Olympian Fig Tree

Ficus carica ‘Olympian’

NOTE: As with all of our other plants and trees, all of our fruit plants are grown in containers outdoors so they are fully rooted and landscape-ready upon arrival.

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 7a-11 (Many suggest cold hardy to Zone 6!) Find Your Zone

Chill Hours: 100 Learn more here

Ripens: Early season

Pollinator: None required (Self-fertile)

Plant Type: Deciduous Fruit Tree

Height at Maturity: 5-10′ depending on climate

Width at Maturity: 5-10′ depending on climate

Growth Habit / Form: Broad, Rounded, Upright

Growth Rate: Fast to Very Fast

Flower Color: Green, insignificant

Foliage Color: Deep Green

Fruit Color: Reddish Purple
Fruit Size: HUGE!
Fruit Taste: Very sweet, excellent flavor!
Soluble Sugar: High

Ripening Period: Summer

Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade

Water Needs: Average

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Silt, Sand

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 6.0 – 6.5

Maintenance / Care: Low

Special Attributes

A cold hardy fig suitable for both colder and warm climates, the Olympian Fig produces very large purple fruit with exceptionally sweet reddish purple flesh. The first fruits begin to ripen as early as May and continue through summer with a fall crop in warmer climates and are excellent for fresh eating, canning or drying. The above-ground part of the plant is cold hardy to the teens. If temperatures drop to 0 degrees the plant will freeze to the ground but new growth will return to produce an abundant crop of summer fruit!

The Olympian Fig was discovered in Olympia, Washington by Denny McGaughy and is a choice variety for cool climates as well as warmer regions. Withstanding the test of time this is actually an heirloom that had been growing in a protected site for over 100 years. Olympian was confirmed to be a distinct cultivar via DNA testing when compared with the 270 varieties at the USDA ARS Germplasm Repository in California.

NOTE: In USDA Zone 6, during the first winter or two after planting it would be a good idea to provide some winter protection for your Olympian Fig Tree. A few inches of straw or shredded wood mulch will help protect the roots during winter. Planting on the east side of a home or where it will be sheltered from north and western winds will also help to provide protection during the cool season.

NOTE: As with all of our other plants and trees, all of our fruit plants are grown in containers outdoors so they are fully rooted and landscape-ready upon arrival.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Interested in edible landscaping? What could be more enjoyable and rewarding than installing a landscape you can eat? Fig trees are fine specimens for use in the edible landscape. Their large and bold leaves provide a tropical effect and you’ll be rewarded with loads of delicious figs! The Olympian Fig Tree is ideal for use in the home orchard and as a specimen or warm season privacy screen in landscape borders. Also suitable for growing in containers.

Growing Preferences

Fig trees produce the best fruit in moderately to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. In soil with low fertility it’ll be worth your time to mix in some organic compost to the native soil. They like the soil to hold a good supply of water when the fruits are developing in summer, but not so much that the soil stays constantly soggy or wet, which can be problematic. The best and most fruits will are produced when trees are growing in full sun. However, fig trees that receive a little shade during the hottest part of summer days will still produce good crops.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for fig trees.

How To Plant A Fig Tree

How To Fertilize & Water A Fig Tree

How To Prune A Fig Tree

What Are Chill Hours For Fruit Trees?

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff

Questions? Contact Us!

The little fig Olympian arrived in good shape, was promptly planted and appears to be settling in. I’ll get back to you in four or five years about performance!——————————————————–Hi Nan, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Olympian Cold Hardy Fig. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Fig Trees grow pretty fast, it probably won’t take that long to get back to us……:)
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

Always pleased with the products received. I am looking forward to my first harvest!————————————-Hi Trina, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Olypian Cold Hardy Fig tree. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens