Kadota Figs in Solano County

Under the Solano Sun

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Seasonal observations of the UCCE Master Gardeners

Author: Betty Homer

Published on: October 17, 2017

Years ago, I purchased a Kadota fig tree, also known as a honey fig, from a local nursery here in Solano County. Although it took a few years before the tree became established and started to produce, it is now one of the most productive trees I have in my backyard. The Kadota fig tree is pest- and disease-resistant, hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, self-pollinates, requires very few chill hours to set fruit, and minimal pruning; in other words, the Kadota fig tree will reward you with great returns for a minimal amount work and a few years' worth of patience. Kadota fig trees generally ripen from August to October in Solano County, Although I have not independently verified this, I have been told that Kadota fig trees will tolerate container planting if space is an issue A Kadota fig tree will provide you with a steady supply of fresh fruit for eating, canning and baking.

A ripe Kadota fig, is pliable, yellow-green on the outside, and guava pink on the inside. They are sweet, although they bear no resemblance to the taste of honey. Although Kadota figs can be found now and then at grocery stores and farmers market (black mission and figs similar to it, are more common place), they are a small luxury, with a small basket of organic Kadota figs costing you about $5-6. At that price, Kadota fig tree (or any fig tree) will quickly pay for itself.

Below is a picture of my recent harvest. It is one of the most wonderful experiences in life to walk out into one's own backyard in the morning, ask a fruit tree for fruit for that day which the tree willingly gives up, and then being able to harvest the fruit right on the spot. I call my fruit trees my "other refrigerator."

photo by Betty Homer

Comments: 2

Comments:

by Clayton Fraga

on October 18, 2017 at 8:12 AM

Thanks for the article, I'll have to look for these figs just to try. I have a Black Mission Fig that's a year old and can't wait till it produces. Nice way to look at a fruit tree as the other refrigerator.

by Howard Fitzpatrick

on October 21, 2017 at 11:15 AM

We used to get great figs from our tree if we beat the birds to the ripe ones. Now, since the red fox squirrels moved into Vallejo, we get no figs because the squirrels don't wait for them to ripen. They eat them green. GRRR!!!