Fig trees have been beloved for centuries, valued not only for their sweet, honeyed fruits but also for their graceful shape and resilience. If you’re dreaming of adding a reliable, easy-to-grow fruit tree to your backyard or home orchard, figs are a perfect choice. Best of all, several fig varieties grow quickly and begin producing fruit within a couple of years. Here’s a look at eight of the best fast-growing fig tree varieties that can bring shade, beauty, and abundant harvests to your garden in no time.
1. Brown Turkey Fig
The Brown Turkey Fig is one of the fastest-growing and most adaptable fig trees for home orchards. It typically starts producing fruit within 1 to 2 years of planting. Known for its large, sweet, and mildly flavored fruits, this variety bears two crops a year in warm climates — one in early summer and another in fall. The tree can grow up to 20 feet tall, though it can be kept smaller with regular pruning. Brown Turkey is also cold-hardy and tolerant of a wide range of soil types.
2. Celeste Fig
Often called the “Sugar Fig,” the Celeste Fig is a fast-maturing variety known for its small to medium-sized fruits with intensely sweet, honey-like flesh. It’s one of the quickest varieties to fruit, often bearing in its second year. The Celeste tree grows rapidly, reaching 10–15 feet in height, and is highly tolerant of heat, humidity, and brief cold snaps. It’s a favorite in southern U.S. orchards, where it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its figs are ideal for fresh eating, preserves, and drying.
3. Kadota Fig
The Kadota Fig is a vigorous, fast-growing fig variety that produces abundant harvests of smooth, greenish-yellow figs with amber flesh. It typically begins bearing fruit within 2 years of planting. Kadota figs are moderately sweet and perfect for fresh eating, baking, or making jams. This variety grows up to 20 feet tall if unpruned but responds well to trimming. It’s well-suited for warm, sunny climates and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells.
4. Chicago Hardy Fig
For gardeners in cooler climates, the Chicago Hardy Fig is a quick-growing, cold-hardy option that can survive winter temperatures down to -10°F. It typically produces fruit in 1 to 2 years and continues to fruit reliably year after year. The tree reaches 10–15 feet tall when mature but can be pruned to stay compact. Its dark purple, medium-sized figs have a rich, sweet flavor perfect for fresh snacking or desserts. It thrives in full sun with regular watering during the growing season.
5. Mission Fig
The Mission Fig, also known as the Black Mission Fig, is famous for its rich, sweet, and complex flavor. This fast-growing variety typically bears its first harvest within 2 years of planting. It produces two crops annually in warm climates and can grow up to 25 feet tall if left unpruned. Mission figs have purplish-black skin and deep red flesh, making them excellent for fresh eating, baking, or drying. The tree flourishes in full sun and requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
6. LSU Gold Fig
Developed by Louisiana State University, the LSU Gold Fig is a quick-growing, productive variety perfect for hot, humid regions. It usually starts fruiting within 2 years and produces large, golden-yellow figs with a sweet, amber flesh. The tree grows to about 15 feet tall and is known for its resistance to diseases like root-knot nematodes and fig rust. LSU Gold requires full sun and moderate watering and is ideal for gardeners seeking a reliable, early-yielding fig tree for fresh consumption and preserves.
7. Ventura Fig
The Ventura Fig is a fast-growing, cold-hardy fig tree originally from California. It typically produces fruit within 1 to 2 years and grows quickly to about 12–15 feet tall. Ventura figs are medium-sized, with dark purple skin and rich, reddish flesh. Known for their intensely sweet flavor and versatility, they’re great for fresh eating, drying, and baking. This variety handles cooler, coastal climates well and prefers full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Its rapid growth and generous harvest make it a favorite among backyard growers.
8. LSU Purple Fig
Another gem from Louisiana State University’s breeding program, the LSU Purple Fig is a fast-growing, highly productive variety ideal for warm, humid regions. It starts bearing fruit within 1 to 2 years and continues producing several harvests throughout the growing season. The figs are small to medium-sized, with dark purple skin and reddish-pink flesh, offering a mildly sweet, pleasant flavor. LSU Purple is disease-resistant and grows up to 10–15 feet tall, performing best in full sun with regular moisture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re eager for quick harvests, these fast-growing fig trees are perfect for your home orchard. From heat-tolerant varieties like Brown Turkey and Kadota to cold-hardy choices like Chicago Hardy and Ventura, there’s a fig tree here for every climate and garden size. With proper care, rich soil, and plenty of sunshine, you can enjoy fresh, juicy figs from your own backyard in just a couple of years — and continue harvesting for decades to come.
Pro Tip: Figs thrive with consistent watering during dry spells and benefit from annual pruning to encourage productive new growth.