Imagine ripe, succulent figs glistening in your backyard. Mission Fig's elegant foliage will make you want to grow this fruitful tree. Get ready to explore the secrets of nurturing this plant.
The Mission Fig, scientifically known as Ficus carica 'Mission,' is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Moraceae, mulberry, or fig family. Originating in the Mediterranean region, it is one of the most popular fig varieties cultivated around the USDA hardiness zones 8-11, making them suitable for many climates. These trees can reach a height of 10 to 30 feet (3 to 9 meters) and have a broad canopy that provides ample shade. Renowned for its distinctive lobed leaves, this deciduous tree typically fruits in early summer and has a fascinating identifying feature – it produces two crops yearly. The first harvest appears in May or June, while the second harvest is ready in late summer or early fall. Mission Fig fruits are medium-sized with blackish-purple skin and sweet, reddish-pink flesh. Varieties may include Brown Turkey, Celeste, and Kadota.