Ok so im new to black jack figs ...are the figs actually black when ripe or is that just in the name? Its my first almost ripe one and i m not sure how fark its supposed to get. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Scott

This is a fine time to check Jon's variety database (click MORE PHOTOS link for more pics)

Blackjack:  http://figs4fun.com/Var_B_info.html#BLACKJACK

You may want to bookmark the Variety database http://figs4fun.com/Varieties.html

Hi Scott

I don't grow Black Jack, but when I want to see what a fig might look like, interesting tidbits, and synonyms, I go to Jon's site where most varieties are arranged alphabetically:

http://figs4fun.com/Varieties.html

Go to Black Jack (click on the letter B at the top, then on the left scroll down to Black Jack and click on the name. Then for more photos, click on 'more photos' in the lower right corner of the varieties descriptions. Sometimes there won't be many, but sometimes there are. 

There are a lot for Black Jack, and it looks very dark:

http://figs4fun.com/Thumbnail_Black_Jack.html

edit: opps, Jason beat me to it.
 

 Jason and Gina, thanks for the tips, They were quits helpful.
Scott

You tell ripeness by how soft and how it hangs, not just by color.  You want it very soft.  Also you may need to protect it from critters.

My first black jack, I probably could have waited at least one more day before picking it.It was sweet but nothing like I anticipated, I have another one on the way to ripeness so I'll be sure to let it get "dead" ripe before picking it.

To me , Black Jack and Black Spanish are the same tree.  I have them both growing in a pot side by side.  Yes the figs are black when ripe depending on your climate.  My tree's brebas are excellent but the main crop taste like my flip-flop.  Who knows...maybe the taste will improve with time.  In my area, some of my friends have informed me to go see some Black Jack fig trees at my local nursery because they are the size of pears.  Just to please them, I go.  Black Jack figs in my areas are huge but for this variety the big figs are not worth eathing unless you're going to fill the cavaity with feta and wrap with prosciutto, grilled till crispy and drizzled with honey or agave.

Dennis when was the last time you tasted a flip flop?

HAHAHA