Best 6 Fig Trees To Grow In Arkansas

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Figs were integral to many gardeners’ 2016 year. As a result of winter damage over the past two years, we have had fewer figs this year than in previous seasons. Hardiness varies among cultivars of the common fig (Ficus carica) in Arkansas. The fig is considered a deciduous tree, but in colder climates, it is often grown as a bush, since it will die back at temperatures below 15°C

Mulberries (Moracae) are related to many houseplants including fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata), weeping figs (Ficus benjamina) and rubber trees (Ficus elastica). Figs are the only members of the Ficus genus to produce edible fruits, and the only one that is hardy.

Fruit crops have long been cultivated in the South, including the fig, one of the oldest fruits in existence. Fig trees can grow up to 25 or 30 feet tall and equally wide if they are not damaged by winter. You can prune them if you have limited space. The tree may re-sprout even if it freezes back to the soil line, since they bear figs on the current season’s growth. 

Fig trees grow best in full sunlight and well-drained soil. These plants are vulnerable to drought stress due to their short and fibrous roots. Too much dryness can cause your fig tree to drop its fruit. Fruit drop can be caused by several factors, including dry conditions, but also storms, cool weather shortly after fruit set, and weak trees.

During the winter, Arkansas’ roller coaster weather can lead to mild to severe winter injuries, most prevalent in our northern counties. More protection is offered to trees in northern states, however, if you want them to thrive, it is important to give them at At least six to eight hours of sunlight are needed toBy planting near the east side of your house or by enclosing your yard with a rock or brick wall at its back, you will be protected from cold weather.

Desert King Fig Tree

Desert King Fig Trees are full of fresh, high-quality fruit that is available anytime. This cultivar is even more desirable when it comes to productivity and reliability, producing bushels of yellow-green figs with sweet, richly-flavored and strawberry-hued flesh. In addition, since it’s grown in California, it’ll perform well in your Golden State landscape.

In addition, it is easy to grow Desert King. The fruit of the Desert ripens in the middle to late summer, making it a good choice for gardeners living in coastal or high elevation areas. As well, it does well against late spring frosts, which can destroy the fruit. Hence, it adapts to your needs, especially being flexible so that it thrives almost anywhere.

Brown Turkey Fig Tree

Have you ever enjoyed fresh or dried figs as a dessert or in a recipe? It’s so easy to grow your own tree, you won’t have to worry about paying high grocery store prices!

This lively fig produces two crops of wonderful fruit each year (Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’). Sweet, lush, delectable fruit displayed in rusty red to purplish skin and pink flesh.

Breba crops arrive in late spring or early summer. Your main crop will arrive sometime during the fall.

In warmer climate zones, where the climate is cooperative, grow Brown Turkey Fig in the ground. For cooler zones or if space is at a premium, plant your tree in a large container.

Yes, you can grow Brown Turkey fruit on your deck, patio, or balcony if you plant it in a container! As a result, you can enjoy fresh fruit in the heart of the city.

Osborne Prolific Fig Tree

I see figs everywhere! It’s the sentiment you get when you plant our Osborne Prolific Fig Tree (Ficus carica ‘Osborne Prolific’)! Growers can expect not one but two bumper crops of sweet, plump, and delicious figs each and every year!

This cold-hardy tree lives up to its “prolific” moniker, as the first of two crops the spring time is on old wood and the second is on the new growth in the fall!

As spring approaches, be amazed at the sight of your Fig tree loaded with red-hued, purplish-brown fruits. Figs produced by the Osborne Prolific Fig have beautiful amber-colored flesh that is rich in vitamin A, and is simply delicious!

Spring weather brings a great harvest of delicious gems just in time for summertime barbecues and picnics! 

Chicago Hardy Fig Tree

It’s impossible to turn back once you get involved in epicurean edible gardening! Your own homegrown crop ripens on your balcony, patio or orchard row is one of life’s most satisfying experiences.

You’ll begin to harvest figs in late summer from the cold-hardiest Fig tree available. Additionally, Chicago Hardy Fig trees (Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’) are also absolutely gorgeous!

It develops into an attractive upright shrub, with a distinctive glossy three-fingered leaf shape. Almost 10 inches long, these leaves are huge.

You’ll create a wonderfully Mediterranean look in northern gardens. It would be impressive to have a containerized pair or three on your balcony or patio.

It’s referred to as Bensonhurst Purple Fig because it’s a vigorous selection from Chicago areas. In spite of a tough winter, it is the perfect place to enjoy its abundant harvest.

Black Mission Fig

A sweet taste and unique texture set the Black Mission Fig apart, making it highly desirable and difficult to find at supermarkets. Now, you can grow your own…saving you money and delivering a taste that comes from the heart.

A mission like Black Mission is simple to grow. In contrast to other fruit trees, the Black Mission Fig thrives on pruning, fertilizing, and waiting for it to bear fruit. In no time at all, you’ll be picking delicious, sweet figs from your tree. If your place gets cold, simply plant the tree in a pot and bring it inside during the winter days.

LSU Purple Fig Tree

It’s the perfect tree for a person interested in enjoying super-sweet fruit with minimum effort on their part. The LSU Purple Fig is ideal for anyone looking for easy growth and the promise of harvests from home.

In fact, the LSU Fig produces fruit as early as its second year. A normal fig tree takes four to five years to mature and produce fruit, but the LSU Purple Fig can produce fruit in its second or third year. In addition, our larger sizes allow us to produce fruit from the first growing season

Growing Fig Trees Successfully in Arkansas

Arkansas’s climate spans multiple USDA Hardiness Zones (6b in the mountains, 7a-7b in the Delta), offering different challenges and opportunities for fig growers across the state. Here’s what you need to succeed:

Winter Protection by Region

• Northwest Arkansas and the Ozarks (Zone 6b-7a): This is the most challenging region for figs. Winters can bring temperatures to 0°F-5°F in cold years — beyond the tolerance of most fig varieties without protection. Choose Chicago Hardy or Celeste, mulch roots deeply, and wrap the trunk. In particularly cold winters, even established trees may die to the ground and resprout.
• Central Arkansas/Little Rock area (Zone 7b): Most cold-hardy fig varieties do well here with minimal protection. Brown Turkey and Celeste reliably produce. Winter protection is beneficial but not always necessary for established trees.
• South Arkansas and the Delta (Zone 8a): Ideal climate for figs. Little to no winter protection needed. Fig trees can grow 15-20 feet tall and wide without freeze damage. Many old Arkansas homesteads have multi-generational fig trees in the Delta.

Soil Requirements

Arkansas soils vary widely. The rich alluvial soils of the Delta are excellent for figs. The rocky, thin soils of the Ozarks need amendment. In all cases:

• Ensure good drainage — fig roots sitting in wet soil are the fastest way to kill the tree
• Arkansas’s native soils tend to be slightly acidic to neutral — generally suitable for figs (pH 6.0-7.0)
• In heavy clay soils (common in central Arkansas), plant on slight mounds or raised beds to improve drainage
• Incorporate plenty of compost to improve both clay and sandy soils

Best Fig Varieties for Arkansas Conditions

Beyond the varieties covered above, here are the top performers based on Arkansas conditions specifically:

• Celeste: Arguably the most beloved fig in the South. Small to medium, sweet, violet-brown fruit. Excellent cold hardiness for Zone 7. “Sugar Fig” or “Little Brown Turkey” are other common names.
• Brown Turkey: Vigorous, productive, and reliable in Zone 7-8. Produces two crops — an early summer “breba” crop on old wood, and a main crop in late summer.
• Chicago Hardy: The best choice for northwest Arkansas. Consistently re-sprouts from the roots after hard winters and still produces a crop on new growth by late summer.
• Alma: Developed by Texas A&M, excellent performer in humid southeastern climates similar to south Arkansas. Resists splitting from rain better than many varieties.

Dealing with Arkansas’s Summer Humidity

Arkansas’s hot, humid summers create a disease pressure challenge that drier-climate fig growers don’t face:

• Fig rust: A fungal disease causing orange-yellow spots on leaves, leading to early defoliation. Spray copper fungicide preventively during wet summer periods. Good air circulation around the tree helps.
• Souring: Overripe figs in humid conditions can ferment and sour on the tree. Harvest promptly when fruit is ripe — don’t leave it hanging.
• Splitting: Heavy rain after dry periods causes fruit to split and rot. Consistent watering during dry spells and mulching reduces the feast-or-famine water fluctuation that causes splitting.

Key Takeaways

• Fig growing is most reliable in central and south Arkansas — Zone 7b and 8a
• Northwest Arkansas requires cold-hardy varieties and winter protection
• Celeste and Brown Turkey are the classic Arkansas fig varieties — proven performers for decades
• Good drainage is essential — even tolerating Arkansas’s rainy periods without root rot
• Summer humidity brings disease pressure — rust and fruit souring are manageable with proper care
• Old trees die back in harsh winters but re-sprout reliably — don’t give up until June

Frequently Asked Questions

When do figs ripen in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the main fig crop typically ripens from mid-July through September, depending on variety and location. The breba crop (on previous year’s wood) ripens in June in southern Arkansas. Celeste typically ripens mid-July to August, Brown Turkey ripens July-September, and Chicago Hardy’s crop on new growth ripens August-September in northern Arkansas. Figs don’t continue ripening after picking — harvest when they feel soft and start to droop at the neck.

How big do fig trees get in Arkansas?

In southern Arkansas (Zone 8a), unpruned fig trees can reach 15-25 feet tall and equally wide — they become substantial landscape trees. In central Arkansas (Zone 7b), 10-15 feet is typical for established trees protected from severe winters. In northwest Arkansas, where trees often die back to the ground, trees tend to stay 6-10 feet tall as they rebuild each season. Annual pruning to maintain an 8-10 foot height makes harvest easier and keeps the canopy open to reduce disease.

Do I need two fig trees to get fruit in Arkansas?

Most common fig varieties (Brown Turkey, Celeste, Chicago Hardy) are parthenocarpic — they produce fruit without pollination and without a second tree. You can get a full crop from a single tree. However, if you want to try growing the Smyrna-type figs (which require fig wasp pollination), you’d need a caprifig (wild male fig) as a pollinator nearby — but these types are rarely grown in Arkansas. Stick with the common self-fertile varieties and you’ll have no pollination issues.

More Arkansas fruit tree guides: best plum trees for Arkansas, best cherry trees for Arkansas, and best shade trees for Arkansas.