Species

Ficus caricaFig

7 other cultivars

tree

Black Genoa Fig

Ficus carica 'Black Genoa'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ficus carica, the common fig, is a deciduous, spreading small tree or large shrub native to the Mediterranean and southwestern Asia. It features large, deeply lobed, rough-textured dark green leaves and produces inconspicuous flowers enclosed entirely within a fleshy, hollow receptacle known as a syconium.

'Black Genoa' is a highly productive heirloom cultivar that produces large, sweet, dark-skinned fruit with rich red flesh. It bears parthenocarpic fruit without requiring wasp pollination, making it highly reliable in home gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Features large, deeply lobed, architectural foliage that provides a lush, tropical appearance.

Produces heavy crops of sweet, edible fruit suitable for fresh eating or preserving.

Provides a valuable food source for birds, squirrels, and insect pollinators.

SpeciesFicus caricaFig

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

197"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Mediterranean, Southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant, Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Plant in well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a light application of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring, avoiding high-nitrogen mixes.

Pro Tip

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which trigger excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production and increase winter frost susceptibility. When pruning, never cut back heavily into old, leafless bare wood, as figs do not easily push new buds from aged wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually in late winter while the tree is fully dormant to maintain an open canopy.
Plant in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ensure the soil is highly free-draining to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare, leafless wood as new buds will fail to emerge.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged or poorly drained.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen fruit treeMediterranean-style gardensEspalier against a sunny wallLarge container planting

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Salvia officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Black Genoa Fig questions

What zones can Black Genoa Fig grow in?

Black Genoa Fig is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Black Genoa Fig deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Black Genoa Fig, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Black Genoa Fig bloom?

Black Genoa Fig typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Black Genoa Fig need full sun?

Black Genoa Fig does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Black Genoa Fig drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Black Genoa Fig handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.