Named for its striking stripes, the variegated Panache Tiger fig is a fun cousin of the more common Black Mission fig. It’s easy to grow, highly productive, and is sure to make your garden stand out!
If you’re looking to diversify your fall fruit crop, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn all about the Panache Tiger fig and how to enjoy this delicious fruit.
Looking to buy a Panache Tiger fig tree? Check availability.
Characteristics of The Panache Tiger Fig
Appearance
If you cross a watermelon with common fig, you will probably get a fruit that resembles the Panache Tiger fig.
Also called by their Italian name, Bizzarria di Sori (and bizarre is right!), their skin is striated green and yellow, with bright reddish pink fruit inside.
The figs are medium-sized and balloon-shaped, slightly different from the teardrop shape of other common fig varieties.
The tree can grow quite tall, up to twelve feet, with many fruiting branches. Contrasting nicely with the lime green of the figs, their leaves are large and dark green, fanning out from the branches.
Flavor
Again, like a watermelon, the meat of the Panache Tiger fig has a sweet crunch that’s a bit drier than the typical fig.
The flavor more closely mimics that of a berry than other figs’ usual mild honey-like taste. Panache Tiger figs have a heavier, syrupy taste like a raspberry.
These fig trees like the sun – so much so that the more sun they get, the sweeter the fruit will taste!
Fig Recipes
The sweet crunch of figs works well in many different dishes, sweet or savory.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, figs go great in desserts as a topping or sugar substitute. You can’t go wrong with fig cookies!
For a tasty, seasonal twist on the classic pineapple pizza combo, try this recipe for fig pizza!
Because the Panache Tiger figs are so well suited for fresh eating, why not try them in a salad?
Preserving Your Figs
Another way to enjoy your figs and improve their longevity is to preserve them. There are various ways to preserve figs: dry, can, freeze, jam, or pickle!
Figs have a small window to harvest and an even smaller window to eat. Once you pick them, they won’t continue to ripen either.
If you find yourself with a big crop of ripe figs you won’t be able to eat in time (no matter how much you want to), consider preserving them!
Health Benefits of Figs
Figs are a great source of fiber, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants.
Fiber helps to keep your digestion regular, calcium maintains bone strength, potassium regulates cell health, and antioxidants help to delay or prevent cell damage.
Because of their natural sweetness, they can be used as a sweetener or added to desserts instead of less nutritious candies and treats.
They’re fat- and cholesterol-free, making them a heart-healthy snack!
Fair warning: though they’re often an easier option, dried figs contain higher sugar concentrations than fresh ones!
Panache Tiger Fig Growing Guide
Planting Tips
Panache Tiger figs are vigorous growers and high producers!
Under ideal conditions, your fig trees can reach up to twelve feet tall and wide. However, pruning lets you easily control the size of your fig trees. You can even grow them in pots if you prune them regularly.
If you want to transplant your fig trees into direct soil, plant them in a hole as deep as the roots and twice as wide.
Make sure to give them lots of space to let your fig grow to its full potential. You’ll need to plant them approximately twelve feet away from other plants and structures.
They flourish in full, direct sunshine but can still get by in partial sun.
To prepare your fig tree for the next growing season, prune down the spent branches and dead foliage in frost-free periods mid to late winter.
Soil
Figs are adaptable, resilient plants and fare well in most warm environments.
They take well to neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soil such as clay, loam, silt, or sand.
When first transplanted, Panache Tiger fig trees like consistently moist soil. But once they’re established, they need less attention.
Though they thrive in sub-tropical climates, they’re drought-tolerant trees.
Pests and Disease
The best way to prevent pests and disease from affecting your fig trees is to ensure the ground is free of fallen fruit or dead leaves.
In and around decomposing organic matter are environments where pests, fungi, and rot can thrive. Regular pruning also keeps your figs lively and healthy!
Mites, fruit flies, nematodes, earwigs, and beetles are all as eager to try your figs as you are, but organic neem oil can help to control those pests.
Harvesting Your Panache Tiger Figs
Panache Tiger figs are late-season producers. They typically ripen on the tree around mid-August and continue through November, making for a long growing season.
Figs tend to ripen at the bottom of the tree first and move slowly up the tree over several weeks.
Aside from their appearance, Panache Tiger figs have some other oddities! They don’t have a breba crop, sometimes called a spring crop, like most common fig trees.
The breba refers to the smaller, weaker figs that grow in the spring from the shoots of the previous year’s fall harvest.
Where to Buy Panache Tiger Figs
Just because Panache Tiger fig trees are unique doesn’t mean they’re necessarily hard to get your hands on. You can find young figs to purchase and transplant from online retailers.
We highly recommend the Panache Tiger Fig tree sold online by one of our favorites, Nature Hills Nursery.
Finding the ripe fruit to purchase, however, is a different story. But if you check your local farmers’ market around fig season, you might get lucky!
Edible Landscaping With Panache Tiger Figs
Clearly, Panache Tiger figs are a show-stopping addition to any garden, giving your yard some height, structure, and sweet fruit with a pop of color.
If you’re ready to explore new edible landscaping options, don’t forget the Panache Tiger fig!
For more information, tips, and more, visit our Fig Trees page.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Leah is a writer, editor, and content manager with Minneopa Orchards and holds a master’s degree in English.
She grew up in the south and enjoyed long growing seasons spent in her father’s lush vegetable garden. Buying produce from the store was unheard of in her house!
As such, Leah enjoys writing about gardening and sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.
Leah can be reached at leah@applepiemedia.net