Hi all,

I'm finding some really expensive figs for sale that are supposedly rare varieties. I know they are only worth what you are willing to pay for them but does some of the prices merit the price they are costing us to buy? How much is hype? For example, here in the UK some old cymbidium orchid hybrids are being offered for four times the price that they are available in other countries. Buyer beware or is there more to it?

It's been going on for a long time. It's all about supply and demand.

I thought it might be. Really don't think I'll be going down that route.

It's basically what someone is willing to pay. It's like everything else, if it doesn't sell at such a high price, eventually the price will come down. Unfortunately, there is always someone who will pay the high price, for one reason or another. Too bad there wasn't a lot of grafting being done so the varieties will become more available at a reasonable price. I have several grafted mango, peach, plum, avocado, persimmon etc..... that I very rarely paid over $35 for 3 gallon trees, again they were not sold until there was a reasonable supply.

Ask yourself why you're willing to pay it. Is it because it's "rare"? Do you want a rare fig or a good fig? I have a fig which I can assure you is quite rare. In fact it may be the only one of it's kind... Also I't produces bland fruit and isn't particularly attractive....Also, it's hard to root. Would you like to buy it from me?

I'm not against so called "named figs" however "rare" is subjective.... There are countless very rare, very crappy figs out there.... 

IMHO - I would rather seek really good figs... I assure you that you can acquire really good figs for a fair and reasonable price.

I wouldn't buy any of these 'rare' figs. It's like on line gardening sites that have 'rare' bamboos yet they have enough for everyone in Britain to buy one. I'm definitely going to stick with the tried and tested varieties.