Yes to your first question. These trees are semi- to fully deciduous even in more tropical climates (during the dry season--our winter). They have been introduced into South Florida where they seem to grow beautifully. If you following the instructions on the fertilizer you're using, you shouldn't be afraid of harming the tree. Not sure of the specific nutritional needs of this plant, but given its rapid rate of growth, I'm sure it would appreciate an occasional fertilizing. If you can, put the plants outside for the summer. Also, your pots look to be large enough but they seem half full. If you add more soil make sure you add it to the bottom (don't pile it on the top or the trunks will rot). Hope this was helpful.

I have Celeste and Katoda as well as a couple of unknowns which I believe to be Kadota or a variant of. I have a tree that was labeled Hardy Chicago in the nursery, but it is a green fig. I don't know about "Early". I am rooting a variety called Early Violet from UC Davis. It is suppose to have been a popular fig in the south (U.S.) before Celeste gained popularity. Based on the pictures posted in figs4fun, it looks similar to my Celeste, but otherwise have no information on it. ~james

I am not a fig expert but I will share what I know. The answer to your question depends on what variety of fig you have. There are 3 main classes of figs and the class is what determines if a fig wasp is needed for producing ripe figs for that particular variety. There are many varieties in each of the main two classes but fewer in the third class called the 'San Pedro class'. The first class is called (in America anyway) "Smyrna class figs" - these require the wasp to pollinate both the early or breba crop of figs and the main or late crop of figs, or else the developing fruits drop off. The other main class is called 'common figs' - these do not require the wasp at all - the figs will develop without pollination (both crops, if your variety makes 2 crops). There is a smaller 3rd intermediate class of figs called 'San Pedro class figs' which form a breba crop without the wasp but need the wasp for the main crop. I do not know what these classes of figs are named in Portugal. So without knowing the variety of fig you have, you cannot know if the wasp is needed. To make things more confusing, the wasp can pollinate both the common and San Pedro classes of figs also, which makes the developing fruit a little different - many feel the figs develop more flavor and crunchiness from seeds. So what you really need to find out is your variety of fig. Good luck! You might have more success with someone familiar with Portuguese varieties.

Orchis: I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. Check the photobucket album periodically...I will be adding more pictures soon. Never give up on your tree. Before you know it, the tree will be blooming. Sometimes certain trees take a little longer to bloom. I think it maybe genetics. It would love to see a pic of your tree. Have you ever thought about posting a picture of your tree? It is very easy to set-up a photobucket album and just copy the pic into the Garden Website. I'm sure all the non-believers would love to see it also. If you need help setting-up a photo album you can e-mail at avegas2020@gmail.com. for instructions. I'm adding pictures of the Sherman Heights and Commercial Street trees in San Diego, CA and the smaller Fullerton Arboretum tree located at Fullerton, CA. SHERMAN HEIGHTS TREE - PAST PEAK BLOOMING COMMERCIAL STREET TREE FULLERTON ARBORETUM TREE - PAST PEAK BLOOMING