Figo Preto Fig Tree
A far more vigorous, faster growing and easier to root clone of Black Madeira, Figo Preto produces figs that are essentially identical to the “true” Black Madeira (DFIC 144), but with much less fuss and patience needed. Plants grow at 2-3 times the speed of our other Black Madeira clone without any grafting or special care. Given to us by a friend who saw we were struggling many years back to get our DFIC 144 cuttings to grow vigorously, we were doubtful at first that this would produce figs as delicious as our other clone, but lo and behold , they’re excellent and nearly impossible to discern from Black Madeira. Ripens at about the same time as the other clone, sometimes slightly earlier given its extra vigor.
So, why even list them as two separate clones, you might ask? For science! And to not add to the ever increasing confusion of fig nomenclature.
One of the easiest fruits to grow, and a true gourmet delight, you should not live your life without feasting on this sweet, delectable fruit. To fully enjoy fresh Figs you must grow your own. When fully ripe and at their tender, shipping them long distances is virtually impossible. Another plus for Figs – deer don’t like them (most of the time)!
Click here to read our Fig Growing Guide.
Latin Name: Ficus carica
Site and Soil: Figs do well in a variety of soils, but require at least 8 hours of sunlight during the growing season.
Pollination Requirements: Self-figful.
Hardiness: Figs are hardy to between 0° & 5° F. Figo Preto has proven itself reliably hardy outdoors here in the PNW.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 8-15 ft in height, smaller with pruning.
Taste: Ficus fantasies come to life
Fruit Skin: Black
Fruit Flesh: Red
Bloom Time: Flowers are not noticeable as they are inside the fig.
Ripening Time: September – November
Yield: 10-15 lbs. or more per plant
Pests & Diseases: Figs are not bothered by pests in our region. Cover plants with netting if birds are a problem.
Fig Mosaic Virus is a benign virus that exists in all cultivated fig trees. Yellow spotting of the leaves is a cosmetic symptom that shows more in container culture, but is quickly outgrown once trees are planted in the ground. The presence of FMV in all cultivated figs has become widely accepted, as even the national germplasm repository for figs maintained by the USDA has Fig Mosaic Virus. If the presence of FMV is a concern, then purchasing fig trees may not be the best option for you.
USDA Zone: 7