Kadota Fig (Ficus carica ‘Kadota’)
Kadota is a classic “green fig” cultivar—loved for its smooth, honey-sweet flavor and its steady production when grown in warm climates. The fruit ripens to a light green to yellow tone, and the interior is typically amber to strawberry-gold, making it a favorite for fresh eating, drying, and especially preserving.
The plant itself grows into a broad, sun-loving shrub or small tree with those bold, textured fig leaves that instantly read as “food forest.” With pruning, Kadota can be kept compact for easy harvesting, or allowed to spread into a shade-giving specimen at the edge of an orchard.
In Florida planting zone 9, Kadota figs do best with strong airflow, excellent drainage, and clean harvest habits. Humidity can increase leaf disease pressure, so spacing, canopy opening, and keeping mulch off the trunk zone are simple moves that pay off in healthier foliage and cleaner fruit.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Ficus carica ‘Kadota’ |
|---|---|
| Family Name: | Moraceae (Mulberry family) |
| Common Name(s): | Kadota Fig, Common Fig (cultivar) |
| Size: | Typically 10–20 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide (easily maintained smaller with pruning) |
| Plant Type: | Deciduous to semi-evergreen fruiting shrub/small tree (perennial) |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Species native to the Mediterranean/Western Asia; cultivar grown widely in warm regions |
| Native to: | Mediterranean region (species origin); ‘Kadota’ is a cultivated selection |
| Planted range in the USA: | Commonly grown in the South/Southeast, California, and other warm-temperate areas |
| Conservation Status: | Not applicable (cultivated fruit plant) |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in late winter through spring in Florida so roots establish before summer heat; avoid low spots that hold water |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun (best fruiting) to light partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerant of average soils but dislikes wet feet |
| Soil pH: | About 6.0–6.8 (slightly acidic to near neutral) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; deep water during establishment and fruit fill. Overwatering can increase fruit splitting and disease pressure |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Moderate; compost plus a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the growing season is often enough. Avoid heavy nitrogen (it can push leafy growth over fruit). |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune in late winter to shape and open the canopy; remove crossing branches and keep harvest height manageable |
| Growth Rate: | Medium to fast; often 1–2+ ft per year in warm conditions (site dependent) |
| Companion Planting: | Pairs well with living mulches and pollinator plants that suppress weeds and support beneficial insects—keep a clear trunk ring for airflow |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate once established; consistent moisture improves fruit size and reduces splitting |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Moderate; can be damaged by hard freezes. Plants often resprout from the base after cold injury |
| Heat Tolerance: | Excellent; thrives in summer heat when watered appropriately |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; prune to reduce “sail” and protect young trees in very exposed sites |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low to moderate; avoid direct salt spray and highly saline soils |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | Commonly grown in 7–10 (often possible in 6 with protection). In Florida zone 9, prioritize drainage + airflow |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Syconium (“fig”)—a specialized structure containing many tiny flowers internally |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | Typically summer into fall (timing varies by weather and pruning; some gardens see an early and late flush). Harvest when fruit softens, droops on the stem, and releases easily; the skin turns more yellow-green and the fruit becomes fragrant. |
| Fruit Description: | Green to yellow skin; sweet, honey-like flavor; excellent for preserves and drying |
| Edible Plant: | Yes |
| Edible Parts: | Fruit (fresh, dried, preserves) |
| Medicinal: | Not a primary medicinal plant for this project; research any traditional use claims carefully |
| Flower Color: | Flowers are internal and not showy; the “fruit” forms where flowers mature |
| Flower Shape: | Not typically visible externally |
| Fragrance: | Fruit becomes fragrant as it ripens |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Warm season as new fig structures develop (timing varies by growth flush) |
| Bloom Duration: | Not typically observed; fruit development progresses over weeks |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | ‘Kadota’ is commonly grown as a “common fig” type and typically sets fruit without fig-wasp pollination (parthenocarpic) |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Ripe figs attract birds and other wildlife; companion flowers can bring beneficial insects to the area |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Not required for fruit set in common-fig types; pollinators still support the broader garden ecosystem |
| Problematic Pest: | Can see pressure from scale, aphids, mites, fruit-feeding beetles, and root-knot nematodes; birds/squirrels may target ripe fruit. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Generally non-toxic as a food plant; however, the milky sap (latex) can irritate skin |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | Not typically “poisonous,” but sap and leaves can irritate in sensitive people; unripe fruit/latex may irritate mouths/skin |
| Toxic to Humans: | Fruit is edible; sap exposure can cause dermatitis or irritation—wear gloves if sensitive and wash after pruning |
| Toxic to Animals: | Fruit is generally safe; ingestion of leaves/latex may cause drooling or mild stomach upset in pets. Prevent chewing on cut branches |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Fig rust, leaf spot, anthracnose, fig mosaic virus, and root issues in poorly drained soils; improve airflow and keep the trunk zone dry |
Companion Planting
For Kadota fig, choose companions that suppress weeds, stabilize moisture, and support beneficial insects—without crowding the trunk or keeping the base too humid. Keep a clear, mulched trunk ring for airflow and easier harvest cleanup.
Florida Native: Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
Zone Range: 7–11
Benefits: Living mulch for weed suppression and pollinator support; reduces soil splash onto lower leaves.
Use: Let it fill outer dripline zones and paths; keep it out of the immediate trunk ring.
Florida Native: Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Zone Range: 6–10
Benefits: Adds shrub-layer diversity and wildlife value; supports beneficial insects and birds.
Use: Place nearby as a guild shrub with spacing for airflow (avoid crowding under the fig canopy).
Florida Native: Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Zone Range: 6–11
Benefits: Tough, drought-tolerant texture plant; helps define edges and reduce mowing/weed pressure.
Use: Use as an outer-ring border plant where it won’t shade the fig.
Florida Friendly: Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Dense groundcover for weed control; flowers support pollinators; low maintenance once established.
Use: Plant as a living mulch in sunny areas around the fig (keep a clear trunk ring).
Florida Friendly: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Adds chop-and-drop biomass; easy border plant to define the guild edge.
Use: Plant several feet away so it doesn’t compete heavily at the trunk; harvest often to keep tidy.
Florida Friendly: Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Fast groundcover that shades soil and reduces evaporation; can be productive with good sun.
Use: Grow on the sunny side of the fig guild; keep vines from climbing into low branches.
Keep the fig’s base dry and open: no dense stems against the trunk. Mulch broadly (but not touching bark), harvest frequently to avoid fruit pests, and prune for airflow—especially in humid Florida conditions. If disease pressure rises, increase spacing, remove fallen leaves/fruit, and avoid overhead watering.
Sources & References
Reference list used for general horticultural guidance and Florida-relevant best practices (not medical advice):
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions — Florida-focused home landscape guidance (watering, pruning timing, and IPM best practices).
- UF/IFAS EDIS Publication Database — research-based references for plant care, pest management, and disease concepts used in Florida.
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — Ficus carica — botanical profile, growth habit, and culture notes for common fig.
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program — resilient landscape principles (right plant/right place, efficient watering, mulch, and soil-building).
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — zone framework reference used for cold-hardiness planning.
- EPPO Global Database — terminology reference for researching pests and diseases (IDs and symptom vocabulary).