Some sources say that Coll de Dama white and black are similar in taste, but others say that the black is better than the white (sweeter). I haven't compared them so I can't tell you if this last affirmation is true. Coll de Dama seems to be a variety prone to mutations. There are three colors (white, black and grey) and different tones among them. For example, according to Xon, he has two different variants of Coll de Dama black which ripen at different times (one to two weeks). The earliest one is darker and sweeter than the other one (the later variant is the most common of both). You can see this earlier sport here: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg0815280929968.html To sum up, if it is easier for you to find Coll de Dama black than white, don't doubt, catch the black! at worst they will be similar to white.

Col de dame Blanc is the least desired of the col de dames. Grise and noir much better. They are late fig for me but if you're in Texas it shouldn't be a problem. If you do go Blanc, make sure the source isn't UCD as it is not a healthy specimen. Cuttings are mostly sold in the fall and winter because you have to cut the new green growth and figs off to get to the brown wood. Also if you are new, let me suggest a few productive and delicious varieties: JH Adriatic Longue D'Aout Mt Etna type fig- hardy Chicago, Gino's, sals,Marseilles Black VS, etc Violette de Bordeaux type- mission, vista, negronne Hope this helps

From my own growing experience......the White (Blanc) is very rain tolerant while the Black (Noir) is not. Taste/sweetness is equal for White and Black according to this grower (Axier?).....see link below. Dan Here is a link that might be useful: Col de Dame (Blanc and Noir)

Yes demondmh, This particular strain was originally brought from Europe to USA by a Maryland (MD) WWII veteran in 1943. Here is a description by two other famous fig experts: ROBERT HOGG: BLACK PROVENCE (Black Marseilles; Reculver; Noir de Provence). Â Small or below medium size, oblong. Skin, dark brown. Flesh, red, tender, very juicy, and richly flavoured. Tree bears abundantly, and is well adapted for forcing. Ira Condit: Marseillaise Black (syns. Black Marseilles, Marseillaise Negra, Black Provence, Ficus carica phoceana Risso, according to Sauvaigo). Described by Sawyer (1824), Hogg (1866), G. S. (1869), Sauvaigo (1889), Barron (1891), Eisen (1901), Starnes (1903), and Starnes and Monroe (1907, with illustration). The following account is after that of Eisen, which differs somewhat from the short one given by Hogg. Figs medium, pyriform, with distinct neck; stalk long, about one-third the length of the fig; ribs distinct, especially on neck and body; eye medium, closed; scales large, red; skin waxy, with thin bloom; color black; pulp red. Quality good in Provence and at Nice.