Green Michurinska, a Bulgarian fig variety introduced by a collector named PenandPike, alongside another variety called Vagabond (also mentioned below). Initially introduced to U.S. growers as an earlier-ripening Adriatic fig, which typically ripens late in the season, posing a challenge for growers in colder or shorter-season climates. This variety promised to offer the exceptional eating experience of the Adriatic figs, but at an earlier ripening date.
I can safely say, Green Michurinska has proven to be exactly that. It'll ripen its main crop alongside varieties like Hardy Chicago, usually 2 weeks earlier than any of the other Adriatic fig varieties.
Not only that, but in 2024 and 2025, it's proving to be a heavy and reliable breba producer. Even after the extreme winter of 24-25. Coming from Bulgaria, I have no doubt this variety is very well adapted to the cold. I've seen it now firsthand.
In 2023 & 2024, Green Michurinska ripened two distinct main crops following the River's pruning technique, which increases fruit production and allows for better timing of your second main crop. If you add the breba, I harvested figs for 4 out of my 6 months of frost-free days.
Green Michurinska is also my choice of an Adriatic for growers in humid areas, as it ripens very quickly on the tree. In only 3-4 days, it can be somewhat dried on the tree, helping to avoid rain and maintain a higher, consistent quality.
Alongside Violette de Bordeaux and Moro de Caneva, it is one of the 3 fig varieties I would choose if you could only choose one variety. It checks all of the boxes imaginable.
Green Michurinska Fig Tree
Why choosing the right fig variety matters
Choosing the right fig variety can make all the difference in so many positive or even negative ways. A variety that is well suited to your climate and taste preferences will ensure that your getting the fig experience that you deserve.
It's heartbreaking when you put years of work into a tree to finally realize that it's just not suited to your location because it will rarely produce high quality figs and in some cases, may never produce fruit that's even edible!
Fig varieties are very location specific because they're so highly subjected to their environment while they're ripening. Unlike many other fruits, the fig can be destroyed in its final ripening stage. It's a soft fruit that can absorb water into its skin causing cracking, splitting, mold & fermentation all because the inside of the fruit gets exposed to the outside elements of nature.
An apple has a hard covering. A persimmon has a hard covering. Berries and other soft fleshed fruits are also susceptible to bad weather conditions, but they have a short window of time in which they're soft and ready to be picked. Figs can be soft hanging on the tree for 5, 10 or even 15 days!
How to choose the right fig variety for your climate
When choosing a fig variety, it's important to consider the climate in your area during the winter, summer and fall.
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Some fig varieties are more tolerant of cold weather and others can be grown in climates that have mild summers because of their reliable breba production or their early main crop harvest period.
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Others are better suited for humid climates because they don't need to hang as long on the tree and they have a skin that acts like a waterproof jacket. The water just slides right off.
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Others are better suited to warmer climates and have the ability to taste incredible even in 100-110F temperatures.
If you want fig variety recommendations, read through the description of each fig variety carefully, or better yet, don't be afraid to contact me. In your message, include your growing zone, location, annual rainfall, and how you want to grow them.
To read more about choosing the right fig variety, click here:
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