Fig 'Smith'

Ficus carica 'Smith'

Smith Fig

Smith is a celebrated Louisiana heirloom associated with the Becnel family of Plaquemines Parish, who have grown and distributed the cultivar for generations. Its deeper European origin remains uncertain, so we prefer to describe Smith as a Louisiana heirloom rather than assign it an unverified country of origin.

The fruit is medium to large with yellow-green to bronze skin and a deep red, jammy interior. Smith is renowned for its exceptional flavor, a rich combination of berry, caramelized sugar, and syrupy sweetness, as well as its ability to produce high-quality fruit in hot, humid conditions.

Heritage Seed Co. maintains a particularly well-provenanced accession obtained directly from Brian Rodrigue “Cajun B,” whose Smith parent trees came directly from Becnel's Nursery. 

For northern growers, Smith is grown primarily for fruit quality rather than extreme cold hardiness. In Northeast Ohio, a warm location, container culture, or an early start can help provide the additional season needed to mature its main crop.

Type: Common fig (Ficus carica)
Synonyms/Associated Names: Becnel's Smith; Smith
Origin: Louisiana, USA; deeper European origin uncertain
Fruit: Medium to large; yellow-green to bronze
Pulp: Deep red; juicy and jammy
Flavor: Rich berry, caramelized sugar, syrup
Season: Main crop; mid-season
Growth: Vigorous and productive
Pollination: Not required
Commercial SKU: FIG-SMTH
Cold-Climate Notes: Smith can be grown successfully in northern climates but benefits from a long season. In Northeast Ohio, we favor an early start, container culture, or a warm microclimate to help reliably mature its high-quality main crop.