How to Grow Calimyrna Fig
Calimyrna Fig
Ficus carica 'Calimyrna'
treeCalimyrna is a deciduous fig tree producing large, greenish-yellow fruits with a distinctive sweet flavor and nutty undertones. It is one of the most commercially important fig varieties, known for its excellent fresh eating quality and suitability for drying. The tree typically grows 15-30 feet tall and features deeply lobed leaves.
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Example Calimyrna Fig timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Calimyrna Fig
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Calimyrna Fig
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 8-10; best in warm Mediterranean climates
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Get my Calimyrna Fig timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree (1-2 years) with vigorous vegetative growth, developing main scaffold branches and establishing root system.
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Prune to develop open, vase-like form. Stake if needed for wind protection.
Development
2-3 yearsTree (2-4 years) grows larger, begins producing initial fruits, branches continue expanding.
Continue training branches. Thin fruits if necessary to encourage larger fruit size. Maintain consistent watering.
Flowering & Fruit Set
Late May through JulyTree produces fig flowers (which develop inside the fruit structure). Fruits begin appearing in leaf axils in late spring/early summer.
Ensure adequate sunlight exposure. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen as it promotes foliage over fruit. Provide consistent moisture.
Fruit Development
July through SeptemberFruits enlarge and mature, changing from greenish to light golden-yellow color. Fruits reach full sweetness as they ripen.
Monitor for pests. Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars. Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat to prevent fruit split.
Harvest & Dormancy
August through MarchFruits ripen and are harvested; tree loses leaves in fall and enters winter dormancy.
Harvest ripe fruits regularly. Minimal pruning in late fall. Stop fertilizing. Reduce watering significantly during winter.
Common Pests
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Remove infested branches. Use pheromone traps. Maintain tree health and proper irrigation to reduce stress.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early morning or late afternoon. Encourage natural predators.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Use miticide if severe. Prune affected branches.
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Remove infected leaves. Improve air circulation through pruning. Use copper fungicide if needed.
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Use protein baits and traps. Harvest fruits promptly when ripe. Remove and destroy fallen fruit.
Uses
Fresh and dried fruit
CulinaryCalimyrna figs are prized for eating fresh with their honey-sweet flavor and are the most common variety used for commercial fig drying due to their large size and excellent flavor concentration. [source]
Preserve making
CulinaryThese figs are ideal for jams, preserves, and compotes. Their natural pectin and sugar content make them excellent for preservation with minimal added sugar. [source]
Digestive health
MedicinalFigs contain natural compounds and fiber that support digestive function and have been used traditionally to promote regularity and gut health. [source]
Ornamental landscaping
HouseholdThe Calimyrna fig tree serves as an attractive ornamental with its large lobed leaves, open branching structure, and edible fruit, making it both beautiful and productive. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeFig flowers and developing fruits attract pollinators and wildlife, including fig wasps, birds, and beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Calimyrna figs are typically breba (early summer) and main crop (late summer/fall) producers. Harvest when fruits are fully colored (greenish-gold to golden-yellow), slightly soft to gentle pressure, and secrete a drop of sugar at the stem end. Figs do not continue to ripen after picking, so harvest only fully ripe fruit. Hand-pick fruits carefully to avoid bruising. Peak harvest occurs June-July for breba crop and August-September for main crop. Wear gloves as the sap can irritate skin.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Calimyrna figs are actually cultivated figs that don't require pollination by the fig wasp to produce commercially viable fruit, unlike some other fig varieties that need specific wasp species.
- 🌱 The name 'Calimyrna' is a blend of California and Smyrna (ancient city in Turkey), reflecting the variety's origin in Turkey and its commercial development in California's San Joaquin Valley.
- 🌱 Calimyrna figs can live for 50-100+ years, with some specimens in Mediterranean regions being centuries old, making them a long-term investment for a garden.
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