Black Mission fig (Ficus carica 'Black Mission') is one of the most iconic and widely grown fig varieties in the country, and for good reason. Originally brought to California by Spanish missionaries in the 1700s (hence the name) it has been a staple of American fig growing ever since. The deep purple-black skin and rich, jammy flavor make it a standout variety, and it's particularly beloved for drying, baking, and cooking down into preserves and syrups. If you've ever had a dried fig, there's a good chance it was a Black Mission. SHIPPING INFO: This product ships in May. We will try to ship within the ideal planting window for your growing zone. Why Grow Black Mission Fig? 🫙 Exceptional for Preserving: Black Mission figs are the gold standard for drying, baking, and making jams and preserves—their bold, rich flavor intensifies beautifully when cooked or dried. 🌿 A Proven, Time-Tested Variety: Few fruit varieties have as long and well-established a track record in American gardens as Black Mission. It's productive, reliable, and hard to go wrong with. 🌳 Gorgeous Landscape Tree: Beyond the fruit, fig trees are handsome, sculptural plants that add real character to a yard or garden. Growing Information 🌱 Plant Type: Perennial fruiting shrub/tree 🌱 Plant Height: 10–30 feet (easily kept smaller with pruning) 🌱 Hardiness Zones: 7–10 (can be grown in colder zones with winter protection or containers) 🌱 When to Plant: Spring, after last frost 🌱 When to Harvest: Late summer through early fall; Black Mission is typically the last of our three southern fig varieties to ripen Cultivation Tips Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil. Figs tolerate a range of soil types but really don't like wet feet. Good drainage is the most important factor. Sunlight: Full sun, 6–8+ hours per day, for best growth and fruit quality. Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, figs are fairly drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture during the growing season improves fruit size and yield—especially in containers. Harvesting: Figs do not continue to ripen after picking, so timing is everything. Harvest when the fruit softens, droops slightly on the stem, and has developed its full deep purple-black color. A drop of nectar at the eye of the fig is another good sign it's ready. Container growing: Figs do well in large containers, which also makes it easier to overwinter them in colder climates. Move pots to a sheltered garage or basement once temperatures drop, and they'll come back strong in spring. Pruning: Figs are easy to keep to a manageable size with annual pruning in late winter. They respond well to hard pruning if needed. Our Black Mission fig is greenhouse-grown and arrives as an established plant in a 3" pot, ready to go into the ground or a container. Non-GMO Commitment: At The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and not genetically modified in any way, upholding natural breeding methods and promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices.
