I read in a blog that these were probably the same fig. Anyone here growing both of these varieties that can add to this confusion? I have both but they are still too young to compair. If this is the case I dont need both of them. That will give me room for one more variety!!!

I know the syn. is Red Gold and has been compared to Alma, time will tell because I have all 3. Is there a possibility there may be 2 TX BA-1 in circulation? This will be interesting. My TX BA-1 is growing much faster than my Smith.

The guy I got my BA-1 from got his cuttings from Dr. Atlas years ago. Does this name ring a bell with anyone? He describes this fig as a green fig with red center. I guess the skin color can vary from yellowish to green? His tree is also in partial shade most the time so I imagine that can cause a little difference in skin color to an extent. I hope this is the real BA-1 as I have gifted a few of these cuttings to form members.

Rob,
Texas BA-1 was a "found fig" at Texas A & M, http://figs4fun.com/Info/Info_BA1.html .
Smith is an Heirloom fig from the Bechnel Nurseries in LA, they are 2 different figs.

Alma was tagged with Falls Gold as an Aka.
Texas BA-1 was tagged with Red Gold as an Aka.

This info is posted on the varieties pages, http://figs4fun.com/Varieties.html

<edit> I just read the Blog authored by Dan A., http://cajunfigs.blogspot.com/2014/07/smith-and-texas-ba-1-are-exact-same-fig.html http://cajunfigs.blogspot.com/2014/07/yes-indeed-smith-and-texas-ba-1-are.html , where he makes the statement that they may be the same fig. I have the utmost respect for his fig knowledge, so it may be true that they are the same variety. I'm currently growing Texas BA-1 (from Edible Landscaping) and was looking to acquire Smith this fall, so I may be able to compare them next year.

I cannot comment on whether these are the same fig, but I can note the following: Dan states they are the same fig, but he also states that the Tx-BA-1 has a solid center, ie no hole in the center. If you look at my pics on my recent Smith thread, it appears there is a small hole in the center, not sure if this indicates they are different figs. See

http://cajunfigs.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-ba-1-red-gold-fig2012-season.html?m=1

I can comment .

I USE to believe Smith and Texas BA-1 were the same. I was completely wrong! They are NOT the same. I have 2 Texas BA-1 fig trees and 7 or 8 Smith fig tree. One of each are giants! These 2 trees were some of my best producers of figs for 2015. The fig are not the prettiest in the world but the taste is enough to make you wanta cry! It is that good! Both have flat bottoms. TXBA1 is wider and larger and prettier. They also taste different. Neither are hardy so don't leave outside unprotected from the cold and wind!
Here is TX BA-1.

I thought i read in the past that the BA-1 and Smith were the same, maybe it was your post Dennis ;). How do you think they compare in taste, i am very excited about my smith cuttings and getting them growing, wondering if it makes sense to try and acquire BA-1 as well. Beautiful pics BTW

You guys that are posting links to Dan's Blog, are you able to access his site?  I used to be able to, but no longer can. 

Ok, no one wants to answer, that's cool.  I enjoyed his blog and commented on it several times.  I also bought cuttings from him on Ebay  one of the 2 times I know of that he sold them.

Most around here don't follow him or his blog. He gets kicked out of forums sooner or later.

Matt,
That was me saying that years ago. I was wrong. They are not the same. TX Ba-1 was found just like Pete stated. Smith is an heirloom.

Ed, I don't think you and other newbies know the history of Dan and why he is not on these forums.  He's not on them and there is a reason why he is not.  I won't go into them.  He use to let folks read his blog but he posted some pretty harsh nasty words and pictures towards members here.  He will rant and rave about these words I am writing----he reads post here too.  In my opinion, I'm glad his blog is locked for members only.  There are plenty of nice member here who are willing to share their knowledge  and growing experience on these 2 figs.  I don't think no one here or anywhere is an expert on figs.  We just write about our history and knowledge and listen and learn from what others have to say.  That's what makes a good forum.

Years back, I did state these 2 figs were the same.  As my 2 tree aged, they proved me wrong.  Side by side, the figs look different along with ripening times and all.  The texture of TX BA1 is different than Smith.  Smith has a nice round cavity inside that is filled with a gob of honey....kinds like Black Maderia.  TX BA-1 does not have this cavity but it does ooze honey from the eye when ripe.  The exterior color of these 2 figs does favor a bit, with green and purple stripes and shades of yellow---but TX BA-1 is prettier.

Great observation and feedback Dennis. Thanks.

Dennis - I don't want to derail this thread, but I did go back and read a lot of old posts by Dan when I joined the forum over 2y ago, he seemed very full of himself here and on his blog.  I think a lot but not all of that stuff got erased.   I saw what happened, and understand why he is not here.  Not the kind of person I would pick as a personal friend (unlike most everyone else here).  Still, he is knowledgeable about figs, I am looking to learn as much as possible.  Appreciate all that you and others with experience do to help us newer growers.

Dan did join the other fig forum but didn't last too long.

I am growing both but my TxBA-1 is young. It gave one fruit last season. For one fruit, seemed very close to Smith but I will reserve judgment until next season when I will have a more abundant crop. Leaf comparison would also be a good idea but Its not the timd to compare, my trees are dormant!