I used to think a well-known fig grower from New Jersey was joking when he said Violette de Bordeaux was his favorite fig out of 200 varieties. I laughed it off because it's a common, inexpensive fig that doesn't get much attention.
But now, after years of growing and studying many different fig varieties, I realize he was right. Violette de Bordeaux is a fantastic fig that can grow almost anywhere and has very few downsides.
It's one of 3 varieties that checks ALL of the boxes. Alternatively, if I had to choose only one fig variety, it would be Violette de Bordeaux, Moro de Caneva, or Green Michurinska. They're hardy, early, produce breba, and are rain-resistant. They reliably produce high-quality figs in every climate.
Violette de Bordeaux would have been on this list years ago, but this variety always had problems with mold. Cracking of the skin oddly leads to mold formation at those locations, which ruins the fruit. To prevent this, I usually have to pick the figs early, before they're fully ripe.
When properly ripened, a strong cherry flavor intensifies. However, early-picked Violette de Bordeaux figs can still be quite tasty.
Interestingly, in 2024, the figs from my ground-planted tree didn't crack. I hope this continues. But even if they do crack in the future, I've learned to accept that early harvesting can still produce delicious fruit.
Violette de Bordeaux (Nero 600m) 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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