Greetings! 

I've yet to post on the list, despite having been an ardent follower of the forum.  About 2 years ago, I found this forum by chance, and started to grow fig trees from cuttings.  What a joy its been!  Lots of excitement  watching my little baby trees grow up.

So far, I've collected Col De Dame Noir, Genovese Nero, Atreano, JH Adriatic, Tashkent, Armenian, Panache, Purple Smyrna, Black Ischia, Flanders, an unknown or two, and one or two others whose names I cannot remember. 

I have duplicates - sometimes triplets - of some of these figs, so I'm looking to do some trading with others.  I live in the San Diego area (a north county native - Olivenhain), so let me know if any of you are interested.

Also, I have a question for the forum which may already have been answered in another thread, so feel free to direct me there if you know of the thread.  The question is: does the price of a fig cutting REALLY represent the quality of the taste of the fig, or is it more a representation of the rarity of that fig variety?  I see lots of cuttings selling online for more than $100.  I cant imagine the figs from those trees really taste 10x better than other, well regarded varieties.

Thanks everyone, and hope to participate in the forum more in the future!

Casey

Welcome Casey, glad you feel comfortable to post now.
I think "designer" figs come out or are introduced, if you will and everyone wants it. I don't think the taste sets the price. It's demand like most things.

Rarity mostly, with taste being important.  If I'm the only one who has a lousy tasting fig no one will want it unless I lie about it.  We're told that these rare figs taste better than other figs and I trust the people telling me that.  You have a lot of great figs so you may be a bit jaded.  I've never seen a taste comparison between a Maltese Beauty and a Col de Dame.

Welcome to the forum Casey.
There will always be designer figs, the "it" fig of the day , month , year.  As in all phases of many things to buy, collect ,  grow, the newness will contribute to the pricing .   I do think that taste has quite a bit to do with it however. IMO, those that have commanded a price and stayed pricey for more than a short time also have great taste and growth habits. Also comes down to supply and demand .

For me I don't care how rare it is , if it tastes so-so , I'll not be buying at any price. There are others that will collect just to have that rarity . 

Most will come down in price in a couple + years as it becomes more available .

You have a very nice collection so far- some of those to me are higher priced. 

Welcome to the forum, Casey.

You have some very nice cultivars in your collection. Are you looking to trade with locals or willing to ship?

I agree with Tami, most of the cost of an expensive cutting comes from how rare and hyped it is rather than how much better the taste may be over the more common varieties.  There are tons of named and unknown figs with A++ flavor that could be yours for the asking on this forum.

Welcome Casey, I think a good answer to your question about price is a combination of rarity and taste. New varieties being introduced are usually in demand just for their newness or perhaps there is something peculiar to this variety such as attractive leaves, unusual looking fruit or what have you. Tried and true premium figs generally taste very good and will cost a bit more than others. They will maintain a somewhat higher price tag. A problem with some of the premiums is that they aren't as productive as more commonly available trees in every zone. I think everyone recognizes for example, that Black Madeira is a premium fig and it is so due to taste, however, unless you can provide a long and hot enough summer you won't get much to eat with this one. Still it's worth a try to many who seek a challenge and want that super taste. Col de Dame varieties also are known for taste, and demand is high for those and so on. They've been around for some time and prices are still high as they are tried and true excellent tasting figs. Ice Crystal, Jolly Tiger, Afghanistan are grown primarily for their attractive leaves and demand a high price for that reason. Maltese Beauty is a newer variety to the hobby, available only for a few years. It has very nice looking fruit, it's reportedly very good tasting and productive, hence in high demand as is reflected in the price. Obviously if it is as good as it sounds, and I believe it is, it will remain in high demand along with other premiums with a higher than usual price tag. Still in time, as it becomes available, the price will moderate. There are plenty of excellent tasting figs out there very commonly available at very reasonable prices too as they have been in distribution for quite a while. Maybe not considered premium, but certainly very good in taste. Hardy Chicago and VDB come to mind, both are considered excellent tasting, productive figs. I think everyone should have a couple of these along with seeking premium figs. These easy to obtain varieties are usually very productive too and will keep you in figs while you are waiting for your Black Madeira to ripen. 

Welcome, Casey.  You have some very interesting varieties.  I'd love to trade with you  but looking over your list, I have nothing that even compares.  Glad to have you on the forum and look forward to more posts from you in the future.  

Welcome!

Best,
Tam

Thanks for your comments, everyone!  I've learned so much on this forum, and hope to make some friends, as well...

For me, what counts is taste.  I really, truly do not care whether or not something is rare.  I want to eat the fruit, not stare at it.  I love cooking, so fig paste will be an excellent sweetener for banana bread, on toast, or in any dish that requires a little sweetness.  Recipes, anyone?

I'm also growing a few pomegranates: parfianka, salavatski, bala mursal, and austin.  Ever since I was young, I've loved making a mess eating juicy, purple poms.  They are also very good in friend rice - especially, Persian rice with turmeric.  And, on top of all this, I've a few coffee trees growing. 

Casey

I agree with you, Casey.  What I'm looking for are a few of the very best tasting figs and then I want to plant several of each just so I have my very own great tasting figs and not have to beg and buy figs anymore.

I've also got coffee growing and several years ago harvested enough to make a pot of home grown coffee. I think you'll find that many of us on the forum grow all kinds of challenging plants.

Welcome Casey, Never heard of a Black Ischia..???   There is so many that I want to Have and Eat...LOL     On the value of a fig cutting its the demand, eventually with the amount of big amount of fig collectors, in about 10 years the cuttings price will be so much lower. I try to buy some cuttings on Ebay when the price is reasonable.

Taste is tops in my book also Casey ! There are many members growing some fantastic heirloom varieties . Keep an eye out this fall/winter for cuttings to add to your collection.