Olympian Fig Tree Live Plant – Cold Hardy Fruit Tree – Sweet Organic Figs – Bare Root

Overview

The Olympian fig tree live plant is an outstanding choice for gardeners looking to grow their own delicious, organic figs, even in cooler climates. This remarkable variety, scientifically known as Ficus carica ‘Olympian’, is celebrated for its exceptional cold hardiness and vigorous growth. Originating from the Pacific Northwest, the Olympian fig has proven its resilience, consistently producing abundant crops of incredibly sweet fruit. Unlike many fig varieties, the cold hardy fig tree thrives where others might falter, making it a reliable addition to any home orchard or garden. Each bare root plant offers a fantastic opportunity to establish a productive fig tree that will provide years of enjoyment and fresh, homegrown treats. The ‘Olympian’ fig is a highly regarded selection, recognized for its robust nature and superior fruit quality.

Key Benefits

The Olympian fig tree offers numerous advantages for the home gardener, combining ornamental appeal with a generous harvest of delectable fruit. This variety is truly a standout performer.

• Exceptional Cold Hardiness: The ‘Olympian’ fig is renowned for its ability to withstand colder temperatures, thriving in USDA Zones 6-10. This makes it an excellent choice for regions where other fig varieties might struggle, ensuring a more reliable harvest season after season.
• Delicious, Sweet Fruit: Enjoy a bounty of very sweet, purple figs with a vibrant red to violet flesh. These figs are perfect for fresh eating, baking, jams, or drying, offering a versatile and healthy addition to your diet. The flavor profile is rich and satisfying.
• Robust & Reliable Producer: This fig tree is a proven performer, reliably producing a substantial crop of fruit. Its vigor means you can look forward to consistent yields, making it a rewarding plant for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• Self-Pollinating: The Olympian fig is self-pollinating, meaning you only need one plant to get fruit. This simplifies the growing process and ensures successful fruit set without the need for companion plants or specific pollinators.
• Adaptable to Various Conditions: While preferring full sun, this fig tree can also tolerate partial sun conditions, offering flexibility in placement within your garden. Its adaptability contributes to its ease of care and widespread appeal.
• Award-Winning Variety: Recognized for its outstanding qualities, the ‘Olympian’ fig won the Retailers’ Choice Award at the 2014 FarWest Show, a testament to its superior characteristics and popularity among horticultural experts.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Olympian fig tree live plant is relatively straightforward, and with proper attention, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest. These trees are quite resilient once established. For optimal fruit production and growth, select a site that receives plenty of sunlight. They thrive in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, but can also tolerate partial sun, particularly in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can be beneficial. Ensure the soil is well-draining; figs do not like wet feet. A slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH is ideal. Incorporate organic matter into the planting hole to improve soil structure and fertility.

Watering is crucial, especially during the first year after planting and during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, fig trees become more drought-tolerant, but regular watering during fruiting periods will enhance fruit size and quality. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer or one formulated for fruit trees. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. This also helps maintain the desired size and shape of your sweet fig fruit tree. Watch out for common fig pests like fig rust or fig mosaic virus, and address them promptly.

Size & Details

This offering includes 3 Olympian fig tree live plant starts, shipped as bare root specimens. These young plants are ready to be planted directly into your garden or a suitable container upon arrival. When mature, the Olympian fig tree typically reaches a height of 4-8 feet, making it a manageable size for most home gardens and even suitable for container growing in colder zones where it can be moved indoors for winter. It is a moderately fast grower, and you can expect it to begin producing fruit within a few years after planting, with increasing yields as it matures. The bare root form ensures the plant’s energy is focused on root establishment and new growth once planted.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Olympian fig tree live plant typically grows to a mature height of 4-8 feet, making it a versatile choice for various garden sizes or for growing in large containers. Its spread will be similar to its height, creating a lovely, rounded canopy.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Olympian fig tree is primarily an outdoor plant, especially known for its cold hardiness in USDA Zones 6-10. In colder climates (below Zone 6), it can be grown in containers and moved indoors during winter months.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: For best fruit production and overall health, the cold hardy fig tree requires full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial sun, but fruit yields may be slightly reduced.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the Olympian fig tree is considered relatively easy to care for, especially once established. Its hardiness and self-pollinating nature contribute to its low-maintenance profile, making it a good choice for beginners interested in growing fig trees.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: The Olympian fig trees are shipped as bare root plants, meaning they will arrive without soil or a pot. This method reduces transplant shock and encourages rapid root establishment once planted.
• Q: How long until it produces fruit? A: You can typically expect your sweet fig fruit tree to start producing fruit within 1-3 years after planting, with fruit production increasing significantly as the tree matures.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The Olympian fig is notably cold hardy and can survive winters in USDA Zones 6-10. If you are in a colder zone (e.g., Zone 5 or below), it is recommended to grow it in a container and provide winter protection or move it indoors.
• Q: What kind of soil does it prefer? A: This fig tree thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter can improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.
• Q: Can I grow the Olympian fig tree in a pot? A: Yes, the Olympian fig tree live plant is well-suited for container growing, especially beneficial for those in colder climates who wish to move the plant indoors during winter. Choose a large pot (at least 15-20 gallons) with good drainage.
• Q: What are the best uses for the fruit? A: The sweet purple fruits are excellent for fresh eating, drying, making jams and preserves, or incorporating into desserts and savory dishes. They offer a versatile culinary experience.