Fig trees are known for their delicious fruit, but what if you want to know which fig variety is the largest? Fig varieties come in many sizes. Some of them may be larger than others, depending on the species and type of fig tree. I will compare figs by size to see which one is right for you in this blog post!
Top 5 Fig Varieties With Largest Fruit
I decided to write a list of 5 of my largest fig varieties. I included only fig varieties that I personally own. These varieties consistently produced large figs season after season.
- Yellow Long Neck: The enormous size of Yellow Long Neck figs is one of its most notable features. The figs typically weigh between 90 and 125 grams; however, this can vary greatly. There are so many figs! An additional perk of Yellow Long Neck is that it ripens early, in the first week of August. Due to its shorter growing season, this cultivar is well-suited to areas with a milder environment. So, why haven’t fig aficionados talked more about Yellow Long Neck? Some people think this variety has remained a secret because of its nondescript name and lack of information.
- Brown Turkey figs: These figs get their name from their dark, reddish-brown skin. They are one of the most popular types of figs and have a sweet, earthy taste. The Brown Turkey fig is usually one of the larger fig varieties, with fruit that can reach up to three inches in diameter. However, its size largely depends on where it is grown.
- Black Mission figs: Another popular type of fig, Black Mission figs have black skin and a slightly sour but sweet taste. They are also one of the larger varieties, with fruit that can reach up to two and a half inches in diameter. Their size is one of the reasons they were spread so quickly, so early in the US.
- Calimyrna/Smyrna figs: These figs get their name from the town of Smyrna (now Izmir), Turkey. They have light yellow skin and a sweet, nutty flavor. The Calimyrna fig is one of the larger fig varieties, with fruit that can reach up to three inches in diameter.
However, the Calimyrna’s size is not often taken into consideration because they are mostly grown to be dried. In addition, this type of fig requires cross-pollination, making it a bad choice for fig growers outside California. - Adriatic figs: Adriatic figs are larger varieties on average, with fruit that can reach up to three inches in diameter. There is a range of medium-sized to large varieties, but all of them sometimes produce larger figs that they are known for.
I didn’t want to make a numbered list because their size can vary from year to year, and it isn’t easy to know the average size of all those crops.
What I can say, though, is that Yellow Long Neck is the most consistently the biggest fig variety. I would say it’s one of the best-tasting fig varieties from that list as well.
Largest Fig Ever -World Record
The largest fig ever was a Brown Turkey fig that weighed in at 295 g (10.41 oz). It was grown by Lloyd Cole from Worthing, West Sussex, UK, and entered into the Guinness World Records in 2015.
I’ve heard a lot of stories about larger figs, but neither one of them was confirmed so I don’t consider them to be true.
Why Fig Size Matters
There are a variety of different fig fruits, each with its own unique taste and size. Larger varieties tend to be easier to grow as they have less chance of splitting or falling from the tree prematurely.
That is because there is more water inside them due to increased cellular pressure, making it harder for them to split open – keeping your harvest safe!
Larger figs are also more productive in terms of weight, meaning you’ll get a bigger yield from your tree. The tree won’t grow fewer figs just because they are large unless the soil conditions are poor.
So if you’re looking for an easy-to-grow and bountiful fruit, go with a larger fig variety.
How to Grow Larger Figs?
The largest fig of all large-sized fig varieties is usually the one that grows in the best possible conditions. That’s what we should focus on.
So, if you want to increase the size of your figs, there are a few things you can do to help them along.
One important factor is providing proper nutrition. Figs need fertile soil with plenty of organic matter to grow big and strong. They also need regular fertilizing, especially when they’re fruiting.
A balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will help your fig tree grow big early on and increase the number of figs when they start forming. However, a potassium-rich fertilizer with little to no nitrogen will help them ripen into the largest figs possible.
Another key to growing large figs is proper watering. Fig trees like moist soil but don’t like wet feet, so make sure to give them a deep watering when the soil feels dry to the touch. Mulching around the base of your tree will also help retain moisture in the soil.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to grow some delicious, large figs right in your own backyard!
Can Large Fig Fruit Grow in Colder Climates?
Fig varieties with large fig fruit are generally adapted to the southern warmer climates. Most of them, especially those I listed above, tend to struggle in cold climates. Even when they produce fruit, it’s usually much smaller.
The exception is Adriatic varieties, which require a longer growing season to grow large fruit, but they can grow figs consistently in cold climates.
Besides, I learned over the years that small fig varieties are the most reliable to grow in cold and humid climates. Unfortunately, large fig varieties are best left to grow in warm climates.