Skip to content

Volume Discounts Apply At Checkout

Ficus carica 'Black Genoa' Fig

About Your New Ficus carica 'Black Genoa' Fig

Ficus carica 'Black Genoa' is the most widely grown fig in Australia, producing heavy crops of large purple-black fruit with deep red sweet flesh. It is self-fertile and often crops twice in a season, with a light breba crop in early summer followed by the main harvest.

'Black Genoa' grows to 3 to 6 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide at 20 to 40 centimetres per year, and responds well to hard pruning if a smaller tree is wanted. Bold deeply lobed foliage brings a strong Mediterranean character to a garden and casts dense summer shade.

'Black Genoa' is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage while dormant, and is highly drought tolerant once established. It wants full sun and free-draining soil, and fruits best where summers are long, hot and dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Ficus carica 'Black Genoa'

How big does a 'Black Genoa' fig grow?

It reaches 3 to 6 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide unpruned, and responds well to hard pruning if a smaller, more manageable tree is wanted.

Is 'Black Genoa' self-fertile?

Yes. 'Black Genoa' is self-fertile and needs no pollinator or fig wasp to set fruit, which makes a single tree fully productive.

When does 'Black Genoa' fruit?

It often crops twice, with a light breba crop on old wood in early summer and the main harvest through late summer and autumn on the current season's growth.

Can a fig be grown in a pot?

Yes. Figs perform well in large pots and actually fruit more readily when their roots are restricted. Use free-draining mix, full sun and consistent watering through fruit development.

Are fig roots invasive?

Fig roots are vigorous and can lift paving and enter drains. Plant well clear of pipes and paving, or grow in a pot or a lined raised bed to contain them.

Is 'Black Genoa' frost hardy?

Yes. The tree survives heavy and frequent frost without damage while dormant. Late frosts can damage emerging spring growth but the tree recovers.

When should I prune a fig tree?

Prune in winter while dormant. Figs fruit on both old and new wood, so avoid removing everything, and shape to keep the tree open and within reach.

Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:

Load video:

Plant Your Ficus carica 'Black Genoa' Fig With:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Regular price $21.95
Sale price $21.95 Regular price
Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

Type: Australian Native

Leptospermum obovatum 'Starry Night' – Starry Night Tea Tree

Regular price From $280.00
Sale price From $280.00 Regular price
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

Regular price From $170.00
Sale price From $170.00 Regular price
Photinia glabra 'Super Red' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Photinia glabra 'Super Red'

Regular price $280.00
Sale price $280.00 Regular price
Choisya ternata - Evergreen Trees Direct

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Choisya ternata

Regular price $140.00
Sale price $140.00 Regular price
Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

Regular price From $320.00
Sale price From $320.00 Regular price

Uses in my Garden

  • Edible Garden
  • Feature Tree
  • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Ficus carica 'Black Genoa' Fig works in an:

  • Edible Garden – integrates fruit, herbs, and productive plants.
  • Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
  • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
  • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

youtube Load video:

Planting Information

youtube Load video:
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct

Elevate Your Garden

Follow Us On Instagram

@evergreentreedirect
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct