skip to main content

Finding the earliest ripening fig tree variety

16 years ago

Hi. Great forums and my 1st post here:)

I'd like to find the earliest ripening possible fig tree. This will of course be more difficult because each variety is more featured in certain countries, but by using the knowledge of collectors and gardeners it should be possible because they normally plant various varieties side by side . There's also gonna be some error due to genetic variability/health conditions and plant age but I think we can surpass those by comparing mature, not very old and not very young plants.

So me first. Earliest variety I've seen is Cachopeira from Portugal, wich ripes mid May on the Algarve province. It's defenitly the earliest ripe I've seen there but I only had local varieties to compare to.

Cheers

JosÃ©

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

bjs496
16 years ago
Hi Jose,

In my backyard, Celeste ripens first.

~james
bjs496
16 years ago
btw... UC Davis claims the earliest ripening fig is the Yellow Neches.
Related Discussions
My first fig to ripen - even after dog damage to the tree
Q
Comments (3)
Oh this is not a fig from last year, it's a fig that grew on last year's wood (a breba fig) so it's part of the early crop. I don't get many of those on my trees, but they help stave off fig cravings until the main crop comes in LOL... this particular one actually looks very nice and fresh... yup, I'm driving home in about an hour and going straight to the fig tree to pick it.
...See More
My tree DID ripen figs, but not the variety I thought...
Q
Comments (15)
Herman, I think you are probably right, but just to confirm... I noticed that not all the eys looked as closed as this one, though maybe they tighten as the fig shrinks? The flavor was a sweet berrylike flavor, but I can't think of much more to describe it. Maybe a bit like a good raspberry. It's definately not a monster fig, but still delish! Also, maybe it could have used one more day but I was getting nervous with the flocks of birds always sitting a few yards from my tree. They never eat anything they shouldn't, but I know they're thinking about it!
...See More
Portuguese varieties of fig trees
Q
Comments (13)
If you wanna find pretty much any fig mail ordered then visit a buddy of mine. Either on his website or if your close to boston then you got it made. It's www.figtrees.net His names Joe. He prob has like fifty or so varieties of figtrees there.I have just bought a white Portuguese fig yesterday a black tanterella and a white votata.funny thing is just started this year with one tree and now I own over twenty 10 plus varieties lol. Just visit his website and you will gain more knowledge of one or two pages he has than reading tons of crap. Joe makes it easy and fun to takecare of. All his trees look like they're and steroids lol. Even a one foot tree will have like a dozen figs on it lol i smile so much while in there ok enough bragging just check em out and youll jave a mentor for life.If he don't have what you exactly need he will get it or have matched it with something similar if you like. He is so awesome. I'm so lucky to live hour away from his spot and to gain some of his knowledge it just worth the ride everytime. Super great guy. "thanks Joe"!! Here is a link that might be useful: Italian fig trees
...See More
2-3 year old fig trees not ripening?! + Rooted small fig branch!!
Q
Comments (4)
Your trees were pruned to be trees, not bushes. They appear to be at least 3 years old. Really hard to tell age because some trees are more vigorous than others. For instance, I had a Fig in a pot for two years, then planted it in ground. Suddenly that little thing trippled in size and it's trunk(s) became thick. Now it's huge, and I think nobody would guess it's only 4 years old. It's got about 15 figs per branch and there are a lot of branches. Every year, as your trees grow older, they will put out more figs. Really hard to know what a potted fig can produce. A lot depends on variety too. I don't have LSU Purple, but my Celeste is very productive. At 2 years old, it has about 20 figs, but it's still in it's pot and has worked it's way into the ground. This year when it's dormant, it will be planted in ground. You'll just have to be patient and wait. The figs will come. We get mild snow fluries here in winter maybe for a day or two, so planting in containers isn't important, but many who live where it snows have to bring their containers in for protection from freeze. I know you rent so want to take them with you. Good plan! :-)
...See More
bonsaist
16 years ago
I have several figs that I got from the middle east. One came from a Syrian town, it's called Rimaly. Which is the first fig to ripen in syria, and ofcourse they have hundreds of varieties there. Mine is currently bearing, and the fruit is almost full size. It may be a Breba only crop. Flesh color is light green, inside is honey colored. I don't currently have enough to offer cuttings yet.

Bass
josedaven
Original Author
16 years ago
Just to share some info. I've searched many hours on google for this and even contacted some sellers. The generally accepted earliest varieties I found are:
Kadota, Hardy Chicago, Early and Celeste.

@bjs496
Do you have any of the other varieties I mentioned above ?

@bonsaist
Great info there:) Are there any other local early rippening varieties to compare to or just "normal" ones ?

"I don't currently have enough to offer cuttings yet."
You guessed it :)

Regs
JosÃ©
bjs496
16 years ago
I have Celeste and Katoda as well as a couple of unknowns which I believe to be Kadota or a variant of. I have a tree that was labeled Hardy Chicago in the nursery, but it is a green fig. I don't know about "Early". I am rooting a variety called Early Violet from UC Davis. It is suppose to have been a popular fig in the south (U.S.) before Celeste gained popularity. Based on the pictures posted in figs4fun, it looks similar to my Celeste, but otherwise have no information on it.

~james
bonsaist
16 years ago
Jose,
If you live in an area that is not too cold where the figs are killed to the ground, you will be able to harvest breba crops which is the earliest.
here's in the north east there are 2 varieties proven to ripen the earliest, hardy chicago and sal's fig. A week or so later, I have my own varieties ripening, Dark Portugese, and Brooklyn White. There might be even earlier varieties than these, however they may not do well in rainy areas.

Bass
kiwinut
16 years ago
What about Sal's Fig? I have read that it ripens earlier than HC. HC is the earliest of my figs.
axier - Z10, Basque Country (Spain)
16 years ago
Here you are an old post about this subject:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg1022365116571.html

Between the European varieties, the earliest are Sultane, Madeleine des deux saisons and Brunswick for brebas, and Pastiliere and Ronde Precoce de Bordeaux for autumn figs.

Here is a link that might be useful: what is the earliest ripening variety for mild summer climates?
gorgi
16 years ago
A while back my Brooklyn White had the FATTEST breba!
Initially I thought it was an LW. Visiting Anthony can testify
to that. I am talking about only ~4-5 brebas. Since then,
my UnKnown #4 (Ta Cenc) superseded it in size. Last year my
#4 dropped (them) figlets, now they are 1"+++. Have never
seen a ripe BW or #4 on my property. Looking very forward
to ANY of them...

George (NJ).

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Common Fig

By Becky Harris

A full form and delicious fruits make this Middle Eastern tree a favorite in gardens around the world

HOUSEPLANTS Play Up Some Fiddleleaf Figs for a Lively Indoor Tune

By creative jewish mom.com

Strike a dramatic chord in a minimalist scene or a country note in a rustic setting — fiddleleaf fig plants harmonize with any style

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Arbor Day Applause: Iconic Los Angeles Trees

By FormLA Landscaping

Step aside, palm trees. California's native trees offer landscapes a huge variety of styles, personas and foliage

FARM YOUR YARD If You Have Room for Only One Fruit Tree ...

Juice up a small garden with one of these easier-care or worth-the-effort fruit trees for a mild climate

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year

FRUIT TREES How to Grow Your Own Juicy Plums

By Marianne Lipanovich

Easier than other stone fruits and with a variety of colors to choose from, plums are a versatile garden addition

GARDENING GUIDES Your Garden Is Stirring — Here’s What to Do in February

By Susan Haynes

February is a good time to start seeds, shape up shrubs and watch for the earliest blooms. Here’s what to do in your part of the U.S. now

GARDENING GUIDES Prunus Virginiana Thrives Under Deciduous Trees

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant chokecherry for showy white flowers favored by native bees in spring, and to provide nesting habitat and food for birds

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Flood-Tolerant Native Trees for Soggy Soil

By Steve Asbell

Swampy sites, floodplains, even standing water ... if you've got a soggy landscape, these trees are for you

ARBOR DAY 8 Reasons to Plant a Great Tree

By June Scott Design

Beauty is its own reward, but the benefits of planting the right tree in the right place go way beyond looks

Sponsored

Shylee Grossman Interiors

Industry Leading Interior Designers & Decorators in Franklin County

More Discussions

Hello everyone...

1

Spring is here and fig season just in front the gates

3

Winter Fig Tree concerns

3