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According to Condit's monograph, "Hunt is a seedling fig developed by B. W. Hunt, Eatonton, Georgia, before 1929, as the result of crossing Ischia Green (Verte) with pollen sent from a caprifig in California. In this seedling there was realized the objective of producing a fig having a long stalk which would allow the fruit to hang downward, so that water from rain or dew would drain away from the eye. The tree bears a light breba crop and a heavy main crop, and in Georgia the figs are parthenocarpic. In California the tree drops its fruit badly; the variety is therefore incompletely parthenocarpic."

 

Mr. Hunt was well ahead of his time. However, I disagree with Condit. Some varieties are unforgiving of periods of dry soil moisture. Notoriously, Celeste, Pastiliere, and others will drop their fruits in that scenario, which has nothing to do with pollination requirements. Nor have I seen any dropping whatsoever from this variety.

 

Interestingly, Hunt is one of the parents of LSU Purple. I can certainly see the similarities. Hunt, as well as LSU Purple, were among the small number of fig varieties that suffered no winter damage during our brutal 2024-2025 winter. It's one of the hardiest varieties I'm growing. That was certainly not either variety's reputation.

 

What Hunt is known for is its incredible resistance to humid weather, making it one of the best choices in the South. Considering LSU Purple is RKN resistant, I wonder if Hunt is too. Wouldn't that be something?

 

Hunt also has some similarities to Celeste. I would not be surprised if Celeste were the parent. Not Green Ischia.

 

The eating experience is different than any of the varieties mentioned in this listing. It's fruiting, with lots of sweet nectar. Almost like a berry, sugar, & honey fig combined. It's also reasonably early to ripen. Other than producing breba, there's no doubt this variety checks all of the boxes and deserves way more respect.

Hunt Fig Tree

$75.00Price
  • 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.

     

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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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