Me too jstall , i need to kick my RDB in the Bu** to start a growth spurt.

Thanks again to the generous member if he see's this post

Good Job Frank!

Had my first Ronde ever a few weeks ago, it was fantastic.

I kind of felt attracted to come to the dark side ;-)

Hi,
I've been shying away from that strain.
But I'm planning to buy one this year - to have something new each year.
Last Saturday, I saw them at 12€ the small bush of 5 stems of 20 cm at a local nursery. But those things grow fast ... And 10 years growing fig-trees have taught me to be patient ...

@susieqz: "Violette de Bordeaux" is considered not as cold hardy as rdb .
Rdb is a small dark round fig that is recommended for cold places, normally not potted as the tree is in the big size category .
I was told that "Violette de Bordeaux" is the same as Negronne, and Negronne performs better in the medditeranean Belt - that is in ground - potted depends on the cares of the owner ...
Nurseries don't distribute "Negronne" here in my zone 7, but they do distribute rdb heavily - more than BT and Brunswick ...

thank you jds. that's important for me to know. i'll pick up a rdb as soon as prices drop.

Jdsfrance,

IMO it makes absolutely sense to own a Ronde in our area.
It usualy only bears the maincrop, so dieback might not be a to big problem cause you don't loose the brebas. 
Plus after possible dieback it grows fast and is a very early maincrop variety.
And RdB doesn't need energy to produce a first crop before the main.

Dang, you lucky rascal! Man, that looks delicious. Great job Frank, thanks for posting! Can't wait to try mine later. Keep 'me coming. :)