Description

About Beer’s Black Fig Tree

Picture-perfect on the plate. Enjoy homegrown Beer’s Black figs. The rich magenta flesh is royal next to the violet skin; this fruit is worthy of a painting by one of the great masters. Often confused with Mission and Violette de Bordeaux figs, but should not be; the leaves are different as is the flavor. Beer’s Black are of medium size and have that rich, sweet, buttery unctuousness so sought after in a great fig. “Closed eye” when ripe; helps resist splitting and souring. An exceptional fig for drying, but especially for fresh eating. Self-fertile. Beer’s Black figs ripen in July.

Overwintering Fig Trees in Cooler Climates

If you experience temperatures below freezing, then additional winter protection is necessary for best results.

Potted figs should be placed in an insulated, unheated, preferably dark room or cool basement. Water them monthly until just moist so the roots do not dry out completely.

For fig trees planted in-ground, insulate as much as possible by getting creative. Use chicken wire and burlap or surround with straw bales stuffed with leaves. The pliable branches can be bent in to preserve as much as the plant as possible. What is not covered, will likely die back. Figs fruit on new growth and the insulated roots will send out new growth, even if the top dies.

Survival Guaranteed!

Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.

Characteristics

Fruit Color Purple
Fruit Size Medium
Hardiness Zone Range 2 - 10, Outdoor Planting: 7 - 10
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest July
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 5.5 - 8.0
Taste Sweet
Years to Bear 1 - 2

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

When your tree matures, it will be approximately 10 - 20' tall x 10 - 20' wide.

Recommended Spacing

We recommend spacing these trees 10 - 20' apart to ensure room for growth.

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 2 - 10 Outdoors: 7 - 10
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.
This item can be grown in colder climates if it's planted in a container and brought indoors during the winter months. If you're planting it outdoors in the ground, we recommend being within the outdoor zone range.

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow fig trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Shipping Information

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

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Questions & Answers

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59 Questions
Why did you choose this?

Cold hardy

My fourth fig bought from Stark Brothers. Got this one because of description.

When I put out excess veggies and fruits, I always get asked if I have any figs, so I figured why not, my aunt had a fig tree, and if I remember right, they were black when ripe.

I like that the fruit closes when its ripe, reduces spoilage and pests.

Will this tree be ok outside in zone 8B?

Yes, it is hardy to zone 10.

would this fig be suitable for container planting?

We appreciate you reaching out to us. Yes - This fig can be grown in a container.

//www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/figs-on-wheels

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

Can I grow Beer's Black Fig in a container in Chicago? And bring it indoors for Winter as I do my Celeste and Chicago Figs?

We appreciate you reaching out to us. Yes - All figs can be grown in a container.

//www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/figs-on-wheels

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

How tall will a Drafe beers black fig grow ?

These are not dwarf trees. They will mature 10 - 20' tall x 10 - 20' wide.

Amount of Sunlight needed ?

We appreciate you reaching out to us. This requires full sun - so at least 6-8 hours.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!

Can I grow this fig tree in a pot ?

You can grow almost anything in a container! This excellent article will answer your questions and provide good advice. Please see "Growing Fruit Trees in Containers" //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-trees-in-containers-pt1

Can I plant this in Florida Now?

We recommend to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time. For example, you can plant trees and plants…

1. When the ground is not frozen.
2. When daytime temperatures are above freezing (32ºF). If above 90ºF, you'll need to give extra TLC by making sure your trees or plants stay well hydrated. Planting in the early morning or late evening is best too.
3. When extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast.

As long as you choose a location in the best interest of what you’re planting and mind the unfavorable conditions listed above, you can plant when you feel most comfortable planting. Most gardeners prefer to plant in the spring, but some partake in the ​summer and fall.

I'm a bit confused.  The product description says "Full Sun" but the growing guide mentions shade several times... Is the shade just needed in the beginning, but full sun from there on out? Thanks!

The aclimating process is very important and should not be full sun but refering to being grown after the aclimation process, Figs prefer a sunning location that gets sunlight 6 to 8 hours a day.

Are any of the trees or plants you sell genetically modified?

Stark Bro’s does not knowingly grow or offer genetically engineered plants or trees. We either graft our trees or grow them from cuttings.

how tall are they when they ship?

Our potted EZ starts ship 1.5-3 feet tall with an advanced root system.

Customer Reviews

26 Ratings
4.1out of 5 stars
26 Ratings

Rated 5 stars by 62% of reviewers

Rated 4 stars by 15% of reviewers

Rated 3 stars by 8% of reviewers

Rated 2 stars by 0% of reviewers

Rated 1 star by 15% of reviewers

1-10 of 26 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Apr 8, 2024
Happy
Appears very healthy and fully leafed out and growing already. Looking forward to enjoying the fruit!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jan 23, 2024
Beer's black fig tree
Came with fruit and has even ripened on the little tree. Seems to be doing great.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 26, 2023
Great plant poor customer service.
Arrived and is flourishing. Customer service for this company is a zero though so fingers crossed you don't have issues.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 24, 2023
Thriving and doing very well
The tree was delivered very quickly, and despite the slight look of it when it arrived, has really taken off.

The tree is thriving and healthy.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 28, 2023
Beers Black Fig Tree
It is a healthy tree, growing at a high rate. It looks great!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 19, 2023
Looking forward to some tasty figs. Once planted in the ground this little guy perked right up and is doing well with 10 hours of direct sun.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 11, 2023
Figs
Planted in spring of 23 and growing nicely. Been very dry in Maryland this year fingers crossed.
Rated 5 out of 5
Dec 11, 2022
little figgy
so far so good, seems to be thriving. It is still small in my little orchard, but It is growing and that is all I can ask for as it is a young tree
Rated 5 out of 5
Nov 8, 2022
Beautiful fig in excellent health
Beautiful fig arrived in excellent health. Very well packaged and well rooted
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 28, 2022
Small tree and a lot of beautiful fruit , it gave Early fruit in May and main crops in late August ,the fruit takes very sweet, I love the tree and the fruit