This source of Verdino del Nord is called Zigalino. So far I don't think it's any different than Figoin or Verdino del Nord (VR).
Verdino del Nord, also known as Figoin, is particularly suited for humid climates. It's an early to mid-season variety with exceptional productivity and an impressive berry flavor. Although small in size, the figs from this variety tend to grow larger as the tree ages and have the highly beneficial characteristic of drying easily on the tree. Not only that, but its short hang time allows for an almost perfectly ripened fig just about every time. Even through difficult rainy periods.
Like Celeste and Smith, it has an incredible skin quality that helps it resist water absorption into its skin preventing fermentation and mold. Its high brix (sugar content) further enhances its resistance to negative elements, making it one of the best fig varieties you can grow during these periods.
If you divide the figs in this article into two categories, you’ll have fig varieties that can be picked at a high quality before the rain and high humidity and fig varieties that maintain a high quality withstanding periods of rain and high humidity. There are very few figs that can withstand as much moisture as this one can.
The flavor of Verdino del Nord is among the best. It has an intense raspberry berry flavor that rivals some of the best-tasting figs like Smith and Coll de Dama. The variety is known for its dark red, ruby-like appearance, jammy texture, and dense berry flavor, making it an exceptional eating experience. Its small size is considered an advantage in humid climates as it’s easier for water to evaporate out of the fig and the flavor to concentrate.
Verdino del Nord's widespread popularity and multiple synonyms across the world are a testament to its quality. Known variously as Figoin, Verdino del Nord, Zigalino, Secalino, and many other names, this variety's broad distribution indicates its historical and contemporary value across Northern Italy. Hopefully, more to come on that as I learn more about this special variety.
One of the tree's unique characteristics is its high density of figs that form close together. The tree produces many smaller leaves leading to more nodes and more fruits. It even has a strange ability to produce two or three leaves at a location that would be one single leaf on other fig varieties.
I want to stress that it does take a few years before this fig matures. It only gets better with age year after year and in the beginning, it can be poor in quality. The establishment is a bit more time-consuming because of this tree’s natural dwarf habit.
Verdino del Nord (Zigalino) Fig Tree
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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Q: Do all fig varieties taste the same?
A: No, not all fig varieties taste the same. Does a Gala apple taste the same as a Granny Smith apple? Like apples and every other fruit, each fig variety has different flavors and textures.
Some figs are sweeter and juicier, while others are more acidic and taste like berries. Others taste like honey straight from the jar while some have the texture of jam, meat, or even cake! Yes, you read that right.
Q: Why do some fig varieties have different flavors, textures, shapes, colors, and sizes?
A: Fig varieties have different shapes, colors, and sizes because of their genetics. Just like us, our characteristics are largely determined by our genetics given to us by our parents.
We are also evolving, mutating, and changing constantly! Even if you can't see it, plants and fig trees are no different. They have evolved to adapt to different climates and conditions.
Take the Panache fig aka the Tiger fig for example. It's got stripes! This is what's called a rimada fig, which occurred from a chimera mutation. A single branch of a fig tree mutated and started to display different growing characteristics, variegated wood, and variegated figs.
Q: How big do fig trees get?
A: In the perfect scenario, fig trees can grow up to 40-70 feet. They can grow to be quite large and they typically grow quickly, but their size can be easily controlled through proper pruning. I recommend reading my detailed article on pruning and training. That way your fig tree can be maintained easily at 6-12 ft tall and wide.
Q: Are fig trees better in pots or ground?
A: Both methods have their pros and cons. Potted fig trees can be easier to manage in terms of size, as the pot restricts the root growth which, in turn, controls the size of the tree. Moreover, pots allow for greater control over soil conditions and make it easier to move the tree indoors during colder months in temperate climates. However, fig trees in the ground can become larger and more productive, given they have more space to grow and access to nutrients. This decision largely depends on your available space, climate, and personal preference.
Q: What not to plant with fig trees?
A: Fig trees have a wide, shallow root system that competes for nutrients and water. Therefore, it's generally best to avoid planting other trees or large shrubs nearby that would compete for the same resources. Remove any other competition like weeds and grasses where possible.
Q: Do you need two fig trees to get fruit?
A: No, you do not need two fig trees to get fruit. Fig trees are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit on their own without needing another tree for pollination. However, certain fig varieties that are classified as San Pedro or Symrna, can benefit from a specific wasp species for pollination.
Q: Can you grow a fig tree indoors?
A: Yes, fig trees can be grown indoors, providing fresh fruit and ornamental beauty to your home, but if given the option, don’t be afraid to move your fig tree outdoors for the spring, summer & fall.
Fig trees do require adequate sunlight, water, and proper care to thrive indoors. Miss any one of these crucial pieces to the puzzle and your tree will struggle or die like any other houseplant.
Q: How long for a fig tree to bear fruit?
A: Fig trees can bear their first fruits in only 6 months. The exact timing depends on the variety, conditions, and location. In their first year when your fig tree is grown from cutting, it’s likely that your tree will ripen its first fruits during that first growing season.
In terms of full fruit production, fig trees typically start bearing heavily within 3-5 years of planting.