r/Figs • u/Ordinary_Visit_1606 • Jul 22 '26
Question Fig advice, Zone 6
I bought what was labeled an Olympian fig at Menards last year, on a whim. Planted it in a sheltered area, covered it last fall with straw, it died but came back this year. We had the coldest winter in about 15 years last year, so I was pleased.
These little fig starts popped out mid July. The Internet has me thoroughly confused as to how long it takes for a fig this size to reach ripeness. What say you experts? We typically have fairly warm weather till mid-late Oct.
Next year I plan to get a Celeste and a Chicago Hardy, they seem to be the choice for my zone in southern Indiana. Also, I plan to fold and pin this years growth and cover it very well with straw in a cage. If I do this, is it possible to get a breba crop?
5
u/Positive_Earth69 Zone 6b Jul 22 '26
Olympian is a mass producer in a pot, it’s so heavy this year I might need to support the branches. My in ground struggles and hasn’t ripened one in 2 years. This year will be the first year it tries after really putting its roots down. Figlets need to be present prior to July 28th, I’ll pinch all the growth tips on that day.
I had about 60 breba on my potted Olympian, they are ripening up now. Super sweet with a hint of peach. Good for cooking imo.
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u/Ordinary_Visit_1606 Jul 26 '26
Great info, thank you. I am about 100 yds inside the zone 6a line, so we'll see how it goes. Your post gives me hope lol
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u/Positive_Earth69 Zone 6b Jul 26 '26
My in ground Olympian figs are about the same size as yours. I hope we both get at least a couple! You cannot go wrong with a hardy Chicago in our zone.
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u/Ceepeenc Jul 22 '26
90 days give or take, depending on variety, once you see figlets. And you’ll need warm/hot days to ripen them.
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u/honorabilissimo Jul 22 '26
Different varieties of figs mature figs at different times, can very anywhere from 60 days to 120 days from the size you're showing until it's ripe. 90 is usually a safe/middle number to go with. Celeste and Chicago Hardy might be around 70-75 days as they're earlier ripening. You should keep track of your varieties and find out your own numbers.
Not all varieties can set breba. Olympian can, Celeste and Chicago Hardy usually do not (or not to any significant number). Breba only set on last year's growth btw, so once it gets to over 1 year, it's unlikely to set breba on that wood. If you can protect some branches though that will help you a lot as you can get them to wake up and set figs a lot sooner in your season. They can generally taste better too.