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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.
🌿 White Kadota Fig Tree — A Golden Heirloom of Honey & History 🍯✨
Step into the story of one of the world’s most cherished figs — the White Kadota. Beloved for centuries and descended from the Italian Dottato, this sun-loving heirloom has journeyed from Mediterranean orchards to the heart of American gardens.
With its buttery green-yellow skin, amber honeyed flesh, and luscious sweetness, the White Kadota brings a taste of old-world charm to modern backyards. Hardy, productive, and beautifully ornamental, it’s a top choice for both Florida growers and warm-climate gardeners across the U.S.
Whether you dream of fresh figs straight from the tree, homemade preserves, or a graceful fruiting accent in your landscape — the White Kadota delivers beauty, bounty, and history in one remarkable package. 🌳💛
🌱 Quick Facts (at a glance)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ficus carica ‘Kadota’ (honey-type fig) |
| Plant Type | Deciduous fruit tree |
| Sale Size | Ships in 3-gallon container |
| Mature Size | 15–25 ft unpruned; easily kept 8–12 ft with annual pruning |
| USDA Zones | 7–10 (root-hardy into sheltered 6 with heavy protection) |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (6–8+ hrs) for best sweetness and yield |
| Cold Hardiness | Mature wood tolerates roughly 15–20°F; protect young plants from frost |
| Growth Habit | Rounded canopy; trains well as a multi-stem bush for easy harvest |
| Spacing | 12–20 ft in-ground (or 7–10 ft if hedged/kept pruned) |
🍈 Fruit & Flavor Highlights
- Skin/Flesh: Green-yellow skin with tender amber flesh
- Flavor Profile: Mild, honey-sweet, low acid
- Fruit Size: Medium; slightly thicker skin—great for canning and drying
- Harvest Window:
- Florida & Gulf South: July–October (breba crop possible where previous-year wood overwinters)
- Warm West/Mediterranean-like climates: Early–late summer, best in long, hot summers
- Fruiting Habit: Self-fruitful (parthenocarpic)—no wasp or cross-pollination needed
🌟 Top Benefits & Uses
- Reliable home harvests in warm, sunny sites
- Culinary versatility: fresh, grilled/roasted, preserves, and drying
- Ornamental appeal: bold, lobed leaves; sculptural winter branching
- Container-friendly: produces well in large pots; manageable size with pruning
🌴 Florida vs. Other Regions: What to Expect
Florida & Humid Southeast
- Heat + Sun = Sweetness. Site in full sun with airflow; mulch wide to conserve moisture.
- Summer leaf issues (fig rust) can cause yellowing/spots and some leaf drop—mostly cosmetic. Trees refoliate quickly.
- Training tip: Grow as a multi-stem bush (6–10 ft). Easier bird netting and quick recovery if tips freeze.
- Soils: In sandy sites, deep mulch + compost improve moisture retention and reduce nematode stress.
Arid West / Mediterranean-type Climates
- Superb sugar development in long, dry summers; fruit holds exceptionally for drying and canning.
- Irrigate deeply but infrequently; avoid constant wetness around roots.
Cooler Summers / Colder Zones (6–7)
- Choose a south-facing heat pocket (walls/driveways reflect warmth).
- Grow in large containers you can roll into a garage/shed after leaf drop.
- Expect later ripening; prioritize maximum sun and season extension.
🪴 Container & (Bright) Indoor Notes
- Pot Size: Start with 18–22 in diameter; up-pot as needed.
- Soil: Well-drained potting mix + compost; avoid heavy, waterlogged media.
- Light/Water: Full sun outdoors; water deeply, then allow the top few inches to dry.
- Wintering: After leaf drop, store in a cool garage/shed; water sparingly (do not let roots go bone-dry).
- Maintenance: Root-prune and refresh media every 2–3 years.
🧑🍳 Kitchen Inspiration
- Fresh: with chèvre or burrata, drizzle of honey
- Roasted/Grilled: with rosemary/thyme, serve alongside meats or salads
- Preserves & Drying: Kadota’s honey sweetness and firmer skin excel in jams and dried fruit
Origin Snapshot
A U.S. standard honey-type fig linked historically to Italy’s ‘Dottato’ lineage. Selected for processing and fresh markets thanks to dependable cropping, mild sweetness, and excellent preserving quality.
🌾 How to Plant & Care (GreenDreams Method)
Where to Plant
- Full sun, well-drained soil; avoid low, wet spots.
- Mulch 2–3" deep (keep mulch off the trunk). Mulch wide in sandy Florida soils.
Planting — “High & Tight”
- Dig a hole only slightly wider than the pot and the same depth.
- Set the root ball ½–1" above grade (never bury the trunk flare).
- Backfill firmly with native soil blended with compost; eliminate air pockets.
- Water to settle; re-mulch.▶️ Tree Planting Video (High & Tight method): https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI
Watering
- Establishment: Daily light irrigations for 1–2 weeks (weather-dependent), then 2–3×/week through the first season.
- Mature/Container: Deep, infrequent soak; allow top few inches to dry between waterings.
Feeding
- In-ground: Split, light organic feedings spring → early summer. Avoid heavy late-summer nitrogen.
- Containers: Balanced organic fertilizer at label rates during active growth.
Pruning
- Dormant season (winter): open the canopy; remove dead/diseased/crossing wood; head back long shoots to keep 8–12 ft.
- For a breba (early) crop, leave some previous-year shoots.
- In Florida, maintain multi-stem bush form for quick recovery and simple netting.
Winter Maintenance (Florida & Similar Climates)
- North/Central FL: Protect young trees on hard-freeze nights (frost cloth). Heavier mulch on root zone.
- Expect some tip dieback after severe cold—bush-form figs rebound readily in spring.
🛡️ Troubleshooting & Organic Care
Leaf Yellowing/Spots (Fig Rust)
- Common in humid summers; often cosmetic. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove fallen leaves.
Souring/Splitting in Heavy Rains
- Harvest promptly at ripeness; ensure drainage; consistent watering reduces swings.
Root-Knot Nematodes (Sandy Soils)
- Use wide wood-chip mulch and compost; consider container culture if nematodes are severe.
Wildlife (Birds/Squirrels)
- Netting works best on bush-form trees; pick daily when fruit colors and softens.
General Organic Best Practices
- Mulch wide, prune for airflow, build soil with compost, and maintain steady moisture (no soggy feet).
❓ FAQ
Do Kadota figs need a pollinator or fig wasp?
No—Kadota is a common, self-fruitful fig (parthenocarpic).
Will my tree lose its leaves?
Yes—deciduous. Expect fall yellowing and leaf drop; new growth flushes in spring.
How small can I keep it?
With annual winter pruning, 8–12 ft is easy. Also excellent in large containers.
What’s the typical Florida harvest window?
July–October is common (earlier/later depending on microclimate). In many areas, a small early breba crop is possible.
Can I grow it in zone 6?
With wind protection, heat pockets, and/or container culture moved to shelter after leaf drop, yes—expect a shorter, later season.
🌿 GreenDreams Fig Variety Comparison Table
| 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 & balcony 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 |
🌞 Regional Growing Insights
Florida & Gulf Growers (Zones 8–10):
- Top performers for heat + humidity: Di Redo, LSU Purple, Celeste, and White Kadota.
- Mulch deeply, maintain airflow, and prune annually for balance and vigor.
Cooler Regions (Zones 6–7 and beyond):
- Best cold-tolerant choices: Olympian, Brown Turkey, Celeste, and White Marseilles.
- In borderline zones, grow figs as multi-stem shrubs or in large containers moved to shelter after leaf drop.
⚠️ Cautions
- Latex sap may irritate skin—use gloves when pruning/harvesting.
- Ripe fruit attracts wildlife; plan for netting or frequent harvests.
✅ Is This Plant Right for You?
Ideal for:
Florida and warm-zone gardeners (7–10) with full sun, home preservers/dryers, and container growers who want a reliable, self-fruitful fig.
Not ideal for:
Shady sites, persistently soggy soils, or very cool-summer climates seeking peak sweetness without extra heat or season extension.
🚚 Shipping & Pickup
Shipping (4" & 1-gallon best practice):
Plants in 4" and 1-gallon containers ship best to Florida, the Southeast & Texas. We can ship nationwide, but plants going to the North & West may need extra recovery after transit. Buyer discretion is advised during peak heat or cold; we are not responsible for temperature damage during transit. We ship Mondays via UPS Ground from Florida.
Local Pickup (larger sizes seasonally available):
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
🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services
We do more than sell plants—we design, build, and restore edible ecosystems across Florida.
- 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
- 🚜 Installation & project management
- 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar, and soil materials
- 🤝 Wholesale & large-scale regenerative solutions
Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise—starting with figs! 🌿
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.
