Botanical Name: Ficus carica
Common Names: Dark Portuguese, Portuguese Dark, related to Madeira Fig
Dark Portuguese is a legendary heirloom variety known for its grit and gourmet flavour. It was brought to the world by Portuguese immigrants who prized it for its ability to handle cooler conditions while still pumping out top tier fruit. It is a fantastic choice for growers who want a reliable tree that does not sacrifice taste for toughness.
Features:
Ideal prune height range: 2-4m
pH growing conditions: 6.0 to 7.5
Shade or full sun: Full sun
Minimum pot year 5: 50L pot
Time to fruit age: 1-3 years
The fruit is medium sized with a stunning dark purple skin and a deep red, jammy centre. It has a rich berry sweetness that is perfect for eating fresh or making preserves. One of the best things about this tree is its growth habit. It grows into a graceful, balanced shape and does not sucker heavily, which means less work for you and a much tidier look in the garden.
Interesting Notes:
This variety is famous for its resilience. It handles cooler winters better than many other Mediterranean figs but still loves the heat of a Perth summer to ripen its crop. It is a great option for gardeners who want a manageable tree that is easy to maintain and consistent every year.
Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.
Keywords: Dark Portuguese fig, heirloom fig tree, rare fruit tree Perth, cold hardy fig, backyard fruit tree
Interesting notes about ancestry:
The Dark Portuguese and Black Madeira figs are essentially "come from the same legendary variety/strain known for their incredible jammy texture and rich berry flavour. While they might have different names based on which immigrant family brought them over, they share the exact same growth habits and premium fruit quality. These trees are famous for being slow and steady growers that love a hot Perth summer to develop their high sugar levels. When the fruit is fully ripe, the skin turns a beautiful dark purple that hides a deep red interior as thick as honey. Because they do not sucker heavily and maintain a graceful shape, they are a perfect choice for gardeners who want a tidy tree that produces the world's best tasting figs.