Mission

About

Mission is the classic Californian variety, introduced by Spanish missionaries to the California missions in the late 18th century and now one of the most widely grown figs in the western United States. The figs are medium to large with dark purple-black skin and rich, dark red flesh that is intensely sweet with a jammy, wine-like depth. It is the fig most often found in dried form in supermarkets and remains a benchmark variety for productivity and flavour.

Growing Notes

• Very vigorous — can become a large tree in open ground; prune annually to manage size.
• Exceptionally productive with both breba and main crops.
• Thrives in hot, dry climates; one of the best varieties for arid regions.
• Excellent for drying — the high sugar content makes outstanding dried figs.
• Cold hardiness moderate; protect below −8 °C (18 °F).

My Notes

A true classic and a reference point for comparing other dark varieties. The breba crop is particularly generous. Also drying some of the harvest this year — the flavour intensity once dried is extraordinary.