🍇 Olympian Fig (Ficus carica ‘Olympian’) — 1-Gallon 🌿

The Northern Champion of Figs — Giant, Honey-Sweet, and Remarkably Cold-Hardy!

Meet the Olympian Fig, the nearly indestructible variety discovered in western Washington State. Renowned for its ability to withstand sub-zero winters, this powerhouse fig springs back from its roots after the harshest cold — rewarding growers with massive purple-bronze fruit the size of a tangerine and an unforgettable, sugar-rich flavor.

Perfect for cooler climates that once wrote off figs as “too tropical,” Olympian proves that sweetness and stamina can coexist.

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🌿 Quick Facts

Category	Details
Botanical Name	Ficus carica ‘Olympian’
Plant Type	Deciduous fruiting shrub / small tree
Sale Size	1-gallon nursery container (well-rooted live plant)
Mature Height & Width	4–8 ft tall • 6–10 ft wide (easy to maintain)
USDA Zones	6a – 10b
Sun Requirements	Full sun (6–8 + hrs daily)
Cold Hardiness	Survives below 0 °F; regrows from roots if frozen back
Growth Habit	Dense, compact, spreading shrub
Soil Preference	Moist / well-drained / rich in organic matter
Spacing	8–10 ft apart
Standout Trait	Extreme cold tolerance + fruit nearly as large as a tangerine!

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🍈 Fruit & Flavor Profile

• Flavor: Lusciously sweet with balanced honey-berry notes and a gentle acidity for depth.
• Fruit Size: Extra-large (up to 3 in. diameter); often compared to a small tangerine.
• Color & Flesh: Purple-bronze skin; rose-amber, jam-textured flesh.
• Texture: Tender, syrupy interior with minimal seed crunch.
• Harvest Window:
  • Cool Zones (6–8): August – September
  • Warm Zones (9–10): May – July with a possible fall crop
• Productivity: Reliable heavy bearer once established; can crop on new growth after freeze-back.

💡 Olympian consistently wins taste trials among cold-hardy figs — its fruit is not only large, but genuinely dessert-quality.

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🌱 Top Benefits & Uses

❄️ Cold-Climate Champion – Survives where most figs fail, even below 0 °F.

🍈 Massive Fruit – Nearly tangerine-sized with showy, rose-amber flesh.

🌿 Compact Growth – Perfect for smaller landscapes and orchard rows.

🍯 Rich Flavor – Honey-sweet, juicy, and aromatic.

💪 Fast Recovery – Sprouts back vigorously after winter dieback.

🌸 Edible Ornamental – Broad leaves and bronze fruit add Mediterranean beauty to temperate gardens.

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🌼 Ornamental & Container Notes

Landscape Appeal: Handsome, deeply lobed leaves and bronze fruit create strong texture contrast.

Container Culture: Thrives in 15–25 gal pots; easy to move for overwintering.

Indoor Storage: In freezing climates, overwinter dormant containers in an unheated garage or sunroom until spring bud-break.

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🌿 Best Practices for Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Full-sun site (6–8 + hrs/day) with good drainage. Prefers loamy or sandy soils amended with compost. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) ideal.

Planting Method — “High & Tight”

1️⃣ Dig a hole only slightly wider than the pot, same depth.

2️⃣ Backfill with native soil + light compost; keep trunk flare visible.

3️⃣ Top-dress with compost, biochar, azomite, and organic fertilizer.

4️⃣ Mound slightly and firm soil snugly around the root ball.

5️⃣ 🎥 Watch our tree-planting demo on YouTube → https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI

Watering

Week 1 → Daily

Weeks 2–8 → 2–3× per week

Established → Deep weekly soakings in drought

Feeding & Mulching

Feed organically in early spring + mid-summer; maintain 2–4" hardwood mulch (keep off trunk).

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✂️ Pruning & Seasonal Care

Deciduous Behavior: Olympian drops leaves each fall/winter and leafs out in spring.

Trees may ship bare in winter — this is normal dormancy.

Winter Pruning: While dormant, remove crossing or damaged wood and shorten leaders for shape.

Cold Regrowth: If frozen to the ground, prune to live wood in spring; new shoots will bear that year.

Summer Thinning: Lightly prune interior for sunlight and airflow.

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🍽️ Culinary Inspiration

Fresh: Serve large fruits halved with brie, chèvre, or yogurt.

Preserves: Naturally high sugar content = luxurious, thick jam.

Baking: Perfect for tarts, rustic galettes, and breads.

Dehydrated: Slice and dry for chewy, honey-caramel snacks.

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🧑‍🌾 Troubleshooting & Organic Tips

Cold Dieback: Normal in northern zones; prune dead wood in spring, new shoots will fruit quickly.

Leaf Rust: Avoid overhead watering; increase airflow.

Splitting: Keep moisture consistent; mulch to buffer rainfall swings.

Pests: Birds, squirrels, and Japanese beetles — use wildlife-safe netting or harvest early.

Companion Guild: Comfrey, yarrow, sweet alyssum, and lemongrass to attract pollinators & deter pests.

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❓ FAQ

1️⃣ How cold-hardy is Olympian?

Extremely — it has survived temperatures below 0 °F (–18 °C) and regrown vigorously from roots.

2️⃣ Will it still fruit after freezing back?

Yes! It fruits on new growth produced each spring.

3️⃣ When will my 3-gallon tree produce?

Typically within 1–2 growing seasons under full sun and regular watering.

4️⃣ Can I grow it in a container?

Absolutely — keep pruned to 4–6 ft; overwinter indoors in cold regions.

5️⃣ How does Olympian compare to other figs?

It’s among the most cold-tolerant and largest-fruited varieties available, yet retains exceptional flavor.

6️⃣ Is it deciduous?

Yes — all figs lose their leaves in fall / winter and releaf in spring.

7️⃣ Does it need a pollinator?

No — Olympian is self-fertile and will fruit alone.

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⚠️ Cautions

Latex sap can irritate skin — wear gloves.

Protect young trees from rodents or deer.

Birds adore ripe fruit — net lightly if needed.

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🌟 Is This Plant Right for You?

✅ Ideal For: Northern gardeners, cold-climate growers, and anyone wanting giant, sweet figs with minimal fuss.

❌ Not Ideal For: Shade locations or persistently soggy soils.

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🚚 Shipping & Handling

Ships in: 3-gallon pot (established fruiting age).

Best Regions: Zones 6–10 nationwide.

Seasonal Notice: Figs are deciduous — plants may ship without leaves in winter.

Transit Note: Use discretion during heat/cold extremes. Shipped Mondays via UPS Ground from Florida.

💡 Olympian = the frost-proof fig for northern zones; Di Redo = the humidity-proof fig for southern zones.

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🌴 Florida Grower’s Notes (Zones 8–10)

• Humidity & Rain Strategy: Olympian tolerates humidity well but prefers good airflow and mounded planting to prevent soggy roots.
• Soil & Drainage: Florida sands dry fast — amend with compost and biochar. Avoid planting in low spots that puddle.
• Irrigation:
  • Mar–May: Deep soak weekly if dry.
  • Jun–Sep: Usually enough rain; water only when top 2–3" dry.
  • Oct–Feb: Minimal water while dormant.
• Sun & Heat: Full sun preferred; 2–3 hrs of afternoon shade can reduce heat stress in midsummer.
• Salt & Coastal Winds: Moderately tolerant; rinse leaves after salt exposure.
• Wildlife: Birds, squirrels, and iguanas (South FL) enjoy ripe fruit — harvest promptly or net lightly.

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🪴 Container & Patio Growing (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Start in 7–10 gal pot → up-pot to 15–25 gal in 12–18 months.

2️⃣ Mix 60% potting mix + 30% compost + 10% pine fines or perlite.

3️⃣ Ensure drainage holes and coarse bark layer at base.

4️⃣ Water thoroughly, then again when top 1–2" are dry.

5️⃣ Feed organically in spring and early summer; stop nitrogen mid-summer.

6️⃣ Maintain 4–6 ft height; thin to 4–6 main branches.

7️⃣ Overwinter in unheated garage or bright sunroom in cold climates.

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📅 Seasonal Pruning & Care Calendar

• Late Winter: Shape to 8–12 ft (in ground), 4–6 ft (containers). Remove dead/crossing branches.
• Spring: Refresh mulch, apply organic fertilizer.
• Summer: Thin interior branches; maintain moisture.
• Fall: Clean up fallen fruit/leaves; stop nitrogen feeding before frost.

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🌾 Fertility Playbook (Organic)

• At Planting: Compost + biochar + azomite top-dress.
• Year 1–2: Spring feeding + light mid-summer boost if foliage pale.
• Mature Trees: Spring feeding only; maintain mulch.
• Micros: Optional kelp or seaweed foliar in early spring for vigor.

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🛡️ Troubleshooting — Expanded

• Rust / Leaf Spot: Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, prune if dense canopy.
• Splitting / Souring: Keep moisture consistent; pick promptly as color deepens.
• Wilting in Pots: Check soil moisture; temporary droop normal in extreme heat.
• Cold Dieback: Cut to live wood; new shoots fruit the same season.
• Root Rot (Heavy Soils): Plant high; amend for drainage.
• Wildlife: Use lightweight, bird-safe netting as fruit softens.

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🧠 Origin Story

Discovered in western Washington, Olympian challenged the notion that figs are only Mediterranean. Gardeners observed it surviving temperatures below 0°F, regrowing rapidly, and producing huge, honey-sweet fruit—a feat unmatched by most varieties. It’s the comeback kid of cold-hardy figs, thriving from the Pacific Northwest to the Deep South.

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🍈 GreenDreams Fig Variety Comparison Guide

Discover which fig best fits your flavor, climate, and growing goals.

(All GreenDreams figs are self-fertile, deciduous, and suitable for containers or in-ground growing.)

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, caramel	⭐⭐⭐ 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, reliable	⭐⭐ Fair	~5–10 °F	12–20 ft tree	Easy, cold-tolerant, and beginner-friendly
Celeste	Light brown / rose	Sugar-sweet, small fruit	⭐⭐⭐ Good	~10 °F	8–12 ft shrub	“Sugar Fig” of the South; dependable in Florida
Deanna	Yellow-green / amber	Honeyed, mild, very large fruit	⭐⭐ Fair	~15 °F	10–15 ft	Big showy fruit; great for 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, compact	⭐⭐⭐ Good	~20 °F	Miniature 2–3 ft	Ideal patio & balcony fig; perfect for containers
Green Egg	Light green / pink	Custard-sweet, tropical	⭐⭐ Fair	~15 °F	10–15 ft	Distinct flavor; ornamental appeal
Ischia (Green)	Green / strawberry-red	Sweet-berry with gentle acidity	⭐⭐ Moderate	~15 °F	8–12 ft	Historic Italian variety; great for pots
Little Ruby	Red-purple / ruby	Very sweet, sugar-dense	⭐⭐⭐ Good	~15 °F	Dwarf 3–4 ft	Excellent container fig; prolific in small spaces
LSU Purple	Deep purple / amber	Light berry-sweet	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent	~15 °F	10–15 ft	LSU-bred for Gulf humidity; consistent producer
🌳 Olympian	Purple-bronze / rose	Honey-sweet, juicy, tangerine-sized	⭐⭐⭐ Good	Below 0 °F	Compact 4–8 ft	Unrivaled cold tolerance + massive fruit
White Kadota	Pale green / amber	Honeyed, thick flesh	⭐⭐ Moderate	~15 °F	10–15 ft	Classic drying fig; chewy, rich texture
White Marseilles	Green-yellow / pale amber	Mild-sweet, delicate	⭐⭐ Fair	~0 °F	10–12 ft	Thomas Jefferson’s favorite; historic and hardy
White Texas Everbearing	Green-yellow / pink	Very sweet, continual cropping	⭐⭐⭐ Good	~10 °F	8–12 ft	Long fruiting window for warm climates
Yellow Long Neck	Golden-yellow / amber	Honey-vanilla tones, large fruit	⭐⭐ Fair	~15 °F	12–18 ft	Showpiece fruit; mild, buttery sweetness

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🌟 Choosing the Right Fig for Your Garden

Category	Best Varieties	Why They Shine
Best for Florida & Humid Climates	Di Redo, LSU Purple, Celeste	Small “tight-eyed” fruit resists splitting and souring in humidity
Best for Cold Climates (Zones 5–7)	Olympian, White Marseilles, Brown Turkey	Strong freeze-back recovery; can fruit on new growth
Best for Containers & Small Spaces	Fignomenal, Little Ruby, Ischia	Compact habit; thrive in 5–15 gal pots
Best for Large Fruit Lovers	Olympian, Deanna, Yellow Long Neck	Huge showy fruit with honey flavor
Most Unique Flavor Profiles	Di Redo, Ischia, Green Egg	Distinct berry or tropical custard notes
Historical Heirlooms	White Marseilles, Ischia, Brown Turkey	Classic European figs prized for centuries

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🌳 Pro Tip:

All figs are deciduous. They will lose their leaves in fall and winter, entering a dormant phase.

When shipped during cooler months, they may arrive bare — this is completely normal and healthy.

Leaves re-emerge in spring as temperatures warm.

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💡 GreenDreams’ Regional Fig Strategy

• Northern Growers (Zones 5–7): Choose cold-tolerant types like Olympian, White Marseilles, or Brown Turkey. Plant in full sun and protect roots during deep freezes.
• Southern & Coastal Growers (Zones 8–10): Opt for humidity-tolerant types like Di Redo, LSU Purple, and Celeste. Site for strong airflow and avoid soggy zones.
• Container Gardeners (Any Zone): Little Ruby and Fignomenal thrive in 7–10 gal pots and overwinter easily indoors.

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🍯 Quick Serving Ideas for Any Fig

• Fresh & Simple: Slice and drizzle with honey or balsamic.
• Savory Pairings: Wrap with prosciutto or serve with goat cheese.
• Preserves: Mix with lemon juice and sugar for easy refrigerator jam.
• Baked Goods: Add to breads, tarts, and pastries for natural sweetness.

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📍 Local Pickup

GreenDreams Nursery & Farm

18709 US Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610

Open: Tues–Fri 9 AM–5 PM | Sat 8 AM–3 PM

Come see what’s fresh and fruiting! 🌿

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🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services

We do more than grow plants — we design, build, and restore ecosystems across Florida.

• 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
• 🧱 Installation & project management
• 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar & soil materials
• 🌾 Wholesale & large-scale regenerative solutions

Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise — starting with figs! 🌿