I often wondered as to why I keep chasing the next best fig. I currently have close to a 100 varieties mainly in pots and instead of culling, I found myself (as if by some magic spell) rooting some more this winter.
I personally liked to grow French varieties but at some point started adding Sicilian, Italian, Greek, Catalan, Spanish, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian, etc...
and believe me, there was always a good reason behind my next choice.
Now, I'm asking myself, if I have some of the best varieties in the world already, why is it that I keep looking for new ones?
I'm afraid that after four or five season I don't have the right answers, but already know that they are all delicious figs and could live with just one of those if I have to, providing I have enough fruit to enjoy during the summer. After all I grew up with just one tree near the house.
But how do I know when to stop adding new varieties to my collection?
I know that there are differences not only in how they look and taste but in how I'm growing them. For example one might be in a five gallon pot while the other was just moved moved to a 25 gallon pot. At this rate, and with so many varieties out there, it'll take me many years (if I have the time) to decide which is better.
After four or five years, I find myself still stuck in the collecting mode. One thing for sure, growing those trees is a lot of fun, so I'll keep doing until further notice.
One final note. My wish is to have one of each in ground someday, but don't think that have enough space,
but if someone has the next best fig for me, please post over here:)

If you could only keep 3 of your 100, which would you pick? I'm curious since you live somewhat close to me and have tried so many.

"One thing for sure, growing those trees is a lot of fun, so I'll keep doing until further notice."

You said it!  

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I'm still in discovery mode, but at the moment, in pots and in ground for top taste and productivity the Col de Dame Blanc (UCD) has kept its number one spot for me here in Austin. Its taste encompasses both dark and light colored top tasting figs.There are a few versions of Col de Dame out there and some are not as productive in pots.
As for number two and three, it gets very difficult. My decision would probably be based on sentimental value.
If you allow me, I still want to keep my Celeste. It is super productive and has never failed me.

The addiction is real.....

Brandon - Looking at your inventory sheet I see that your REALLY when into the LSU Varieties this last year!

Sas- I hear you on the Celeste. Mine cranked out a ton in its first year from the nursery. Glad you have cddb as your favorite as I just got some cuttings a couple weeks ago.
Cliff- I wanted more but the wife put the shock coller on me when she saw how many 1 gallons I have. She doesn't know about the 30+ that are rooting still lol.. I wanted the LSU DC 7 to go with the DC 2 but couldn't bring myself to top the $77 bid. Still regret not pulling the trigger.

LOL! Sas....Reading through your post here I couldn't help but appreciate one little detail that I'm sure  nobody noticed. That being your differentiating between Sicily and Italy....

Io amo tutto l'Italia, ma la Sicilia e un'altra cosa! e io sono di io sono tutti due

Auguri!

I wish I could send you some arancini right now....... Did you ever see the pictures I posted of my fig sanctuary near Palermo?

Thanks Sas! As Italians.... Sicilians never built grand canals, leaning towers or even great coliseums. But if you want to eat.....Migna! And the fichi!

Molto grazie!
 

Lol.... I am all for pride in ones country of origin and birthplace / motherland... When people ask, I am proud to tell them that I was born in Croatia.... That said, I really hope to live long enough to hear the response to the question "where do those figs come from", the answer stated with equal pride being "Earth"...

I am about to introduce the next best fig, I am naming it "Battle Star Galactica"...LOL

Clearly we've all had enough of winter :-)

I believe you should have 2 early varieties 2 mid season varieties and 2 late season varieties. Dark and light figs for each. One variety of each of you really can't have more than 3. This will spread your fresh fruit over an extended period which is often overlooked.

What is best depends on your location and taste preferences and they aren't always new or rare, such as Celeste mentioned above.

I just don't have figs, fruit trees and shrubs are just as additive, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, honeyberries, service berries, elderberries, currants, gooseberries, and blueberries. Some are very unique and super rare. I grow 3 or 4 bramble cultivars that are not even sold anywhere. Same with garlic, tomatoes, and peppers too. I grow all of these. Cornelian cherries too, not to mention stone fruit. I have sweet and tart cherries, plums, pluots, peaches, nectarines. To me nectarines and peaches are special. I only have a suburban yard, but every inch almost has some kind of fruit, even Magnolia vine berries. Figs for me are fairly new.

Drew if you have any advice regarding varieties etc of blueberries oe raspberries please pm me. Zone 9

Hi Sas
Many of us question the same craziness we feel for figs, and I think you ultimately answered your own question.
"Because it is fun"
This is why we constantly chase the next "it" fig.
Good luck with your new cuttings, I am so glad that you are now rooting The Godfather, and now have a new Sicilian fig in your collection.

@Coop I'm more than having fun rooting many new varieties thanks to generous members like you. As to the Godfather tree, this one is going to be a conversation piece for many generations to come. Thank You for making it available to many of us.

Has anyone eaten a Godfather fig? I need to know.

Hi SAS,

I love the "discovery mode" comment. And the addiction.

Sorry, just internally lmao, wife just walked by and said stop (fig cuttings) buying stuff!!

If I told her this is discovery mode, you would read about the dead fig guy that never had a chance.

Excessively beat with a bucket and a dormant I-258 with my luck.

30 years together last year.

Maybe ready for/hoping the bucket, lol.

 Mike

lol
In order to be able to stay in discovery mode, I was able to convince my wife that in event we have to move, I could get rid of all my pots in five minute. All I have to do is post.
I'm almost sure that many would come to the the rescue.

Hey Sas: With this hobby, there is no light at the end of the tunnel! lol : )

I'm fairly new to figs. This will be my third season coming up. But I do have 40 years experience with sub tropical plants. Most of my first leaf figs produced fruits. So for some this will be my 3rd crop this year.  It's one of the easiest plants I have ever grown. I have about 30 and plan to add few more. I told myself I need to ditch two for every one I add. I have no choice, I have a wife! I can't believe she even let me have 30! I'm ecstatic! Anyway I agree it will take years to sort out the top ten. All I really want. I have the same problem with pluots, peaches, cherries etc. Their are so many fantastic peach cultivars out there. It is extremely difficult to pick just a few. Make wise choices people!
I got lucky and found a top rate nectarine. I have made bad choices too, but Arctic Glo nectarine is the most awesome fruit I grow.  The taste is unreal, it tastes way better than it looks,  It's extremely nice when expectations are not only met, but surpassed. So I think this is one thing that drives us plant collectors. I just like plants, even non fruiting ones.  When you do find that gem, it's easier to slow down.

Arctic Glo