3 MUST HAVE FIG VARIETIES For Every Garden

Summary

In this video, the gardener shares three must-have fig varieties suitable for different climates, emphasizing their adaptability rather than taste. The three figs—Ron de Bordeaux, Olympian, and Chicago Hardy—are praised for their ability to handle rain, frost, and short growing seasons. These varieties ensure reliable production even in challenging conditions. The gardener explains how these figs can be foundational for any collection, providing early harvests and resilience where other figs may fail. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a beginner, these figs are essential for success in the garden.

Takeaways

• 😀 Growing figs is a challenge in many parts of the United States due to the differences in climate, particularly the issue of summer rainfall and cold winters.
• 😀 The video highlights three recommended fig varieties based on their adaptability, rain resistance, and ability to tolerate frost, not just taste.
• 😀 The first recommended fig variety is 'Ron de Bordeaux,' which is a must-have due to its early ripening, making it a reliable choice even in wet summer conditions.
• 😀 'Olympian' is a highly productive fig that ripens early, making it ideal for climates with cooler summers. It is also large in size, which is rare for early figs.
• 😀 'Chicago Hardy' is known for its adaptability and rain resistance, making it a great choice for climates with heavy rain. It can tolerate harsh conditions and frost.
• 😀 Taste is not the main factor when choosing these figs; rather, it's about how well they perform under varying environmental conditions.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the importance of having foundational, versatile fig varieties like these before investing in more premium types that may be less adaptable.
• 😀 Figs are prone to splitting when exposed to rain, which makes rain-resistant varieties essential for growers in rainy climates.
• 😀 The narrator shares firsthand experience with heavy rain and thunderstorms, illustrating how these fig varieties hold up in difficult conditions.
• 😀 The narrator compares the taste of the figs, with 'Olympian' offering a peach-like flavor, 'Chicago Hardy' tasting like light berry, and 'Ron de Bordeaux' being a more intense berry flavor.
• 😀 The video concludes by recommending these three fig varieties to both new and experienced growers, suggesting they can serve as reliable bases for any fig collection.

Q & A

Why are the figs recommended in this video not based on taste?

The figs are recommended based on their versatility and adaptability to various growing conditions, rather than taste, because taste is subjective and varies from person to person. The goal is to recommend figs that can thrive in challenging climates and conditions.

What is the primary challenge to growing figs in the United States?

The primary challenge is the significant summer rainfall in most regions of the U.S., which is incompatible with the Mediterranean climate that figs thrive in. Excessive rain causes figs to crack, burst, and spoil, leading to pest infestations and sour fruit.

What makes rain-resistant fig varieties important?

Rain-resistant fig varieties are important because they can withstand heavy rainfall without spoiling. Figs that are prone to splitting due to rain can attract pests and lose quality, so choosing rain-resistant varieties ensures better fruit production during wet seasons.

How do cold winters affect fig growing in the U.S.?

Cold winters can be detrimental to figs because most fig varieties come from subtropical or Mediterranean climates that do not experience heavy frost. In colder regions, figs may struggle to survive or fail to ripen due to frost and freezes.

Why is the Ron de Bordeaux fig a must-have variety?

The Ron de Bordeaux fig is a must-have because it ripens early (late June to mid-July) and is highly productive, making it suitable for regions with shorter growing seasons or rainy summers. Despite its smaller size, it produces a significant number of figs early in the season, ahead of other varieties.

What makes the Olympian fig stand out among other varieties?

The Olympian fig stands out due to its early ripening (before many other varieties) and large size. It is productive, has a good flavor resembling peaches, and is known for its ability to ripen in cooler climates with shorter summers, making it highly adaptable.

How does the Chicago Hardy fig compare to other varieties in terms of adaptability?

The Chicago Hardy fig is extremely adaptable, as it can tolerate a variety of climates and growing conditions, including heavy rain. Its resistance to rain, rot, and splitting, along with its reliable ripening, make it a dependable variety for regions with fluctuating conditions.

What are the advantages of starting with adaptable fig varieties like Ron de Bordeaux, Olympian, and Chicago Hardy?

Starting with adaptable fig varieties ensures a higher chance of success, especially in regions with unpredictable weather conditions. These figs are reliable in terms of ripening and resistance to rain and pests, which makes them a solid foundation for building a fig collection before experimenting with more premium varieties.

Why is it important to consider the size and weight of figs when selecting varieties?

The size and weight of figs are important because they can affect the overall yield and productivity of a fig tree. Larger figs, like those of the Olympian variety, offer greater harvest potential, while smaller figs, such as Ron de Bordeaux, may produce more figs overall, providing a different kind of yield advantage.

What did the official taste tester, Dale, think of the figs?

Dale, the official taste tester, seemed to enjoy all the figs, as he gave a positive reaction to each. He sampled the Chicago Hardy, Olympian, and Ron de Bordeaux figs, and showed interest in the flavors, particularly liking the Olympian, despite it being a bit large for him to handle.