produce high quality figs and in some cases, may never produce fruit that's even edible!
Fig varieties are very location specific because they're so highly subjected to their environment while they're ripening. Unlike many other fruits, the fig can be destroyed in its final ripening stage. It's a soft fruit that can absorb water into its skin causing cracking, splitting, mold & fermentation all because the inside of the fruit gets exposed to the outside elements of nature.
An apple has a hard covering. A persimmon has a hard covering. Berries and other soft fleshed fruits are also susceptible to bad weather conditions, but they have a short window of time in which they're soft and ready to be picked. Figs can be soft hanging on the tree for 5, 10 or even 15 days!
How to choose the right fig variety for your climate
When choosing a fig variety, it's important to consider the climate in your area during the winter, summer and fall.
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Some fig varieties are more tolerant of cold weather and others can be grown in climates that have mild summers because of their reliable breba production or their early main crop harvest period.
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Others are better suited for humid climates because they don't need to hang as long on the tree and they have a skin that acts like a waterproof jacket. The water just slides right off.
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Others are better suited to warmer climates and have the ability to taste incredible even in 100-110F temperatures.
If you want fig variety recommendations, read through the description of each fig variety carefully, or better yet, don't be afraid to contact me. In your message, include your growing zone, location, annual rainfall, and how you want to grow them.
To read more about choosing the right fig variety, click here:
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