Description
Desert King is the benchmark fig for the Pacific Northwest and other cool-summer climates. Known for its exceptionally reliable breba crop, it produces large, green-skinned figs with deep strawberry-red flesh that ripen in midsummer—well ahead of most varieties. Even in cloudy or unpredictable summers, Desert King delivers heavy yields when other figs fail to ripen.
This variety thrives in coastal and maritime regions where heat units are limited. Its rich, jammy flavor, vigorous growth, and dependable performance make it one of the most widely planted figs in western Washington. Desert King is ideal for fresh eating, dehydrating, and making preserves, and it can be kept compact with annual pruning.
Overview
- Outstanding cold-coastal performance — one of the most reliable figs for the Pacific Northwest.
- Large breba crop that ripens in late July to early August.
- Sweet, berry-flavored flesh with a soft, thin skin.
- Vigorous and easy to grow — adaptable to many soils once established.
- Self-fertile and productive even in short-season climates.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Ficus carica ’Desert King’
Site and Soil: Well-drained soil; 1/2 day to full day of sun
Hardiness (Temp): Typically to 5–10°F once established
Bearing Age: 1–2 years after planting
Rootstock: Own roots
Size at Maturity: 12–15 ft (easily kept smaller with pruning)
Bloom Time: Not applicable (figs develop from fruit buds, not flowers)
Ripening Time: Breba crop in late July–early August; main crop seldom ripens in cool climates
Yield: Heavy breba production in the Puget Sound region
Pests and Diseases: Generally trouble-free; occasional winter dieback in very cold years
USDA Zone: 7–10
Additional Notes
- Desert King fruits on last year’s wood, so avoid heavy winter pruning of one-year-old branches.
- Excellent choice for maritime climates where summer heat is limited—one of the top performers in western Washington.
- Can be trained as a shrub or small tree; responds well to renewal pruning.
- Explore more fig varieties in our collection: Fig Trees
