Olympian Fig is a remarkable cold-hardy cultivar discovered in Olympia, Washington, and specifically bred to thrive where most figs struggle. This red-purple skinned beauty with deep red flesh reliably produces a substantial crop in August and often a second fall harvest even in cool summer regions where other varieties fail. Hardy from zones 7 through 10, it grows into a handsome deciduous tree reaching 10 to 15 feet tall with tropical-looking foliage and a spreading habit that works equally well in large containers or in-ground. What makes Olympian truly special is its tissue culture origin and heat treatment to significantly reduce Fig Mosaic Virus, making it both a breakthrough for northern gardeners and a disease-resistant choice for anyone.
Full Sun
High
7-10
180in H x 120in W
Perennial
High
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Olympian Fig was brought to cultivation by Denny McGaughy after being found growing in Washington State, representing a genuine breakthrough for cool-climate fig growing. It pairs the reliability of Desert King with the ability to ripen substantial crops in areas where summer heat is modest and unpredictable. The red-purple skin and red flesh create striking visual appeal, while the plant's naturally disease-resistant genetics and virus-reduced tissue culture propagation make it a low-maintenance choice for both novices and experienced growers. Few fig varieties can claim to thrive equally in cool summers and warmer zones, making this a genuinely versatile addition to any fig collection.
Olympian figs are primarily grown as fresh fruit for immediate eating when fully ripe, a moment that reveals their true character. The red flesh and red-purple skin signal peak ripeness, making them visually distinctive on the table or in the hand. Being handsome trees with tropical-looking foliage, they also serve an ornamental purpose in landscape design, particularly in maritime climates where their proven performance adds both aesthetic and edible value to the garden.
Harvest figs only when they are fully ripe, as they will not continue ripening after being picked from the tree. Look for fruit that is noticeably soft to the touch and displays its full red-purple color throughout. The skin should give slightly when gently squeezed. Wear gloves and long sleeves when harvesting, as the sap can irritate skin. Netting can help protect your crop from birds and other animals eager for the same harvest. Once picked, figs will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
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“Olympian Fig carries a fascinating modern origin story rooted in the Pacific Northwest. The variety was discovered growing in Olympia, Washington, and brought to wider cultivation by Denny McGaughy, who recognized its exceptional ability to fruit reliably in the region's notoriously challenging cool summers. Rather than languishing in nurseries waiting for heat that rarely arrives, this variety thrives in precisely the conditions that defeat most fig cultivars. Its propagation through tissue culture and heat treatment to reduce Fig Mosaic Virus represents contemporary horticultural science in service of expanding what's possible for home gardeners in marginal climates.”