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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.
🌿 Little Ruby Fig (Ficus carica ‘Little Ruby’) — Compact, Cold-Tough & Jammy-Sweet 🍇
Meet the pint-size fig that brings big flavor to small spaces. Little Ruby is a true dwarf that loads up with berry-sweet fruit on a naturally compact plant—perfect for patios, courtyards, and tight edible landscapes. Ships in a resilient 3-gallon container for instant impact.
🌱 Quick Facts (At-a-Glance)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ficus carica ‘Little Ruby’ |
| Plant Type | Deciduous, self-fertile fruiting shrub/tree (common fig) |
| Sale Size | 3-gallon live plant (well-rooted) |
| Mature Height × Width | 4–6 ft × 4–6 ft unpruned; can be kept ~3–4 ft with pruning |
| USDA Zones | 7–10 (Florida-friendly; protect in freezes) |
| Cold Hardiness | Plan for ~10–15 °F with protection; some growers report survival into single digits in sheltered sites |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6–8+ hours) for best sweetness and yield |
| Growth Habit | Naturally dwarf/compact; dense canopy; excellent for containers |
| Spacing (in-ground) | 8–12 ft (closer if maintaining a pruned hedge) |
| Fruiting Rhythm | Breba crop on old wood (late spring–early summer) + main crop on new wood (late summer–fall) |
🍓 Fruit & Flavor
- Skin / Flesh: Bronze-to-purple skin with ruby-red flesh
- Taste / Texture: Very sweet, sugar-dense with berry-jam character; tender skin, juicy flesh
- Ripening Cues: Fruit softens and deepens in color; a slight droop and hairline cracking at the neck signal peak ripeness
- Use it for: Fresh eating, cheeseboards, roasting, dehydrating, and small-batch jam
🌟 Why Grow ‘Little Ruby’ (Top Benefits)
- Big crops on a small plant — high fruit per square foot
- Container all-star — fruits reliably in pots on patios and pool decks
- Florida-smart — low-chill adaptability with excellent heat tolerance
- Self-fertile — no pollinator tree needed
Seasonal Habits (Florida & Similar Climates)
Deciduous rhythm:
- Fall: Leaves naturally yellow/spot and drop as dormancy begins
- Winter: Bare branches; protect young plants/pots from hard freezes
- Spring: Bud swell, new leaves, and often a breba flush on older wood
- Summer–Fall: Vigorous growth and main crop on new shoots; steady moisture and full sun boost fruit quality
✂️ Pruning & Training (Made Simple)
- When: Best right after harvest; avoid heavy winter cutting that removes breba wood
- How:
- Keep an open center for airflow and easy harvesting
- Tip-prune vigorous shoots to encourage branching and manageable height
- Preserve some older laterals to support the breba crop next season
💧 Planting & Care (Best Practices)
Where to Plant
- Choose a sunny, wind-sheltered spot with excellent drainage; use a raised mound/bed if soil is heavy or seasonally wet
GreenDreams “High & Tight” Method
- Dig the hole only slightly wider than the pot and the same depth
- Set the root ball slightly above grade (“high”), backfill firmly (“tight”) with native soil + compost
- Build a watering berm and mulch 2–3 in deep, keeping mulch off the trunk
- Watch our planting demo: High & Tight Fruit Tree Planting → https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI
Watering
- Daily for 1–2 weeks to establish, then 2–3×/week for 2–3 months
- After establishment, give deep weekly soaks, adjusting during heat or drought
- Reduce splashing on leaves; avoid routine overhead irrigation
Fertilizing
- Go light and organic; figs prefer lean soils
- Feed modestly in spring and, if needed, mid-summer to support cropping—avoid heavy nitrogen (excess foliage, less fruit)
Winter Care (Zones 7–8 / inland 9)
- Mulch the root zone, wrap or cover young plants on freeze nights
- For containers, roll under cover around/below 20 °F
🪴 Container & Indoor Tips
- Pot Size: Start 7–15 gal, upsize over time to 20–25 gal for larger yields
- Soilless Mix: Fast-draining (pine bark/perlite/compost) with excellent aeration
- Light: Full sun outdoors; for overwintering in cold zones, store dormant in a cool, dark, unheated space after leaf-drop
- Water & Feeding: Keep evenly moist (not soggy); light organic feeding in spring
🧑🍳 Kitchen Inspiration
- Fresh: Halved with goat cheese, honey, and cracked pepper
- Roasted: With vanilla and orange zest; finish with a drizzle of balsamic
- Preserved: Whole-fruit jam or dehydrated “ruby” slices for snacks
🌿 Companion & Support Guild (we grow these!)
- Biomass (carbon): Tithonia (Mexican sunflower), Vetiver, Banana leaves for chop-and-drop
- Nitrogen support: Pigeon pea, Sunn hemp (warm season), clover (cool season)
- Pollinator power: Sweet Almond, African Blue Basil, Pineapple Sage
- Aesthetic pairings: Spiral Ginger, Rosemary, Unryu Corkscrew Mulberry (winter sculpture)
Troubleshooting Guide
- Yellow/Spotted Leaves (late season): Often normal senescence; also common with fig rust in humidity—improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, remove fallen leaves, refresh mulch
- Fruit Splitting / Sourness: Irregular moisture or heavy rain near ripening—improve drainage, harvest promptly at softening, consider temporary rain cover
- Fig Mosaic-style Mottling: Usually cosmetic; prioritize vigor (sun, drainage, balanced organic nutrition)
- Pests: Birds (netting or scare tape), ants on fruit (manage around trunks), root-knot nematodes in sandy soils (raised beds/containers)
❓ FAQ
Does Little Ruby need a pollinator?
No—self-fertile (common fig).
How cold can it take?
Plan for ~10–15 °F with protection; in sheltered microclimates and containers moved under cover, growers sometimes report survival into the single digits.
Will it fruit in a pot?
Yes—Little Ruby is made for containers and will crop in surprisingly small footprints with full sun and consistent care.
When is harvest in Florida?
Typically late spring (breba) and late summer into fall (main crop), varying by microclimate and pruning.
🌿 GreenDreams Fig Variety Comparison Table
Use this chart to see how Little Ruby stacks up against the rest of our fig collection. (We only discuss and sell the figs listed here.)
| Variety | Fruit Color / Flesh | Flavor Profile | Humidity & Rain Resistance | Cold Hardiness (°F) | Growth Habit / Size | Notable Strengths & Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alma | Light brown / Amber | Honey-sweet with caramel notes | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ~10–15 °F | Compact 8–12 ft | Early bearing; rich flavor; great for preserves |
| Beers Black | Dark purple / Red | Jammy, balanced sweet-tart | ⭐⭐ Moderate | ~15 °F | Upright 12–15 ft | Classic dessert fig; “Black Mission” type |
| Brown Turkey | Brown / Pink | Mild sweetness, very reliable | ⭐⭐ Fair | ~5–10 °F | 12–20 ft | Cold-hardy, prolific, great starter fig |
| Celeste | Light brown / Rose | Sugar-sweet, small fruit | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ~10 °F | 8–12 ft | “Sugar Fig” of the South; dependable cropper |
| Deanna | Yellow-green / Amber | Honeyed, mild, large fruit | ⭐⭐ Fair | ~15 °F | 10–15 ft | Big, showy fruit; excellent fresh eating |
| 🌿 Di Redo | Dark purple-black / Red | Raspberry-jam, berry-sweet, syrupy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent (tight eye) | ~10–15 °F | 8–15 ft | Top flavor & humidity resistance — Florida favorite |
| Fignomenal | Violet / Pink | Rich, sugary-sweet | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ~20 °F | Miniature 2–3 ft | Perfect patio fig; fruits year-round in warm zones |
| Green Egg | Light green / Pink | Custard-sweet, tropical notes | ⭐⭐ Fair | ~15 °F | 10–15 ft | Unique flavor; ornamental appeal |
| Ischia (Green) | Green / Strawberry-red | Sweet-berry, tangy | ⭐⭐ Moderate | ~15 °F | 8–12 ft | Historic Italian variety; container friendly |
| Little Ruby | Red-purple / Ruby | Very sweet, sugar-dense | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ~15 °F | Dwarf 3–4 ft | Excellent container fig; heavy producer |
| LSU Purple | Deep purple / Amber | Light berry-sweet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ~15 °F | 10–15 ft | LSU-bred for Gulf humidity; consistent yields |
| 🌳 Olympian | Purple-bronze / Rose | Honey-sweet, juicy, tangerine-sized fruit | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | Below 0 °F | Compact 4–8 ft | Unrivaled cold tolerance + giant fruit |
| White Kadota | Pale green / Amber | Honeyed, chewy, mild | ⭐⭐ Moderate | ~15 °F | 10–15 ft | Classic drying fig; dense, flavorful flesh |
| White Marseilles | Green-yellow / Pale amber | Mild-sweet, delicate | ⭐⭐ Fair | ~0 °F | 10–12 ft | Thomas Jefferson’s heirloom favorite |
| White Texas Everbearing | Green-yellow / Pink | Very sweet, long-season crop | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ~10 °F | 8–12 ft | Long fruiting season in warm zones |
| Yellow Long Neck | Golden-yellow / Amber | Honey-vanilla, very mild | ⭐⭐ Fair | ~15 °F | 12–18 ft | Showy dessert-style fruit for fresh eating |
How Little Ruby compares: It’s the smallest true dwarf in our lineup (easy 3–4 ft with pruning), delivers big crops for its size, and shows good humidity resistance for the Southeast—making it our go-to container fig for Florida patios and small spaces.
⚠️ Cautions
- Avoid overhead watering (can increase leaf disease and fruit splitting)
- Protect ripening fruit from birds
- In cold snaps, cover young trees and roll container plants under shelter
🌿 Is This Plant Right for You?
✅ Ideal for:
Small yards, patios, container growers, Florida & Gulf South gardeners, beginners who want reliable, self-fertile fruit.
❌ Not ideal for:
Growers needing a large shade tree, sites with chronically wet soil, or deep-freeze climates without winter protection.
🛒 Shipping & Seasonal Notes
- 4" & 1-gallon sizes ship best to Florida, the Southeastern U.S. & Texas
- We can ship to northern & western states via UPS Ground (Mondays), but plants may arrive stressed during peak heat/cold and can require extra recovery. Buyer discretion is advised; we are not responsible for extreme temperatures during transit.
- 3-gallon ships regionally and to select zones based on weather windows
- As a deciduous plant, figs may ship leafy, partially defoliated, or dormant depending on season—this is normal
📍 Local Pickup (Visit Us!)
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
18709 Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Open to the public — Tues–Fri 9 AM–5 PM | Sat 8 AM–3 PM
Come see what’s fresh 🌿
🎥 Planting Video
Learn our High & Tight method for long-term success:
https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI
Ready to add a jewel to your edible oasis?
Order Little Ruby Fig today and enjoy jammy, ruby-fleshed fruit from a tree that fits your life!
🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services
At GreenDreams, we do more than grow plants—we design, build, and restore ecosystems across Florida.
- 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
- 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar, and soil materials
- 🌾 Wholesale & large-scale regenerative solutions
- 🛠️Installation & project management
Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise—starting with Little Ruby 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.
