Fig 'Kadota' (Ficus carica)
Regular price $22.95 Sale price $19.95Golden-Skinned Classic with Honey-Sweet, Low-Acid Flesh
Kadota Fig is one of the most beloved and widely grown fig varieties, treasured for its golden-green skin, amber flesh, and smooth, honey-like flavor. Native to the Mediterranean and brought to California by early growers, Kadota is a reliable, heavy-bearing tree that thrives in warm, sunny climates. The fruit is less acidic than many other figs, making it one of the sweetest and mildest varietiesâperfect for fresh eating, drying, or turning into classic fig jams. With its lush green leaves and consistent productivity, Kadota is a timeless addition to orchards, food forests, and edible landscapes.
Why You'll Love It:
- Produces large crops of golden-green figs with amber, honey-sweet flesh
- Low-acid, mild flavor ideal for fresh eating and preserves
- Heavy-bearing and dependable once established
- Excellent for drying, canning, and making fig jams
- Attractive tree with broad leaves and ornamental appeal
Growing Tips:
Plant Kadota Fig in full sun with well-drained soil. Figs are drought-tolerant once established but will produce more and sweeter fruit with regular deep watering. Prune in late winter to encourage airflow and maintain shape. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Best suited for USDA Zones 8â10, but can be grown in containers and overwintered in colder climates. Expect fruit within 1â2 years from planting grafted or rooted cuttings.
Growing Tips
Plant figs in full sun and provide well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Figs are adaptable and drought-tolerant once established, though consistent watering during active growth and fruit development encourages strong growth and reliable fruit production. All varieties are self-fertile, so a single tree can produce fruit, and they can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground. Figs are perennial, deciduous fruit trees that can begin producing within 1â2 years. Propagate by cuttings, and prune as needed to maintain a manageable size and encourage healthy new growth. Larger varieties can be kept smaller with regular pruning, while Little Ruby naturally remains a compact dwarf variety.
Most varieties are suited to Zones 7â10, while Olympian and Chicago Hardy are especially cold-hardy choices for colder climates. Olympian is cold-hardy to approximately 0°F, while Chicago Hardy can die back during severe freezes and regrow from the roots. Protect young trees from extreme cold, particularly during winter, and consider growing figs in containers that can be moved to a sheltered location in colder climates. Figs are generally dormant during winter, with fruit developing on new wood for most varieties.
Quick Care Guide
| Variety | Size | Harvest | Fruit In | Growth | Zones | Food Forest Layer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Honey | 10â15 ft. | Early + late summer | 1â2 years | Fast | 7â10 | Understory |
| Yellow Long Neck | 8â15 ft. | Midâlate summer | 1â2 years | Fast | 7â10 | Understory |
| Violette de Bordeaux | 6â10 ft. | Early + late summer | 1â2 years | Moderateâfast | 7â10 | Understory |
| Olympian | 8â12 ft. | Midâlate summer | 1â2 years | Fast | 6â10 | Understory |
| Royal Vineyard | 8â12 ft. | Midâlate summer | 1â2 years | Moderateâfast | 7â10 | Understory |
| Brown Turkey | 10â20 ft. | Early + late summer | 1â2 years | Fast | 7â10 | Understory |
| Little Ruby | 3â6 ft. (dwarf) | Summerâfall | 1â2 years | Fast | 7â10 | Understory |
| Celeste | 8â15 ft. | Summer; early breba possible | 1â2 years | Fast | 7â10 | Understory |
| Chicago Hardy | 8â15 ft. | Summerâfall | 1â2 years | Fast | 6â10 | Understory |
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All varieties are self-fertile and prefer full sun, moderate water, and well-draining soil. They are perennial, deciduous trees and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ficus carica âKadotaâ |
| Common Names | Kadota Fig, Honey Fig, Italian Honey Fig |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Origin | Mediterranean region (cultivar selection) |
| Plant Type | Deciduous fruit tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 15â25 ft tall x 15â20 ft wide (can be pruned smaller) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained; sandy or loamy |
| Bloom Time | Inconspicuous (figs develop internally) |
| Flower Color | N/A |
| USDA Zones | 8â10 (container-friendly in colder zones) |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Cuttings, air layering |
| Seasonal Traits | Deciduous |
| Time to Harvest | 1â2 years (rooted cuttings); ripens late summerâfall |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? đđż Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhereâFlorida to Alaska! đ Read the full blog here!
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