Black Madeira type figs

[Kelby]

What varieties are members of this group? Dark, large, doorknob shaped, outstanding flavor and full of syrup. To my knowledge there is Black Madeira (UCD), Black Madeira (kk), Preto, Genovese Nero, and I258. I've been fortunate enough to sample BM (UCD), BM (kk), and Preto which are all practically the same in the best way possible. I was generously given a BM (kk) that will hopefully fruit next year. I hope to add Preto, I258 and GN next year if the fig gods are kind and just. Anyone have pics to share? Mine is of Preto from Nick's place. Man, that was a yummy fig. Just like eating a glass of wine!

[greenfig]

Kelby,

I posted a few i258 pics over here:

http://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-home/39143-i258-and-lampeira-preta-main

[fitzski]

Kelby,

If the fig gods are kind and just, are you planning on having these in-ground like your other figs or will these (BM, Preto, i258 and GN) be in pots and stored above freezing during the winter?

[fitzski]

Eventually, I'd like to have some in ground as well. Right now, I'm trying to determine which varieties to try in-ground other than my inherited Hardy Chicago. One thing I did notice last year, my potted Hardy Chicago's woke up about 1 month or so sooner than the in-ground one.

But, the potted ones also had the benefit of morning sun in the GH with mid-April temps in the 70-80's.

[Kelby]

Can't go wrong with Imp Celeste.

[fitzski]

thanks, i'll keep that in mind.

What others have done well for you in ground?

[Tonycm]

I'm doing the Fall fig shuffle to ripen 4 more Flat Black Madeira figs. The fig on the bottom is softening up so it should be ready any day. I can't wait but I'm sure it won't be at it's best.

[quackmaster]

What varieties are members of this group? Dark, large, doorknob shaped, outstanding flavor and full of syrup. To my knowledge there is Black Madeira (UCD), Black Madeira (kk), Preto, Genovese Nero, and I258. I've been fortunate enough to sample BM (UCD), BM (kk), and Preto which are all practically the same in the best way possible. I was generously given a BM (kk) that will hopefully fruit next year. I hope to add Preto, I258 and GN next year if the fig gods are kind and just. Anyone have pics to share? Mine is of Preto from Nick's place. Man, that was a yummy fig. Just like eating a glass of wine!

Hey kelby, I just got an i-258 this season and it grew to a out 6' tall this season but no branches, maybe in the spring I'll have a branch I can air layer for you. I had two figs on it and the first one split wide open but I got to taste the second one yesterday evening and it was really good considering the weather.

[Kelby]

That'd be awesome, thanks!

[quackmaster]

No problem

[Rafaelissimmo]

Kelby I have the big 4 but have yet to taste I-258. Next year I will have 2 BM and 2 Preto fruiting, plus the other two. I still think Preto is in my top 3 due to its complex taste. I have 4 left on my tree, waiting to see if they can ripen even though the warmth does not appear slated to return here. There's on BM left on a little guy in the greenhouse too. I picked my second GN today, still having splitting issues but it seems like it may break into my top three as well. Danny says his 258s in Staten Island were outstanding. There's always something to look forward to next year!

[Hobo62288]

All of those Figs have such awesome reviews but all are more than I could afford. The joys of a single factory worker lol. Preto and I-258 interest me a lot because they seem, from what I've red, to be a little easier going with less FMV problems. Correct me if I'm wrong on that. Nero is one I still haven't read up on as much but would still love to try growing it. All figs are worth a try I suppose.

[Kelby]

There is Black Madeira (kk) which, as I understand, is identical to the UCD strain but healthy. To my recollection sampling this year I couldn't really tell them apart.

[Hobo62288]

Well that is good to know. I've been watching his Ebay auctions and won't be getting one of those anytime soon, that's for sure lol. Still plenty of good Figs I don't have though that are reasonably priced and easier to find. Any idea where his came from?

[COGardener]

Is anyone going to have I-258 cuttings this year? This is a cultivar I would like to acquire as well. I am always happy to pay a fair price or trade.

[fitzski]

Herman2 (hermansur on ebay) has been selling them recently.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fig-Tree-Cuttings-Italian-258-delicious-flavor-self-fertile-rain-resistant-/321901860321?hash=item4af2d895e1:g:820AAOSwhcJWHxyj

It's at $61 right now ... but he sometimes has 'buy it now' on his auctions. He sold two sets for $45 before the last auction of $158.

I bought a few things from his 'buy it now' auctions.

[Kelby]

It's funny (to me), when I first started growing figs I said I wouldn't grow "fancy" varieties. I intended to instead focus on in-ground and breba production. Then I tried Preto, BM, etc and they blew me away!

[PA Figs]

Brogiotto Nero and VdS should be added to this list. They are similar in shape and size to Black Madeira, but with a different taste.

[Kelby]

Ahh, forgot about Brogiotto Nero, good call.

[TylerJ]

Bourjasotte Noire has a similar shape also. I have one on my tree still thinking it wants to ripen (hopefully lol)

[Claymango]

How does this fig taste? I have one a B.N. that I purchased this year.... hoping it has great flavor?

[TylerJ]

This is my first fig off it so hopefully I can give you an answer to that soon