Colonel Littman's Black Cross is often compared to the well-known and best-tasting figs called Black Madeira.
Colonel Littman’s Black Cross was found growing in Gainesville Florida and was originally introduced by Just Fruits and Exotics Nursery. Shortly after a well-respected grower named Phil Siebel in northern Georgia quickly recognized its exceptional qualities particularly suitable in humid climates, where it serves as a superior alternative to Black Madeira.
While Black Madeira offers outstanding flavor, it often struggles in rainy conditions. In years past I may only enjoy a handful of well-ripened Black Madeira figs per season. They frequently split! In contrast, Colonel Littman's Black Cross, with its smaller size, earlier ripening date, better split resistance, shape, and skin quality, will produce higher quality fruit in such environments making it a preferred choice for growers in humid areas due to its better resilience to rain without compromising fruit quality.
A notable challenge with Colonel Littman's Black Cross is its perceived low productivity. As I discussed prior, Smith has a very similar issue. These two varieties don’t like excessive pruning more than other fig varieties. I find their balance of hormones is a delicate balance and pruning or lack of pruning is the main way we can keep our fig trees in check. Patience is key with this variety, as an optimal fruit set is typically expected by the third year rather than in the second as you’ll normally see in most fig varieties.
Despite some challenges, Colonel Littman’s Black Cross is the best option we currently have available to enjoy the amazing and must-try eating experience that Black Madeira can offer.
Colonel Littman's Black Cross Fig Cuttings - 3 Per Order
Why choosing the right fig variety matters
Choosing the right fig variety can make all the difference in so many positive or even negative ways. A variety that is well suited to your climate and taste preferences will ensure that your getting the fig experience that you deserve.
It's heartbreaking when you put years of work into a tree to finally realize that it's just not suited to your location because it will rarely produce high quality figs and in some cases, may never produce fruit that's even edible!
Fig varieties are very location specific because they're so highly subjected to their environment while they're ripening. Unlike many other fruits, the fig can be destroyed in its final ripening stage. It's a soft fruit that can absorb water into its skin causing cracking, splitting, mold & fermentation all because the inside of the fruit gets exposed to the outside elements of nature.
An apple has a hard covering. A persimmon has a hard covering. Berries and other soft fleshed fruits are also susceptible to bad weather conditions, but they have a short window of time in which they're soft and ready to be picked. Figs can be soft hanging on the tree for 5, 10 or even 15 days!
How to choose the right fig variety for your climate
When choosing a fig variety, it's important to consider the climate in your area during the winter, summer and fall.
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Some fig varieties are more tolerant of cold weather and others can be grown in climates that have mild summers because of their reliable breba production or their early main crop harvest period.
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Others are better suited for humid climates because they don't need to hang as long on the tree and they have a skin that acts like a waterproof jacket. The water just slides right off.
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Others are better suited to warmer climates and have the ability to taste incredible even in 100-110F temperatures.
If you want fig variety recommendations, read through the description of each fig variety carefully, or better yet, don't be afraid to contact me. In your message, include your growing zone, location, annual rainfall, and how you want to grow them.
To read more about choosing the right fig variety, click here:
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