Scott’s Black Fig Tree
The undisputed champion of fall figs! This is another excellent variety bred by Louisiana State University’s fig breeding program in the 1950’s and it is easily one of the most flavorful and delicious figs we’ve ever tasted, comparable to the best of the dark figs. Skin is dark purple to black with an intense red flesh. Scott’s Black ripens only a main crop, typically in late September into October, but what really sets it apart is its ability to continue to produce high quality figs into the fall months despite rainfall and cooler weather. Come October in Portland this is the one fig we know we can rely on to still be delicious without splitting or spoiling.
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.
Bloom Time: Flowers are not noticeable as they are inside the fig.
Size at Maturity: 10-15 ft. in height, smaller with pruning.
Taste: Tasty, flavorful
Fruit Skin: Dark purple to black
Fruit Flesh: Bright red
Ripening Time: September
Yield: 30-50 lbs.
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: 6