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🚚 Shipping Update:
We’re now shipping nationwide across the continental U.S. again! 🌱
📦 Please note: Shipping to California remains paused due to agricultural regulations.
🌟 Alma Fig (Ficus carica ‘Alma’) — The Honey-Caramel Jewel of Southern Gardens 🍯🌿
Elegant, productive, and richly flavored, the Alma Fig is often called the “caramel fig” for its buttery sweetness and amber-honey flesh. A late-season favorite bred for the American South, Alma delivers excellent flavor, humidity resistance, and reliability — a top performer in Florida, the Southeast, and beyond.
Whether you’re an orchard grower or a backyard gardener, Alma rewards you with fruit that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
🌿 Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ficus carica ‘Alma’ |
| Plant Type | Deciduous fruit tree |
| Size at Sale | Ships in 1-gallon container (3-gallon & larger available at retail nursery) |
| Mature Height & Width | Pruned: 8–12 ft • Unpruned: up to 20–30 ft |
| USDA Zones | 7–11 |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (8–10 hours/day) for best sweetness and fruit color |
| Cold Hardiness | Withstands ~10–15°F when dormant |
| Growth Habit | Upright, symmetrical, moderately vigorous tree with rounded canopy |
| Spacing | 12–20 ft apart for in-ground planting |
🍯 Fruit & Flavor Notes
- Look: Medium to large fruit with light brown to bronze skin and glowing amber interior.
- Flavor: Deep honey-caramel sweetness with a smooth, buttery texture and mild tropical finish.
- Texture: Dense and chewy when dried; silky and syrupy when fresh.
- Use: Outstanding for fresh eating, jam, or baking — holds its texture beautifully.
- Harvest Season:
- Florida & Gulf South: Main crop from July to October; smaller breba crop possible in spring.
- Zones 8–9: Late summer through early fall, depending on local rainfall and pruning.
- Yield: Consistent and abundant; one of the most reliable late-season figs for Southern growers.
🌱 Top Benefits & Uses
- Culinary Excellence: Ideal dessert fig with rich, complex sweetness — often described as “buttered honey.”
- Reliable Producer: Heavy fruit set and excellent disease tolerance in humid climates.
- Extended Harvest: Ripens later than many figs, extending your fruiting season.
- Compact & Manageable: Easily kept between 8–12 ft with light annual pruning.
- Heat & Humidity Resilient: Performs exceptionally well in Florida and the Gulf Coast.
🌼 Companion & Support Planting
For Soil Health & Growth:
- Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) — nitrogen fixer and summer shade companion.
- Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) — adds biomass for chop-and-drop mulching.
- Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) — stabilizes soil and adds beneficial silica.
- Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) — mines nutrients from deep soil layers.
Pollinator Companions:
Plant nearby Sweet Almond Verbena, African Blue Basil, or Pineapple Sage for beneficial insect activity and natural pest balance.
Aesthetic Companions:
Border with Rosemary, Dwarf Lemongrass, or Ornamental Basils for fragrance and visual contrast.
🏛️ A Fig with Heritage: The Story of ‘Alma’
Developed in Texas by the USDA in the 1950s, the Alma Fig was bred to thrive where many figs struggled — humid summers, unpredictable rain, and warm winters. Named for the daughter of one of its original breeders, Alma quickly became a Southern favorite thanks to its rich flavor, closed eye (which prevents spoilage), and late-season reliability.
Its Mediterranean ancestry traces back to the Old World, but its performance is pure New World perfection — combining European sweetness with Gulf Coast toughness.
At GreenDreams, we celebrate Alma as one of our most dependable, flavorful, and garden-worthy figs for Florida landscapes.
🗓 Seasonal Care (Florida & Similar Climates)
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Naturally deciduous — expect leaf drop. Mulch base to protect roots in frosty areas.
- Spring (Mar–Apr): New growth emerges; apply compost or organic fertilizer.
- Summer (May–Aug): Peak fruiting; maintain steady watering and mulch 3–4″ deep.
- Fall (Sept–Nov): Final harvest; light pruning to shape tree and remove debris to prevent rust.
🪴 Container & Indoor Growing Tips
- Container Size: 3-gallon starter; up-pot to 15–25 gallons for long-term growth.
- Soil: Fast-draining potting mix (pine bark, compost, and perlite).
- Light: Requires full sun outdoors; overwinter in a bright, cool, frost-free space (35–50°F).
- Water: Keep evenly moist; avoid long dry periods followed by heavy soaking to prevent splitting.
Where (and Where Not) to Plant
- Best Location: Full sun, well-drained sandy or loamy soil; elevated if heavy rain is common.
- Avoid: Shady areas, standing water, or clay-heavy soils that stay soggy.
✂️ Pruning Techniques
- Early Years: Tip branches by one-third to shape and stimulate lateral branching.
- Maintenance: After harvest, remove crossing branches and thin canopy for airflow.
- Container Plants: Pinch branch tips in summer to maintain size and promote fruit set.
💧 Water & Nutrition
- Establishment: Water 2–3× per week until established.
- Mature Trees: Deeply water once weekly during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture.
- Feeding: Apply compost or balanced organic fertilizer in early spring; repeat mid-summer if needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen to preserve fruit flavor.
Troubleshooting Guide
1) Fruit Cracking or Sourness:
Usually due to heavy rain near harvest; maintain even moisture and harvest promptly.
2) Leaf Rust:
Common in humid regions; prune for airflow, avoid overhead watering, and clear leaf litter.
3) Weak Growth:
Caused by poor soil drainage or low sunlight; amend soil and ensure 8+ hours of sun daily.
4) Cold Damage:
Minor tip burn below 15°F; prune in spring once new growth emerges.
🍽 Culinary Inspiration
- Fresh: Slice and drizzle with honey or serve with soft cheese.
- Preserves: Slow-cook with vanilla and cinnamon for caramelized jam.
- Baked: Roast with balsamic glaze or tuck into a puff pastry tart.
- Dried: Sun-dry or dehydrate for chewy, candy-like snacks.
🌟 Is This Plant Right for You?
✅ Ideal for:
Home orchardists, edible landscapers, and Southern gardeners who love rich, honeyed figs with strong resilience.
❌ Not Ideal for:
Very cold or wet regions without frost protection or proper drainage.
🚚 Shipping & Local Pickup
- Available Sizes: 1-gallon shipped; larger sizes available for local pickup.
- Best Shipping Regions: Florida, the Southeast, and Texas.
- Nationwide Shipping: We ship across the continental US. Plants shipped to the North or West may need extra recovery time after arrival.
- Weather Disclaimer: Buyer discretion during peak heat or cold; GreenDreams is not responsible for transit damage from extreme temperatures.
- Shipping Schedule: Every Monday via UPS Ground.
- Local Pickup:GreenDreams Nursery & Farm18709 US Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610Tuesday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM | Saturday 8 AM–3 PM
🌱 Planting & Care: GreenDreams “High & Tight” Method
- Where to Plant: Full-sun, well-drained location on slightly elevated ground.
- How to Plant: Dig a hole just wider than the pot and equal in depth. Set the root ball slightly above grade (our “High & Tight” method). Backfill firmly with compost and native soil, water well, and mulch — keeping mulch off the trunk.
- Watering: Daily for one week, then 2–3× weekly for the next month, and weekly thereafter.
- Winter Care: Protect young trees in frosty areas; mature trees recover quickly from light freeze damage.
🎥 Watch our “High & Tight” Tree Planting Video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI
❓ FAQ
Do I need two trees for fruit?
No — Alma is self-fertile and fruits on its own.
When will it start fruiting?
Usually within 1–2 years in warm climates with full sun.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes — Alma adapts well to containers and patio growing with annual pruning.
Does Alma resist humidity?
Yes — this variety was bred for humid Southern climates.
What makes Alma unique?
Late-season ripening, caramel-sweet flavor, and strong disease resistance — a rare combination!
🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services
At GreenDreams, we do more than grow plants — we design, build, and restore edible ecosystems across Florida.
- 🌳 On-site consultations & edible landscape design
- 🌾 Installation & project management
- 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar & soil materials
- 🌱 Wholesale & regenerative farm solutions
Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise — starting with the Alma Fig!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
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For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
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For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
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We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
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Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
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Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
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Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
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Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
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Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
