Fig, Little Ruby

Ficus carica 'Little Ruby'

Developed by the same retired biologist who gave us the hardy and huge Olympian Fig, Denny McGaughy, Little Ruby was a seedling chosen for its hardiness, compact habit, and reliability. Little Ruby is so compact, it’s sometimes used as a bonsai specimen. A slow growing fig, that produces a large crop in early spring (Breba crop) of small, bite-size ruby colored figs which are deliciously jammy and sugary sweet. Main crop ripens in August. A great container fig, and very unique. Little Ruby is also surprisingly cold tolerant as well. Trees can produce large quantities of fruit when the plant is only three feet tall. One of the best choices for growing indoors or in greenhouses. Best grown in rich, well-drained soils, in full to part sun. Can be grown in ground in Ohio in protected locations (e.g., against south-facing walls, warmer microclimates of the landscape) and USDA Zones 6-7, 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. Easily grown in containers. Water regularly during the growing season but reduce watering in fall. Containers must be brought indoors for winter and may be overwintered in cool, dark garages or basements. Deer resistant.