Olympian Fig (Ficus carica ‘Olympian’)

🌿 Olympian Fig (Ficus carica ‘Olympian’)

Large. Cold-Tolerant. Honey-Sweet with Berry Notes.

The Olympian Fig is a standout variety of Ficus carica known for its large fruit, beautiful pink interior, and impressive cold tolerance. Originally discovered in the Pacific Northwest, this variety performs exceptionally well in temperate climates — including Arkansas Zone 7.

Olympian produces sweet, rich figs with smooth skin and a vibrant interior, often ripening earlier than many other varieties.

🌳 Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Ficus carica ‘Olympian’

• Growth Habit: Deciduous fruiting shrub/tree

• Mature Height: 10–15 feet (smaller in containers)

• Spread: 8–12 feet

• Fruit Size: Large

• Fruit Interior: Pink to red

• Flavor: Honey-sweet with berry undertones

• Ripening Season: Mid to late summer

• Pollination: Self-fruitful

Olympian is known for producing large, flavorful figs even in cooler summer regions.

❄️ Cold Tolerance

Olympian is one of the more cold-tolerant fig varieties.

• Hardy Zones: 6–9

• Root Hardy: Down to approximately 0–10°F

• Top Growth Damage: Possible below 10–15°F

• Ideal Growing Range: 65–95°F

In Zone 7 Arkansas, Olympian can be grown in-ground with winter protection or in containers for added control.

🌞 Growing Indoors or in a Greenhouse

☀ Light

• Requires full sun (6–8+ hours daily).

• Greenhouse placement should be in the brightest location.

🌱 Soil

• Well-draining soil is critical.

• Slightly acidic to neutral preferred.

• Avoid heavy, wet soils.

💧 Water

• Moderate watering.

• Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

• Reduce watering in late fall as dormancy approaches.

🪴 Container Growing

• Excellent choice for large containers.

• Prune annually to maintain size.

• Containers allow easier winter protection.

📦 When Your Olympian Fig Arrives (Acclimation Instructions)

🌤 Step 1: Shade Rest (First 3 Days)

• Place in bright shade.

• Avoid direct sun immediately after shipping.

• Allow plant to rehydrate and adjust.

🌞 Step 2: Gradual Sun Exposure

• Introduce to morning sun after 3 days.

• Gradually move into full sun over 7–10 days.

• Sudden exposure can stress leaves.

🌳 Planting & Spacing

• Space 8–12 feet apart.

• Choose a south-facing location for best production.

• Mulch heavily around the root zone.

• Prune in late winter while dormant.

🛡 Winter Protection in Zone 7

In-Ground Trees

• Mulch 4–6 inches deep around base.

• Wrap trunk during extreme cold snaps.

• Plant in protected microclimates.

Container Trees

• Move into garage or greenhouse before hard freezes.

• Allow natural dormancy.

• Keep soil barely moist during winter.

Even if top growth dies back in extreme cold, roots often resprout in spring.

🍈 Why Grow Olympian Fig?

• Large, beautiful fruit

• Excellent cold tolerance

• Self-fruitful and reliable

• Ideal for containers or in-ground planting

• Performs well in Arkansas conditions

Olympian Figs bring dependable sweetness and strong performance to Zone 7 growers — making them an excellent addition to orchards, food forests, and patio container gardens.