Olympian Fig
Ficus carica ‘Olympian’
Winner of the Retailers’ Choice Award at the 2014 Far West Show, ‘Olympian’ is a cold-hardy fig known for producing extremely sweet fruit with thin purple skin and rich red to violet flesh. Discovered by retired biologist Denny McGaughy in the city of Olympia, WA, this variety was later DNA tested in collaboration with Malli Aradhy of the USDA’s National Clonal Germplasm Repository. The tests confirmed it did not match any of the 200+ known fig cultivars, marking it as a unique heirloom variety.
‘Olympian’ is especially well-suited to cool and coastal climates, yet thrives in Zones 7–9 and may even perform in Zone 6 with a warm microclimate and proper winter protection. It’s an excellent choice for home gardens, offering reliable fruiting and outstanding flavor.
- Recommended Spacing: 10-foot circle
- USDA Zones: 7–9 (possible in Zone 6 with protection)
Plant Characteristics
- Pest Resistance: Very Good
- Disease Resistance: Very Good
- Drought Tolerance: Good
- Heat Tolerance: Excellent
- Humidity Tolerance: Good
- Sun Tolerance: Excellent
- Wet Soil Tolerance: Poor
- Shade Tolerance: Fair
- No-Spray Needs: Very Good
- Salt Tolerance: Very Good
- Kid-Friendly (Fresh Eating): Excellent
- Deer Resistance: Fair
- Thorns: No
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Soil Type: Adaptable
- Edible Type: Fruit
- Self-Fertile: Yes
This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Comments and feedback are always welcome.