Rupanco Black Mission Fig Tree

Rupanco Black Mission Fig Tree

From an old homestead growing near the shores of Lago Rupanco in northern Patagonia, this fig produces wonderfully, even in that very cool maritime climate, as it has a large and productive breba crop. This is almost certainly a Black Mission fig, as this was one of the more common varieties being introduced to the Americas in the 18th and 19th century, though the leaf shape isn’t an exact match, so we’re keeping the Rupanco tag on it. But it is effectively Black Mission, a long beloved and widely planted fig in California, but one that has been underutilized in cooler climates as it seems the word has not gotten out about how productive and delicious its breba crop is.

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-fruitful.
Hardiness: Hardy to between 0° & 5° F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 10-20 ft in height, smaller with pruning.
Taste: Sweet
Fruit Skin: Dark purple
Fruit Flesh: Strawberry red
Bloom Time: Flowers are not noticeable as they are inside the fig.
Ripening Time: Breba starting in July, and main crop late September
Yield: 10-15 lbs. or more per plant.
Pests & Diseases: Figs are not bothered by pests or diseases 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
Sunset Western Zone: 4-9, 12-24
Sunset Northeast Zone: 31, 32