Fig 'Olympian' (Ficus carica)
Regular price $22.95 Sale price $19.95Cold-Hardy, Sweet-Fleshed Fig with Lush, Juicy Fruit
The Olympian Fig (Ficus carica 'Olympian') is a cold-tolerant and exceptionally sweet fig variety bred for performance in cooler climates while remaining lush and productive in warmer zones. Discovered in Washington state, Olympian produces large, violet-skinned figs with rosy, sugary flesh that is soft, juicy, and full of flavor.
These figs are excellent for fresh eating and also hold up beautifully for drying, canning, and desserts. The tree begins fruiting very early in life, often within the first year or two, and may produce two crops annually in warmer regions. With vigorous growth, high yields, and cold hardiness down to 0°F, Olympian is an excellent choice for growers in Zones 6–10, including the Southeast, Pacific Northwest, and inland gardens where many other figs struggle. It is also self-fertile, easy to care for, and adaptable to containers or in-ground planting.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Olympian is prized for its large, exceptionally sweet figs and versatility in the kitchen. The soft, juicy fruit is delicious fresh and can also be dried, canned, or incorporated into desserts. Its early fruiting and potential for two crops in warmer regions make it a productive choice for home fruit gardens.
Why Grow Olympian Fig?
- Enjoy large figs with violet skin and rosy, sugary flesh.
- Harvest exceptionally sweet, soft, juicy fruit for fresh eating.
- Dry, can, or bake with versatile figs.
- Grow a cold-hardy variety that tolerates temperatures down to 0°F.
- Enjoy early fruiting, vigorous growth, and high yields.
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 1–2 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 7–10, 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 | 10–15 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Yellow Long Neck | 8–15 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Violette de Bordeaux | 6–10 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Moderate–fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Olympian | 8–12 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 6–10 | Understory |
| Royal Vineyard | 8–12 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Moderate–fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Brown Turkey | 10–20 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Little Ruby | 3–6 ft. (dwarf) | Summer–fall | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Celeste | 8–15 ft. | Summer; early breba possible | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Chicago Hardy | 8–15 ft. | Summer–fall | 1–2 years | Fast | 6–10 | Understory |
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.
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
We ship every plant plastic-free and planet-friendly—using compostable packaging, recyclable pots, and carbon-conscious shipping from start to finish. 🌎🌱👉 Our Commitment to Packaging & Shipping Sustainability
