Hello everyone! 

I am new in this forum, and am very happy to be see this filled with great info and FIG enthusiast, like me!!!!!

Any way, I am looking to get my hands on a Ronde de Bourdeaux fig variety (I am sure some -or many- of you are as well!!), and would like to know where or who I can contact in order to obtain a cutting or a small plant which is reasonably priced, or which can be traded (But I do not own any "rare" varieties of figs.  :(

I have seen listings on a popular auction site, and OMG they are super expensive!!!     

Any way, I can get it for a better price?
Any info or leads would be very much appreciated!!

Thanks in advanced.

Collection:
Chicago H
Celeste
Black Mission
LSU

Jerry
Welcome to the forum.  I have never asked anyone why they wanted something but this time I can't resist.  It is probably your "handle".  I assume "Philos" is short for philosophy so it would be natural to ask "why"  I know that the RDB is certainly the hottest thing on the market but I really don't know why.  I have never seen a RDB, nor have I tasted one so how would I determine that I should have one?  The one fig that seems to be real high on everyone's list is the Chicago Hardy, was it as coveted last year as the RDB is now?  What will be next?

Not busting anything, too each their own, just curious.

Not a bad question, Danny!

And yes, indeed philosophy and asking questions is in my nature, always!

The reason for my interest in this variety is because I have read about RdB’s and have heard great things.

First reason is I looooove  sweet figs! The sweeter, the better (for me) and form my understanding, this variety is very, very sweet (Sweeter than Celeste, as I understand) Yum!

Second would be it’s Cold Hardiness. I live in N.Y. (almost coastal), and I am looking for something that will stand up to this climate as it gets older and grows in my yard. Third reason may be rather superfluous, but having this plant, I think, would allow me to have a better chance to trade for other interesting varieties of Figs in the future.

I do think that paying the going rate now is rather crazy, as I don’t see that this plant is so rare of difficult to propagate…..

But I would love to have the opportunity to get my hands on a reasonably priced cutting or plant!

Take care,

Jerry

Well stated, and taken well, reasons all.

If you love sweet figs you can save a lot of money and grow a Celeste. Really sweet and not as spendy

Welcome.

I will be the first to say, "acquiring RdB really hard to get, especially FREE" but it is possible. It took a lot of research and "growing pains" (meaning root failures to get to where I am at, experience). Not just only experience building up trust here in the forum. When I finally had my wish come true, I understand why it wasn't easy for me to get as a beginner. I have heard newbies asking for cuttings they already have to requesting cuttings from senior members then disappear. I'm not saying you are that kind of person, I'm saying EXAMPLES of that has happened. Build some credibility first, and use your private message to request your wishes. I was inspired by a fellow member (from a different topic), and I agree with those set of requirements , when you do become more involved , more doors will certainly open for you as it did for me. And when you do, I will be the first to offer you a cutting of Ronde de Bordeaux freely as members have done for me.

That said " thank you for honoring my wishes, you know who you are"

Good luck on your finds and research
-Jennifer

CHICAGO HARDY on top of everone's list,wow you can buy them at Lowes for $10.00,I knew I should have bought more :-)

Chicago Hardy is a very good fig, but it is not considered a premium fig, those usually have very distinctive taste or unique foliage

Danny:     :)    

slingha: I have Celeste, and I loooove them!!!

Jennifer: thanks for your wise comments, indeed, I know just how you feel. I have been a member of other forums for many years and know exacly what your talking about (Mostly, on the mycology communities, as I am a new  "fig amateur") 
What you said about the cuttings, and dealing under is very interesting, I had not even considered someone doing such a thing, but indeed that would be a way to make money on some else's trust!
Sound advice, I will keep around, forum looks active and has a nice community.

Willofig and BLB:  I have Chicago Hardy plants (2 of them!)  but they have not given out a harvest yet!!  I am waiting to see how good they turn out. I do know about their hardiness, which is why I think they will work out fantastically in my yard.


Take care all!

Martin, out of curiosity, about how large does your Paradise HC get? Would you consider it a small fig or medium size? Is it about the same size as your Sal's fig?

Yes much love for HC here as well.

It's good Martin, but there are many better, Ray Givens notwithstanding. For your area Jerry there are hardier ones too. Try Latarolla for a nice larger white fig that is pretty hardy. Better yet, do a search on the forum for hardy figs, that will show you what to look for. 

Ate some HC today as well and they were top notch even ripening in cool wet weather.
More zone 5 love for HC.

HC EL and Sals gene id say about same size here. Perhaps sals bit smaller but not really. Both small to medium size. I've learned btw in catalog descriptions "medium" is code word euphemism for small because they don't like to admit in official descriptions a variety gives you "small" fruit.

I have head great things about these CH figs as well. I am very exited to see how they do next year!
I will wait eagerly!!!

Leon Hc. is little bit smaller than my Sals fig .
My Sals is sweeter while my Hc has that rich fig taste not over powered by its sweetness .

BLB, thanks for the tip on the Latarolla. It cretainly looks good, big and great that it's up to the cold challenge.

I would very much be interested in trying it out....... oh no, another one on the list!!!

:)