Black Mission Fig

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10-30 Feet

Mature Spread

10-20 Feet

Growing Zones

7 to 10

Black Mission Fig delivers rich, jammy fruit and lush, sculptural foliage that elevates any sunny space. This heirloom variety bears purple-black figs with deep strawberry-red flesh—sweet enough for fresh eating, sturdy enough for roasting and preserves. It’s self-fruitful, dependable, and beautiful in the landscape or a large container.

Expect two crops in warm climates: an early breba crop on last year’s wood, then a main crop from late summer into fall. In cooler areas, the main crop is the star. The tree’s arching branches and bold leaves add instant Mediterranean character to patios and garden beds.

Black Mission Fig Care

Give 6–8 hours of direct sun for best sweetness and yield. Plant in well-drained loam or sandy soil with pH 6.0–7.5; avoid soggy spots. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, then soak deeply; keep evenly moist during fruit swell and summer heat. Mulch 2–3 inches to conserve moisture, keeping mulch a few inches from the trunk.

Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer; in short-season climates, stop nitrogen by early summer to prevent late, frost-tender growth.

Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing wood and to open the canopy; tip back vigorous shoots to manage size. Hardy in Zones 7–10 (with protection in colder zones). Latex sap can irritate skin—wear gloves when pruning.

Black Mission Fig Spacing

Specimen: allow 12–15 ft of width and plant 6–8 ft from walls or paths for airflow and harvest access. Hedge or espalier: space 6–8 ft on center and train along a fence or warm wall for earlier ripening.

Containers: start with a 16–20 in diameter pot (at least 16–18 in deep) with large drainage holes; upsize gradually as roots fill. Position pots in full sun and shelter from strong, drying winds. If grafted, keep the graft above the soil line and remove any suckers from below it.

Why Grow Black Mission Fig?

• Iconic, purple-black fruit with rich, honeyed flavor and red flesh
• Self-fruitful and productive, with potential for two crops in warm climates
• Handsome leaves and branching that bring Mediterranean style year-round
• Versatile training options—fan, espalier, or small tree—to fit tight spaces
• Container-friendly, with simple pruning and light feeding to keep it compact

Plant Black Mission in a sunny, well-drained spot and enjoy a steady supply of gourmet fruit plus striking form. It’s an easy upgrade for patios and gardens that pays you back in flavor and style.