Madeira Island Black Fig Tree

Madeira Island Black Fig Tree

A variety that is perhaps a seedling of, or maybe just a synonym for the great Black Madeira fig. We notice few differences between the varieties, though the Madeira Island Black does seem to grow a bit faster than the standard Black Madeira clone. We grow them as separate cultivars in case they are indeed genetically distinct, but for practical purposes they’re essentially the same variety. Same amazing flavor as Black Madeira and also fairly late ripening, though some of our in ground trees have been surprising us with ripe fall figs in recent years!

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. Madeira Island Black 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: Dark fig deliciousness.
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.
USDA Zone: 7
Pests & Diseases: 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 planted in ground. The presence of FMV in all cultivated figs has become widely accepted. If the presence of FMV is a concern, then purchasing fig trees may not be the best option for you.