Black Mission

Fig Black Mission

The Black Mission fig is a popular and well-regarded variety of fig, known for its delicious fruit and relatively easy-to-grow nature. 

Fruit:

• Appearance: Medium to large, pear-shaped fruit with dark purple to black skin when ripe.
• Flesh: Strawberry-colored to reddish-pink flesh, with a sweet and rich flavor.
• Taste: Often described as having a berry-like flavor, with a hint of melon or banana notes.
• Uses: Excellent for eating fresh, drying, canning, and making jams or preserves.
• Harvest: Typically produces two crops per year: a lighter breba crop in early summer and a heavier main crop in late summer or fall. 

Tree:

• Size: Can grow to 15-30 feet tall and wide, but can be kept smaller with pruning.
• Growing Zones: Best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day) for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Watering: Needs regular watering, especially during the growing season, but avoid overwatering.
• Pollination: Self-fertile, meaning it does not require another fig tree for pollination.
• Care: Relatively low-maintenance once established, but benefits from regular pruning to maintain size and shape. 

Other Notable Features:

• Origin: Believed to have originated in Spain and brought to California by Franciscan missionaries in the 1700s.
• Popularity: One of the most popular fig varieties in California, both for home gardens and commercial production.
• Nutritional Value: Figs are a good source of fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. 

Potential Problems:

• Pests: Susceptible to common fig pests like aphids, spider mites, and fig beetles.
• Diseases: Can be affected by fig rust, leaf spot, and other fungal diseases.
• Cold Hardiness: While relatively hardy, may need protection in colder climates (below zone 7). 

In summary, the Black Mission fig is a highly desirable fig variety for its delicious, versatile fruit and relatively easy-to-grow nature, making it a popular choice for home gardeners and commercial growers alike.