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'Olympian' Fig

Ficus carica

The 'Olympian' Fig (Ficus carica)

The 'Olympian' is a standout for its size—producing fruit nearly as large as a tennis ball! It features a beautiful violet-purple skin and a deep red, jammy interior. Because it was discovered in a cooler climate, it is exceptionally reliable at producing two crops a year, even in shorter growing seasons.


Setting the Stage for Success

Soil & Fertilizer

Figs aren't overly demanding, but they do have a "sweet tooth" for minerals.

  • The Soil: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. If your soil is too dense, mix in some orchid bark or perlite.

  • Feeding: Use a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in the spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers once the fruit has set; otherwise, you'll get a beautiful 10-foot tree with no figs on it!

What to Expect & Time to Harvest

'Olympian' is a fast-grower. Because yours is already established in a pot, you might even see a "Breba" crop (early fruit on last year's wood) within the first season.

  • The Harvest: The main crop usually arrives in late summer or early autumn.

  • The Ripeness Test: A fig is only ready when it "gives up." It should hang heavily on the stem, feel soft to the touch (like a bag of jelly), and may even show "sugar tears" (sap) at the base.

Maintenance, Trimming & Troubleshooting

Winter Care & Pruning

  • Pruning: Prune in late winter while dormant. Focus on removing "suckers" from the base and any crossing branches. Since 'Olympian' produces large fruit, keeping the branches sturdy and short helps them support the weight.

  • Cold Protection: While hardy to Zone 6, if you live in a very cold area, move your pot into an unheated garage or wrap it in burlap once the leaves drop for the winter.

Pest Prevention

  • Birds: They love the purple color as much as we do. Drape bird netting over the tree as soon as the fruit begins to change from green to violet.

  • Ants: If ants are climbing your tree to get to the nectar, wrap the trunk in a bit of "tree tanglefoot" or a sticky barrier.

Flavor & Culinary Delight

The 'Olympian' flavor profile is deeply sweet with a complex, berry-like finish. Because the fruit is so large, it has a wonderful "meaty" texture.

  • Fresh: Slice them in half and serve with a dollop of mascarpone and a sprinkle of toasted pistachios.

  • Grilling: Their large size makes them the best fig for the grill. Slice in half, char for 2 minutes, and serve alongside grilled pork or lamb.

  • Dessert: These are the ultimate "caramelization" figs. Roast them with brown sugar and cinnamon for a decadent topping over vanilla bean ice cream.

Pro-Tip: The "Eye" Exam

Check the "ostiole" (the small hole at the bottom of the fig). As 'Olympian' nears peak ripeness, the eye will stretch and open slightly, and you might see a tiny drop of clear syrup. This is the tree's way of telling you that the sugar content is at its absolute maximum—pick it immediately!

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