Figs are a slumbering titan of the agricultural world. Despite having been cultivated for at least four and a half millennia and more recently making a splash in the western United States in the early 1900s, figs fell into disrepute for much of the twentieth century.
But in recent years, figs have hit the scene in a big way. Amateur fig hunters and professional fig experts work to raise, discover, and create the very best figs imaginable.
And while the fig-hunting scene is most common in the Mediterranean wilds of California, there are fig enthusiasts around the nation who seek to find some of those beautiful flowers–not least of all in the great state of Oregon.
You might be wondering, though, do figs grow in Oregon? What kind of figs might be well suited for the climate? In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the wonderful little fruit.
Fig History
Before we get into the presence of figs in the Beaver State, we have to dip into the annals of history to track the fruit’s path.
While Asian and European farmers have grown figs for thousands of years, they became an integral part of American culture over 100 years ago when speculator Jesse Clayton Forkner used dynamite to plant tens of thousands of fig trees over a 12000-acre plot of land.
Within a few years, California produced 1.2 million pounds of figs. However, the Great Depression caused fig production to wilt (metaphorically), and commercial agriculture slowed down. U.S. figs might have died off entirely if not for the stalwart efforts of wildlife, who–after eating the scrumptious snacks–spread their seeds far and wide.
All this means that fig trees have traveled across the West Coast and beyond. What does that mean? Well, in a phrase…
Figs Do Grow in Oregon
Figs are no stranger to the humble and warm state of Oregon. They are most commonly found in Oregon’s western corridor, where the temperate climate allows fig trees to take shelter from extreme heat and extreme cold alike.
While it is challenging to grow figs outside of this strip, the hardy western region should do just fine for any Oregonian fig lover.
What Varieties of Fig Trees Grow in Oregon?
There are innumerable fig cultivars, but only a few pass muster in the Oregonian climate. Read on for some of the most noteworthy fig trees found in Oregon.
White Kadota Figs
The White Kadota fig tree is doubtless the most prolific in the American market. This eminent arbor yields the fruit that was first used in that immortal fig snack, the Fig Newton, in the late nineteenth century.
Even beyond Fig Newtons, the White Kadota is one of the most widely grown commercial fig trees, and its sweet flavor makes it an absolute delight. In addition to Oregon, the White Kadota can be found in Florida, the Gulf Coast states, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and–you guessed it–Oregon.
Desert King Figs
The Desert King is the survivor of the fig family. Not one to bow to hostile climates or intemperate weather, the Desert King (contrary to its name) can grow quite well in cool environments. With strawberry-colored flesh and an attractive shape, the Desert King is a true blessing for any Oregonian fig garden.
Lattarula
The Lattarula, also known as the Italian Honey Fig, is as delicious as its name suggests. It is another hardy fig tree variety that is especially adept in the Pacific Northwest. If you are looking to snack on a uniquely Oregonian fig, this is the one to pick.