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Black Mission Fig

Ficus carica 'Black Mission'

The quintessential California fig that's been beloved for over 200 years, brought by Spanish missionaries. Black Mission produces two crops per year of deep purple, intensely sweet figs with strawberry-red flesh. This vigorous, easy-to-grow variety is incredibly productive and more cold-hardy than most fig varieties.

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

7–10

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

10-30 feet

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Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Black Mission Fig in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Black Mission Fig · Zones 7–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing15-20 feet apart

SoilAdaptable to most soils, prefers well-drained loam

pH6.0-8.0

WaterModerate, drought tolerant once established, 1 inch per week during fruiting

SeasonDeciduous, fruits summer through fall

FlavorRich, honey-sweet with complex berry notes and jammy texture

ColorDeep purple to black skin with red flesh

SizeMedium to large, 2-3 inches long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	June – December
Zone 10	—	March – April	—	June – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet, 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Layering, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The infructescence is a ripened receptacle (syconium), not an ovary, that forms in late summer or fall on new wood. Sometimes a small second spring fruiting on new wood occurs. It is 2-4 in. long and may be a number of colors depending on the cultivar. Fruits develop without the need for pollination.

Color: Black, Brown/Copper, Green, Purple/Lavender. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring

Edibility: Fruits are highly edible fresh, cooked, used in preserves, or dried.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Black Mission figs have an extremely short shelf life – just 2-3 days at room temperature and up to a week refrigerated. Store ripe figs in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray in the refrigerator, never in plastic bags which trap moisture and cause rapid deterioration.

For longer storage, Black Mission figs excel at drying due to their high sugar content and thick flesh. Cut in half and dehydrate at 135°F for 12-24 hours, or air-dry in a sunny, well-ventilated area. Properly dried figs keep for months in airtight containers.

Fresh figs freeze beautifully whole – simply wash, dry, and place on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. They'll become soft when thawed but are perfect for smoothies, baking, or jam-making. This variety's intense sweetness also makes exceptional preserves and fig butter that capture the complex berry notes.

History & Origin

Origin: Mediterranean to Central Asia

Advantages

+Attracts: Songbirds
+Wildlife value: Insects, wasps and birds eat the fruit
+Edible: Fruits are highly edible fresh, cooked, used in preserves, or dried.
+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Sap/Juice): Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Lavender

Repels ants and aphids while attracting beneficial pollinators

Rosemary

Deters pests like fig beetles and moths with strong aromatic oils

Thyme

Ground cover that suppresses weeds and repels fig-damaging insects

Comfrey

Deep taproot brings nutrients to surface, excellent mulch when cut

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, edible flowers

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and various flying pests that damage figs

Chives

Deter aphids and may improve fruit flavor through root interactions

Mint

Repels ants and rodents that may damage figs, but contain in pots

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that can stunt fig growth and cause leaf yellowing

Pine Trees

Acidify soil significantly, which figs dislike as they prefer neutral to slightly alkaline pH

Fennel

Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of most nearby plants including fruit trees

Nutrition Facts

Calories

74kcal(4%)

Protein

0.75g(2%)

Fiber

2.9g(10%)

Carbs

19.2g(7%)

Fat

0.3g(0%)

Vitamin C

2mg(2%)

Vitamin A

7mcg(1%)

Vitamin K

4.7mcg(4%)

Iron

0.37mg(2%)

Calcium

35mg(3%)

Potassium

232mg(5%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #173021)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease resistant, good tolerance to fig rust

Common Pests

Fig beetles, birds, nematodes, scale insects

Diseases

Fig rust, leaf blight, root rot in wet conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Black Mission fig trees to produce fruit?▼

Black Mission fig trees typically begin producing fruit within 2-3 years when grown from rooted cuttings or nursery trees. Young trees may only produce a small breba crop initially, but by year 4-5, you can expect both substantial spring and fall harvests. Container-grown trees may fruit slightly earlier due to root restriction.

Can you grow Black Mission figs in containers?▼

Yes, Black Mission figs are excellent container candidates due to their naturally compact growth and root restriction tolerance. Use a 20-25 gallon container minimum, with excellent drainage. Container growing actually encourages earlier fruiting and makes winter protection easier in marginal climates. Prune annually to maintain size and repot every 3-4 years.

What does Black Mission fig taste like compared to other varieties?▼

Black Mission figs offer an intensely sweet, honey-like flavor with complex berry undertones and a rich, jammy texture. They're significantly sweeter than Brown Turkey figs and have more concentrated flavor than Chicago Hardy. The strawberry-red flesh provides pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness, making them exceptional for both fresh eating and dried fruit.

When should I plant Black Mission fig trees?▼

Plant Black Mission figs in early spring after the last frost date in your area. This timing allows the tree to establish strong roots throughout the growing season before facing winter stress. In zones 9-11, fall planting is also acceptable. Avoid planting during extreme heat or when soil is waterlogged.

Are Black Mission figs good for beginners?▼

Absolutely – Black Mission figs are among the most beginner-friendly fruit trees. They're naturally disease-resistant, drought-tolerant once established, require minimal pruning, and produce reliable crops without complex care. The main challenges are managing bird protection and learning proper harvest timing, both easily mastered with experience.

How cold hardy are Black Mission fig trees?▼

Black Mission figs are hardy to approximately USDA zones 7-10, surviving temperatures down to 10-15°F when established. In zone 7, wrap young trees in burlap for winter protection. The variety is more cold-tolerant than most figs, often surviving brief dips to 5°F with only minor dieback, regenerating vigorously in spring.