Ficus 'Desert King' Fig
Best dual-harvest fruit tree for home gardeners with limited space.
The 'Desert King' Fig is a versatile deciduous tree celebrated for its dual annual fig harvests. Enjoy a large spring breba crop and a late season crop, both featuring delicious, light green flesh with a rich flavor. This self-fertile variety is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for water-wise gardens. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic loam, reaching a mature height of 12-15 feet. Adaptable to containers or espalier training, it's a rewarding addition to any landscape.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
313
/ 1220
#313 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-77%
Below average
SKU
26730
Who it's for
- Gardeners in cooler climates seeking reliable early fruit production
- Home cooks desiring flavorful fruit for fresh eating and preserving
- Zone 7 growers needing cold-hardy varieties for marginal climates
Who should skip it
- Gardeners outside specialized regions expecting a consistent second harvest
- Homeowners planning to plant near foundations or underground plumbing
- Gardeners in humid climates wanting low-maintenance, disease-resistant plants
Performance breakdown
Harvest Yield
Dual annual crops provide an exceptional return for home growers.
Climate Versatility
Impressive hardiness range makes this viable for diverse regional landscapes.
Drought Resilience
Established trees handle dry spells with minimal supplemental irrigation required.
Container Adaptability
Compact enough for pots, though mature width requires significant patio space.
Pollination Simplicity
Self-fertile nature removes the need for secondary trees or pollinators.
Flavor Profile
Rich, strawberry-like sweetness delivers a premium culinary experience at home.
Key Specs
SKU
26730
Genus
Ficus
Species
carica
Item Form
Trade Gallon (3qt)
Mature Height
12 to 15 Feet
Mature Width
25 Feet
Hardiness Zones
4 - 9
Chill Hours Required
100
Features
- Two distinct fig crops annually
- Edible figs with rich, strawberry-like flavor
- Self-fertile, no pollinator needed
- Drought tolerant once established
- Suitable for containers and espalier
- Early fruit tree cultivation
- Rich in essential minerals
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the reliability of the 'Desert King' fig, noting its ability to produce abundant, high quality fruit even in challenging climates. Many reviews highlight the excellent health and size of the plant upon arrival from Wayside Gardens, suggesting strong initial quality. The primary delight is the dependable breba crop, offering delicious figs early in the season. This plant is considered a worthwhile investment for serious home growers seeking consistent results and superior fruit flavor.
Know before you buy
No, this variety is self-fertile. You will get a full harvest even if you only have space for a single tree.
The 'Desert King' produces a 'breba' crop in the spring on old wood, followed by a second, main crop later in the season on new growth. This dual-harvest cycle provides a longer window to enjoy fresh fruit.
Yes, it is well-suited for containers, which also helps manage its size. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage and is large enough to accommodate the root system as the tree matures.
While it reaches a height of 12 to 15 feet, it can spread up to 25 feet wide. Be sure to plant it in an area that allows for this significant horizontal growth, or plan to prune it regularly.
The 'Desert King' is hardy in zones 4 through 9. If you are in the lower end of that range, consider planting it in a sheltered spot or a container that can be moved during extreme cold.
Once established, this fig is remarkably drought-tolerant. While it prefers moderate watering during the growing season, it can handle drier conditions better than many other fruit trees.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$25