A popular fig with large purple-black fruit and sweet, deep-red, juicy flesh, often giving two crops a year. Self-fertile, drought-hardy once established and easy in warm-temperate and Mediterranean gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fruiting tree
- Mature size: 5 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Black Genoa Fig
Ficus carica 'Black Genoa' is a fast-growing fruiting tree in the Moraceae family. It reaches around 5 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Cream green flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Black Genoa Fig
Black Genoa Fig suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Black Genoa Fig does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Black Genoa Fig is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Black Genoa Fig after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Black Genoa Fig in the garden
Black Genoa Fig earns its place for edible harvests, a feature or specimen planting and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Black Genoa Fig with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Black Genoa Fig
Plant Sale lists Black Genoa Fig as bare-root stock, advanced specimens and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.