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Fig variety

Desert King

Also known as King

The short answer

Desert King requires 100 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 5–9[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Desert King growing facts
Chill requirement100 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 5–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile[1]
Harvest windowAugust–November[1]
Years to bearingNot published
Desert King figSpecies illustration — no historical watercolor exists for this cultivar

Notes

  • Common fig — self-fruitful; no pollinizer needed.[1]
  • Produces a large breba (spring) crop; the later main crop is light in hot climates but heavier in coastal climates.[1]
  • Prune only lightly — heavy winter pruning removes the breba crop.[1]

A year with your Desert King

When the work happens for a fig in USDA zone 7, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Fig in zone 7
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune——————————
Harvest—————————
Care———————

See the full month-by-month fig calendar for zone 7 →

Can I grow Desert King where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing a Desert King? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Desert King need?
Desert King needs 100 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Desert King?
Desert King grows in USDA zones 5–9.
Is Desert King self-pollinating?
Desert King is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Desert King Fig — DWN Variety Finder — accessed July 2026