The Little Miss Figgy Fig: Marketing Gimmick or Worth Growing?

Many people may not realize that thousands of fig varieties exist. Over the years, I have grown and trialed hundreds of these myself, investing significant time, effort, and money to better understand them—all for the benefit of fig enthusiasts like you.

Related: 10 Fig Varieties | The Best, Worst, Sweetest, Largest & Most Productive

This process is ongoing; every year, I test new varieties, gather more data, and uncover new favorites that are well-suited to different regions worldwide. Despite the time and cost involved, this work remains a passion and a continuous endeavor.

Want to support my mission? Subscribe to the monthly Fig Boss newsletter at the top of the page for more fig-related information and check out the other comprehensive variety reviews I’ve created on other fig varieties on the variety directory page found here:

The Little Miss Figgy Fig

The Little Miss Figgy fig originated as a mutation of Violette de Bordeaux, a French fig variety that has spread globally, including to Italy, other European countries, and the United States. The mutation likely occurred due to the natural variation between individual buds on fig trees. Conventional wisdom says that a cutting propagated from a fig tree is an exact clone of the parent. However, sometimes buds on fig trees can mutate, resulting in notable changes to the tree or its fruit.

These mutations happen all of the time. In fact, you may have a mutated branch on your own fig tree right now. But it may not be so obvious or worth naming and marketing.

These mutations, often occurring in a single bud, can affect a tree's growth habit, hardiness, branch angles, or fruit characteristics such as size, shape, color, taste, or texture. The story of Little Miss Figgy began with one such mutated bud on a Violette de Bordeaux tree, which displayed a more compact, dwarf-like growth habit. 

Related: Violette de Bordeaux Fig | Comprehensive Variety Review

Traits

• Origin: Mutation of Violette de Bordeaux

• Categorization: Bifera

• Similar varieties: Beer's Black, Violette de Bordeaux, Negronne, Nero 600m, Petite Aubique, Petite Negri, Vista, & Malone

• Taste grouping: Complex Berry

• Texture: Jammy

• Size: Small to Medium

• Ripening period: Mid-season

• Vigor: Low

• Rain resistance: Average

• Split Resistance: High

• Hang time: Below average

• Climate preference: Well-adapted

• Hardiness: High

• Taste rating: 4.8/5

• Light requirements: Low

• Productivity: High

The Reality of Little Miss Figgy vs. Violette de Bordeaux

When growing Little Miss Figgy alongside Violette de Bordeaux, many growers—including myself—have observed minimal differences. Little Miss Figgy might have slightly closer node spacing, leading to a marginally smaller stature. However, I believe this is a marketing strategy, designed to appeal to home gardeners seeking manageable trees. 

Many of the traits attributed to Little Miss Figgy—compact growth, adaptability, and excellent fruit quality—are already inherent in Violette de Bordeaux. Little Miss Figgy and Violette de Bordeaux are nearly identical. They share the same fruit flavor, texture, leaf patterns, cold hardiness, ripening period, and resistance to splitting or rain. Both also produce a reliable breba crop and are highly productive. 

The world of gardening, particularly in fruit trees and fertilizers, is rife with marketing gimmicks designed to appeal to unsuspecting gardeners. Misleading claims often lead people to spend unnecessarily on products or varieties that offer no real advantage. This frustration was a driving force behind creating this blog—to debunk myths and clarify misconceptions that confuse growers. 

Related: Fertilizing Fig Trees: A Guide to Optimal Growth

For instance, "Little Miss Figgy" has a more marketable name. In the US, who would choose a fig called Violette de Bordeaux over the cute-sounding Little Miss Figgy? While I take issue with marketing strategies that exaggerate or mislead, I don’t fault someone wanting to promote Violette de Bordeaux—it remains one of the best fig varieties available. A greater concern lies with promoting less impressive varieties using similar tactics, which could misguide gardeners into making less informed choices.

So that there’s less confusion, I’ve written about the right approach when naming a new fig variety. Check out that article below.

Related: Fig Synonyms | What is a Synonym & A List of Types or Categories and their many names

Defining A Dwarf Fig Tree

A dwarf fig tree is primarily defined by its compact growth habit, which stems from closer node spacing and a branching angle that favors outward rather than upward growth. This combination creates a tree that spreads out more horizontally and remains smaller in stature. Additionally, the wood of dwarf fig trees is typically thinner and displays lower vigor compared to standard varieties. 

These characteristics limit the tree’s overall height and make it more manageable for smaller spaces. However, the reduced size is not a result of slower growth but rather the structural differences in how the tree develops.

Related: Fig Tree Size Matters: The Beauty of Dwarf Fig Trees & Taming the Growth of any Fig Tree

My experience leads me to believe that dwarf and standard fig trees when grown under identical conditions with consistent pruning, watering, and nutrient care, will produce roughly the same number of leaves each year. Since each leaf corresponds to a potential fruit, the fruiting capacity of both types remains comparable. 

The key distinction lies in how the nodes are spaced—closer in dwarfs—resulting in more compact growth and a smaller overall size yet a smaller tree size will surely result in fewer fruits produced each season. This structural difference, rather than any inherent growth rate variation, is what defines a dwarf fig tree. Little Miss Figgy may have a closer node spacing resulting in slightly more compact growth.

Interestingly, Violette de Bordeaux itself could be considered a naturally compact variety, with thinner wood and a sprawling growth habit. Despite marketing claims, Little Miss Figgy is not inherently more suitable for small spaces than Violette de Bordeaux and can still grow to 20–25 feet under optimal conditions if left unpruned.

Related: What Happens If You Don’t Prune a Fig Tree?

Marketing and the Myth of "Dwarf" Fig Trees

One of the biggest misconceptions about dwarf fig trees revolves around pruning. In reality, even dwarf fig trees can grow significantly—up to five or six feet in a single season—if over-pruned or pruned improperly. For instance, I've encountered a "Little Ruby" tree in Philadelphia that’s grown to 10 feet tall, while mine, with minimal pruning, has remained shorter than five feet after several years.

Related: Pruning Fig Trees | How Much & Keeping Them Small

However, with proper pruning, even vigorous fig trees can be maintained at a manageable size, such as 6x6 or 8x8 feet. For me, pruning is a creative and meditative process that I find to be a fun, rewarding, and interesting hobby, and after growing fruit of all kinds for about 10 years now, I much prefer faster-growing fig and fruit trees. They’re more productive, easier to establish, and generally have fewer issues.

Are Dwarf Fig Varieties Suited for Growing in Pots?

The idea that dwarf fig varieties are better suited for container growing is also a common misconception. Regardless of the variety, fig trees are dwarfed in size due to the limited soil, nutrients, and water available. In fact, dwarf trees will establish more slowly in containers compared to standard varieties. 

Related: Potted Fig Tree Care: A Guide to Growing Fig Trees in Containers

Final Thoughts

Among the many productive fig varieties, Violette de Bordeaux stands out as one of the best options for any grower. It’s one of only three varieties I would confidently recommend to anyone starting their fig journey. Years ago, when I was just beginning to explore and collect different fig types, I met a seasoned collector with over 200 varieties in his care. Curious about his vast experience, I asked him to name his favorite fig. To my surprise, he confidently chose Violette de Bordeaux. At the time, I dismissed it, thinking it was too common or simple for someone with such a diverse collection. However, as I gained more experience, I came to realize his recommendation was rooted in the variety’s exceptional qualities.

Violette de Bordeaux is remarkable for its adaptability, thriving in a wide range of climates, including short-season, cold, rainy, and hot, dry environments. It produces a reliable breba crop, which is especially valued in regions with mild summers and has even been found thriving in mountainous areas of Italy where temperatures are colder. Its combination of productivity, versatility, and resilience makes it a favorite among both novice and experienced growers. Looking back, the collector’s choice now makes perfect sense—Violette de Bordeaux is a truly outstanding fig variety that performs well almost anywhere.

For more on choosing a fig variety, check out this detailed guide: Choosing A Fig Variety For Incredible Figs: Comprehensive Guide

Thanks for reading!