Ficus carica ‘Figues De Marseille’

‘Figues de Marseille’, sometimes sold as ‘White Marseilles’, is a French heritage fig known for its exquisite flavour. Medium-sized round fruits ripen with greenish-yellow to pale white skin and rose-pink flesh that’s small, sweet and rich. The fruits work fresh, dried or stewed.

Trees are vigorous, productive and self-fertile. Fruits ripen in late July and a second breba crop may follow in a hot summer. Reputedly favoured by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello.

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, sheltered from cold drying winds. Hardy to around minus 5 to minus 10, so give it a warm wall or a sheltered corner in colder gardens. Restrict the roots to encourage fruiting.

A proper heritage fig for a sunny garden wall, a kitchen garden, or a large container on a south-facing terrace.