What's your take on Maltese Falcon these days?

[F. Bennett]

I haven't heard much about Maltese Falcon in recent years. For those that have tasted it, how does it compare to the rest of the top tier figs?

[vito12831]

Hello all.
I have a Maltese Falcon that's five years old and about five feet tall, last year was the first time it produced figs, but none ripened.

[DBJohnson]

I had a couple of cuttings, but neither took.

[COGardener]

I purchased a tree from Tim Clymer last year, with any luck at all I will be able to try it this year. If it has figs and they don't ripen before seasons end it will go into the garage greenhouse to finish out. So. ... only time will tell for me.

[newnandawg]

Frank, here is a link to my post about it in 2014.

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/maltese-falcon-7032556?pid=1283874338

[COGardener]

I'm dig'n your post there Mike, give more to look forward to than I thought.

[F. Bennett]

Thanks, Mike. Sounds like a keeper!

[The Figster]

Mine grew very well last summer on a wall facing south. Was planted in ground in late June, put on 5 branches 4 foot long and the few fruit that set I pulled.
Once dormant I dug it up and stuffed it in a pot to over winter. This year I plan to plant in ground permanently, in same location and let it fry ... and give me fruit

Ian

[drivewayfarmer]

I'm with newnandawg on this one , mine is about 4 years old and has been producing very high quality figs.
It does surprise you that the interior isn't a darker red , but the taste is excellent.
Mid to late season ripening here in NH for me.

[F. Bennett]

Thank you for the input, Kerry.

[hammerwood]

Next to Kathy Black it was my favorite fig last year. In fact I propagated a second plant this winter. It's very popular and in many peoples collection. You know that because the price of both plants and cuttings have dropped substantially to where it is much more affordable. I hesitate to use the term "must have" but I've never heard anyone say they were sorry they grew it.





Rick - Port Isabel, Texas / zone - 10a

[F. Bennett]

Thanks Rick. That's very helpful.

[WillsC]

I like falcon much more than Beauty.

[Levar]

Why's that? Are there some more common varieties you think are comparable to either one?

[COGardener]

I can't say for sure yet Levar, still waiting to compare, but I'd look at Kathleens black. This fig should be in everyone's collection. ... just be patient with her.

[Levar]

A little searching around shows:

(Maltese Beauty) "Take Black Madeira, Ronde de Bordeaux, Black Mission, Negronne, and mix them together you get a flavor close to this fig." - Bass

(Maltese Falcon) "It is a good fig, it's like an improved mission fig." - Bass
(MFalcon) "Kind of remind me of a rain tolerant version of Black Mission." - Fatnsassytexan


http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox....pid=1283877767 It looks so much like a Black Mission. Maybe it's the holy strain.

And yes! I got a KB last year from Tim Clymer. Gonna be a little generous with the potassium and phosphorous this year and see what happens. Thanks for the recommendation, though.

[Rewton]

I had a Maltese Falcon a couple years ago but it was so riddled with fmv I gave up on it. Maybe I should try it again.

[strudeldog]

Surprised to hear that. Mine was about the most vigorous grower I had last year huge leave and grew like a pine tree about 8 feet. It put on figs but they were late to judge fairly.

[Harborseal]

Do you use a micronutrient supplement? That might help. What's the rest of your fertilizer schedule like?

[The Figster]

Here is a Maltese Falcon air layer I took last Fall. It is up for auction to anyone wanting it. Proceeds to be sent to OurFigs. I will pay shipping to mainland USA

Ian

[COGardener]

That is quite an offer Ian!!!

Where do you live again? That may a real long trip for a tree versus cuttings.

[eboone]

Ian, if you are offering it as an auction start a separate thread on it. Should get a good bit of interest

[F. Bennett]

I appreciate the feedback, guys. Looking forward to rooting it.

[DBJohnson]

I'll start....$20.00!

[DBJohnson]

Ooops! See the auction thread.....

[quackmaster]

I have two from two different sources, last season I tried a couple that ripened while the trees were still small and in pots and they were ok but not great yet. Now they in ground I'm expecting much better results.