De Damaite is a Croatian fig that stands out for its exceptional cold hardiness, thriving in zones 7-10 where many other figs struggle. The tree produces large green fruits with strikingly sweet red flesh inside, offering both visual appeal and delicious eating quality. What truly sets this variety apart is its proven resilience in challenging climates, particularly the Pacific Northwest, where it demonstrates strong performance even when spring weather turns unpredictable. This is a self-fertile common fig that adapts well to suitable conditions, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in cooler regions.
Full Sun
—
7-10
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Cold hardiness is this fig's defining trait, ranking among the most winter-tolerant varieties available for northern gardeners. The large green fruits reveal a gorgeous crimson interior flesh that's genuinely sweet, making harvest time rewarding both visually and in flavor. Even in regions with inconsistent spring conditions, De Damaite produces fruit reliably, though gardeners in marginal climates may see their Breba crop drop before ripening; Pacific Northwest trials, however, show successful Breba production in that specific climate.
As an edible fig, De Damaite is grown primarily for fresh eating. The sweet red interior flesh and large green fruit make it suitable for harvesting at peak ripeness and consuming fresh from the tree, a traditional use that connects growers to centuries of Mediterranean fig culture.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Harvest De Damaite figs when they reach full size and the skin softens slightly to the touch. The large green fruits should yield gently to pressure when ripe, and the red flesh inside becomes noticeably sweeter at peak maturity. Pick fruits in the morning when they're coolest, handling gently to avoid bruising the delicate skin.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“De Damaite originates from Croatia, a region with a centuries-old tradition of fig cultivation. The variety emerged from this European heritage and has been preserved and tested specifically for cold tolerance, a trait that makes it valuable for modern gardeners expanding fig cultivation beyond traditional Mediterranean climates. Testing at Mt. Vernon station helped document its performance and confirm its suitability for northern growing regions.”