Fig, Desert King

Ficus carica 'Desert King'

Desert King comes from a fig tree found in 1930, near Madera, California. This versatile fig thrives in cool climates, producing a large early crop even in the absence of summer heat. May set a second fall crop in warmer regions. Desert King is also one of the most productive, if not the most productive, fig tree for brebas, each branch can bear up to 6-8 fruits. The exceptionally large, green-skinned fruit have a strawberry-jammy flesh of excellent quality. An attractive, prolific tree for garden or landscape. Deciduous. Figs are best grown in in organically rich, well-drained soils, in full sun to part shade. Figs can be grown in ground in Ohio in protected locations (e.g., against south-facing walls, warmer microclimates of the landscape) and USDA Zones 5-7, but plants will usually show significant die back in cold winters if not protected. Stems are hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and the roots are hardy to -20 degrees. Stems that die back will resprout in late spring and will produce fruit on the new wood. Fertilize in early spring. Prune lightly in late winter to not remove the early forming spring crop. Figs can also be easily grown in containers. Water regularly during the growing season but reduce watering in fall. Containers must be indoors for winter and may be overwintered in cool, dark garages or basements. Deer resistant.