Fig Varieties

​​

Bass’ Favorite

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple skin with red jam-like interior

Flavor: Very sweet and rich

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A flavorful fig with a rich interior perfect for fig lovers seeking an intense sweetness.

​

Black Bethlehem

Color & Characteristics: Deep, dark skin with vibrant red flesh

Flavor: Sumptuously sweet with rich, fruity notes

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking, preserves

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Originating from Bethlehem, this fig is prized for its heritage and exceptional flavor.

 

Black Celeste

Color & Characteristics: Nearly black skin with soft, sweet flesh

Flavor: Honeyed sweetness with delicate undertones

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves, gourmet dishes

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A Mediterranean variety known for elegance and flavor.

 

Black Jack

Color & Characteristics: Rich purple skin with strawberry-colored center

Flavor: Sweet and fruity

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying, jamming

Ripens: Late summer

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A reliable backyard favorite with large fruit and consistent productivity.

​

Black Madeira

Color & Characteristics: Dark, nearly black skin with deep red flesh

Flavor: Intensely sweet and sugary

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying, desserts

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 9–10 (container grown in cooler zones)

Notes: A collector’s favorite from Madeira, Portugal—renowned for top-tier flavor.

 

Blue Ischia

Color & Characteristics: Blue-purple skin with rich, dark interior

Flavor: Sweet with honey-like richness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves, culinary use

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Also known as Violet de Bordeaux; prized for its beauty and gourmet flavor.

​

Boréale

Color & Characteristics: Greenish-yellow skin with soft, flavorful flesh

Flavor: Sweet and mild

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 5–8

Notes: Extremely cold-hardy variety ideal for cooler climates. Can withstand frost.

​

Brown Turkey

Color & Characteristics: Brownish-purple skin with light pink flesh

Flavor: Mildly sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Hardy and vigorous. Produces on first-year growth, making it ideal for beginners.

​

Buccia Amara

Color & Characteristics: Dark skin with juicy, vibrant interior

Flavor: Exceptionally sweet flesh with slightly bitter skin

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: An Italian variety with a unique flavor balance and sought-after by enthusiasts.

​

Calderona

Color & Characteristics: Deep purplish skin with tender, juicy flesh

Flavor: Rich and honeyed with vibrant sweetness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, culinary creations

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A gourmet Mediterranean variety from Spain’s Calderona mountains; prized for flavor and appearance.

​

Chicago Hardy

Color & Characteristics: Deep purple skin, closed ostiole

Flavor: Sweet and robust

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves, cold-climate growing

Ripens: Late summer to early fall

Zones: 5–10

Notes: A cold-hardy Mount Etna-type fig ideal for northern growers. Produces well in containers or in-ground.

​

Col de Dama Gegentina

Color & Characteristics: Greenish-yellow skin with sweet, juicy flesh

Flavor: Lush and succulent

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, culinary use

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A rare Argentine variety prized for its complex sweetness and smooth texture.

 

Col de Dame Noir

Color & Characteristics: Deep purple-black skin with dense red interior

Flavor: Rich, sweet, with honey and berry notes

Best Uses: Fresh eating, pairing with cheese, desserts

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A French variety favored by connoisseurs for its gourmet flavor and elegant structure.

 

Col de Dame Gris

Color & Characteristics: Silvery-gray skin with reddish, slightly nutty flesh

Flavor: Sweet and subtle with nutty undertones

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cheese boards, cooking

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Sophisticated French variety with nuanced flavor and beautiful presentation.

 

Coraggio

Color & Characteristics: Greenish-brown skin with vibrant red flesh

Flavor: Sweet and bold

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves, recipes

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: An adaptable Italian variety known for vigor and unique flavor. Great in diverse climates.

​

Corazon De La Bahia

Color & Characteristics: Vibrant skin with tropical visual appeal

Flavor: Sweet with tropical notes

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves, tropical-style dishes

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 8–10

Notes: An exotic fig with tropical charm and flavor; ideal for warmer regions or greenhouse growing.

​

Dark Portuguese

Color & Characteristics: Deep purple-black skin with rich flesh

Flavor: Intensely sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A rich, dark fig prized for its sweetness and striking appearance. Excellent for gourmet snacking

 

Dark Syrian

Color & Characteristics: Dark purplish-black skin with jam-like interior

Flavor: Sweet and fruity

Best Uses: Preserves, fresh eating, drying

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A productive variety ideal for making fig-based products or enjoying fresh off the tree.

​

Desert King

Color & Characteristics: Pale yellow to green skin with pink-red flesh

Flavor: Delicately sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Early season

Zones: 7–9

Notes: Excellent for cooler coastal climates; produces a large breba crop and tolerates light frost.

​

Dwarf Improved Brown Turkey

Color & Characteristics: Bronze skin with soft pink flesh

Flavor: Mildly sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating, containers

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Compact and productive; great for patio containers and small spaces.

​

Figo Preto

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple skin with vibrant red flesh

Flavor: Intensely sweet, honey-like

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, preserves

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 8–10

Notes: Portuguese variety with premium flavor; often compared to Black Madeira for richness.

​

Firehouse

Color & Characteristics: Bright red to purple skin with juicy red flesh

Flavor: Sweet with a hint of tartness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, salads, preserves

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Eye-catching and flavorful; great for fresh use and culinary flair.

 

Galbun

Color & Characteristics: Bright green skin with honey-flavored flesh

Flavor: Sweet with slight nutty undertones

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A unique and flavorful fig appreciated by collectors for its balance and vibrant taste.

 

Grise de St Jean

Color & Characteristics: Gray-green skin with amber to pink flesh

Flavor: Honey-sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating, gourmet dishes

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: French heirloom variety; valued for both beauty and flavor in Mediterranean cuisine.

 

Gypsy

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple to black skin with pinkish-red flesh

Flavor: Sweet and fruity

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, cooking

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A versatile variety known for its bold color and rich flavor.

 

Hollier

Color & Characteristics: Yellow skin with amber flesh

Flavor: Sweet with a hint of nuttiness

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying

Ripens: Late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Productive and flavorful; great for snacking or drying for year-round use.

​

Improved Celeste

Color & Characteristics: Light brown skin with amber flesh

Flavor: Very sweet, sugar-like

Best Uses: Snacking, canning, preserves

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: An improved version of the classic Celeste; produces well and is resistant to splitting.

 

Italian 258

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple skin with red flesh

Flavor: Sweet and fruity

Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking, preserves

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Excellent all-around fig with rich flavor and good cold resistance.

 

Italian Honey

Color & Characteristics: Light green skin with amber flesh

Flavor: Exceptionally sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Vigorous grower that fruits on first-year wood; a favorite for its sweetness.

​

Kadota

Color & Characteristics: Green to yellow skin with light flesh

Flavor: Mildly sweet, honey-like

Best Uses: Baking, preserves, fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A traditional variety often used in cooking and canning; low seed content.

 

Lebanese Red (Bass)

Color & Characteristics: Maroon to red skin with rich red flesh

Flavor: Sweet, berry-like

Best Uses: Fresh eating, Middle Eastern cuisine

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Flavorful and unique; excellent for adding variety to your fig collection.

 

Lounge d’Août

Color & Characteristics: Green skin ripening to pale yellow

Flavor: Sweet, honeyed

Best Uses: Fresh eating, late-summer treats

Ripens: Late summer

Zones: 7–10

Notes: French heirloom fig; highly desirable for its flavor and late ripening.

 

LSU O’Rourke

Color & Characteristics: Brown to violet skin with pink flesh

Flavor: Sweet and fruity

Best Uses: Fresh eating, culinary use

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Developed for disease resistance and productivity in humid climates.

​

LSU Purple

Color & Characteristics: Purple skin with red flesh

Flavor: Sweet and rich

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Cold-tolerant and productive; great for beginners.

​

LSU Tiger

Color & Characteristics: Light purple skin with green stripes and red flesh

Flavor: Sweet with berry notes

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Beautiful striped fruit with excellent flavor; part of LSU’s breeding program.​

​

Mafrat Russian Unknown

Color & Characteristics: Unknown coloration, hardy growth habit

Flavor: Sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 6–10

Notes: Thrives in colder climates; ideal for northern growers.

 

Maltese Beauty

Color & Characteristics: Green skin turning pale yellow when ripe

Flavor: Exceptionally sweet and rich

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A delicious fig with reliable productivity and beautiful fruit.

 

Magnolia

Color & Characteristics: Brown skin with light flesh

Flavor: Mild and sweet

Best Uses: Canning, preserves

Ripens: July to August

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A traditional Southern fig; a staple in homemade fig preserves.

 

Marseille Black VS

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple-black skin

Flavor: Sweet and rich

Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Vigorous French variety known for reliable production and bold flavor.

 

Martinenca Rimada

Color & Characteristics: Greenish-yellow skin with red stripes

Flavor: Sweet and complex

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Visually striking and flavorful; a collector’s favorite.

​

Maryland Berry

Color & Characteristics: Deep purple skin

Flavor: Rich, berry-like

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 6–10

Notes: Cold-hardy with standout flavor; great for northern growers.

​

Montanha Verde

Color & Characteristics: Green skin with amber flesh

Flavor: Sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Portuguese variety with consistent sweetness; productive in warm climates.

​

Moscatel Branco MK

Color & Characteristics: Greenish-yellow skin

Flavor: Sweet with a muscat (grape-like) note

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A unique flavor profile; excellent for Mediterranean gardens.

 

Motoso Preto

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple skin

Flavor: Sweet and jammy

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Rich and flavorful Portuguese variety with deep coloring.

​

Nichadam Haven Unknown

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple skin

Flavor: Sweet and honey-like

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Rare and attractive fig; great for fresh market appeal.

 

Noire De Barbentane

Color & Characteristics: Deep purple skin

Flavor: Sweet and rich

Best Uses: Fresh eating, culinary use

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: A classic French fig with strong European heritage.

 

Olympian

Color & Characteristics: Thin purple-striped skin

Flavor: Very sweet

Best Uses: Canning, fresh eating

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 6–10

Notes: Cold-hardy and productive; great for northern growers.

 

Panaché

Color & Characteristics: Green and yellow striped skin with red flesh

Flavor: Sweet with strawberry tones

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Also known as Tiger Fig; striking appearance and delightful flavor.

​

Paradiso Bronze

Color & Characteristics: Bronze skin with amber flesh

Flavor: Rich, honey-sweet with buttery texture

Best Uses: Fresh eating, desserts

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Heirloom fig with elegant flavor; a gourmet addition to any garden.

 

Ponte Tresa

Color & Characteristics: Deep purple with green undertones

Flavor: Honey-sweet and rich

Best Uses: Fresh eating, culinary uses

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Rare variety from the Swiss-Italian border; prized for flavor and uniqueness.

​​

Red Lebanese Becca Valley

Color & Characteristics: Deep red skin, robust growth

Flavor: Sweet and rich

Best Uses: Fresh eating, culinary uses

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Hearty variety from Lebanon’s Becca Valley

​

Rigato Del Salento PB Fig

Color & Characteristics: Green and yellow striped skin

Flavor: Honey-like with juicy texture

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Italian variety with a striking appearance.

 

Roberts Golden Rainbow

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green skin with a reddish blush

Flavor: Sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Attractive fig with excellent flavor

​

Ronde De Bordeaux

Color & Characteristics: Maroon skin, medium-sized fruit

Flavor: Sweet, berry-like

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying

Ripens: Early

Zones: 6–10

Notes: Vigorous and hardy; excellent for cooler climates

​

Saleeb Persistent Capri Fig UCR 271-1

Color & Characteristics: Yellow skin, closed eye

Flavor: Mild and less sweet (caprifig)

Best Uses: Pollination

Ripens: N/A

Zones: 8–10

Notes: Male fig variety; useful in fig breeding and pollination

​

Salem Dark

Color & Characteristics: Dark purple to black skin, red flesh

Flavor: Sweet and jammy

Best Uses: Fresh, drying, and preserves

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Rich interior color and flavor

 

Salem Honey

Color & Characteristics: Unknown

Flavor: Presumably honey-sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Unknown

Zones: Likely 7–10

Notes: More data needed

 

Sicily

Color & Characteristics: Purple skin, vigorous grower

Flavor: Sweet, excellent flavor

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Hardy variety from Sicily

​

Smith

Color & Characteristics: Yellow-green with red blush, closed eye

Flavor: Exceptionally sweet, complex, with berry and citrus notes

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 8–10

Notes: Louisiana favorite, often regarded as one of the best-tasting figs

 

Socorro Black

Color & Characteristics: Dark skin

Flavor: Honey-sweet, complex

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Strong grower; discovered in New Mexico

 

St. Rita

Color & Characteristics: Small purple fig

Flavor: Rich, sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Cold hardy and productive

 

Stella

Color & Characteristics: Large purple fig

Flavor: Sweet and juicy

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Italian heirloom known for size and productivity

​

Sucrette

Color & Characteristics: Light green skin, small fruit

Flavor: Very sweet, sugary

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Dense pulp with candy-like sweetness

​

Tres Num Prato

Color & Characteristics: Dark skin

Flavor: Sweet, complex

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Rare Portuguese variety

​

Vernea

Color & Characteristics: Purple to black skin

Flavor: Rich, jammy

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Late

Zones: 8–10

Notes: Cold-sensitive but flavorful

 

Violette de Bordeaux

Color & Characteristics: Deep purple skin, compact growth

Flavor: Jammy, sweet, indulgent

Best Uses: Fresh eating, drying, cheese boards

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Great for container growing

 

Violette de Solliès

Color & Characteristics: Deep purple skin, red flesh

Flavor: Rich, berry-like

Best Uses: Fresh eating, preserves

Ripens: Late

Zones: 8–10

Notes: French variety, prized in Europe

 

Weeping Apple Pie

Color & Characteristics: Unknown

Flavor: Apple pie-like flavor profile

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Unknown

Zones: Likely 7–10

Notes: Rare variety; limited data

​

White Adriatic

Color & Characteristics: Green skin, strawberry red interior

Flavor: Sweet and balanced

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Fig Hunter variety

​

White Madeira #1

Color & Characteristics: Green skin, red interior

Flavor: Exceptionally sweet and complex

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Early to mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Top-tier fig in flavor rankings

​

White Marseille

Color & Characteristics: Light green to yellow skin

Flavor: Very sweet, maple syrup finish

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Early

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Productive and reliable

 

Yellow Lebanese

Color & Characteristics: Yellow skin

Flavor: Sweet and rich

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Middle Eastern origin

​

Yellow Long Neck

Color & Characteristics: Large yellow fig with elongated neck

Flavor: Honey-like, mildly sweet

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid-season

Zones: 8–10

Notes: Popular for its size and appearance

​

Zoe’s Star

Color & Characteristics: Yellowish-green skin with purple blush

Flavor: Brown sugar sweetness, juicy

Best Uses: Fresh eating

Ripens: Mid to late season

Zones: 7–10

Notes: Fig Hunter selection; unique flavor​​​​​​​

​​​