I live in NW Mississippi, where the summers are plenty hot and humid.  I'm thinking about purchasing one light and one dark fig tree in the future.  I already have an Alma (light) and Celeste (dark).  I would like the varieties I purchase to be distinctly different from these two in flavor.  Small or closed-eye varieties are a must because of the climate.  They also have to be at least tolerant of fig mosaic virus (FMV).  I don't know if that virus exists here, and I don't want to take a chance of introducing it.  So what are my choices?

Herman2 has some cuttings of MBVS(Marseilles Black--the VS is his initials) still available on eBay, I believe V.S. introduced this fig to the rest of us.Should do really well in your area. It is cold hardy, too after a couple years of winter protection. I sent a couple plants home with my sister-in-law, who is in Oxford,Miss. to plant there along with a Celeste and Loslunas' ABQ-1BB. LSU Gold would be a different one as well. I'm sure many others will chime in also.

Hi Cbalducc.

I don't know the answer to your main question (the must have figs for the South) but I can't wait to hear the answers from others who do.

As far as I know though, you certainly have two good choices already, the Alma and Celeste.

The LSU fig varieties may also be promising for this climate, but I am anxious to hear what others think.  I have a purple and gold LSU that is a reliable producer, and the Purple LSU has its first crop this year, I also have an LSU gold on the way.  These seem to do well in the South, but so far, I would say any fig does well in the South.  We grow all ours in ground, planting them in good amended soil, and then stand back.  They grow pretty well here.

As far as FMV, it's every where already as far as I know, probably including your current figs.  I have over 25 varieties now (most of them still pretty new).  Probably all of them have it, some show it, most don't, all of them are doing fine even with it.  It's simply part of our world.  We humans have viruses too, and generally, we adapt and move on.  So in general I would focus on doing good things for your plants (good soil; lots of mulch; watering when they need it; etc.).  Healthy plants will fend off diseases the best, and there will always be diseases, fungus, etc., these are part of the natural world.  And if you worry too much about FMV, you will miss out on some of the best varieties to grow.

I wish you great success my friend.

John
North Georgia Piedmont
Zone 7b

Hi Tim.  I got some really nice MBVS cuttings from Herman, as well as a few other varieties.  Also got some great cutting from Jon and others.  I planted them this Spring (just stuck them in the ground; nothing fancy; well dug spot under a larger fig tree topped with about 4 inches of good quality garden dirt from Lowe's).  They are growing like weeds up over 2 feet now.  Bass has some outstanding plants as well.

What do you think of the taste of the MBVS?  Can't wait to find out.

And have you tried a Texas Blue Giant?  I have one planted, and it looks like a really unique fig.

Best wishes to all.

John
North Georgia Piedmont
Zone 7b

Hi John, I haven't tasted the MBVS yet---they are not ripe yet and this will be it's first year with figs. With all the good reports from all over, I know it's going to be a winner here.I just ordered I think 5 new ones from Bass. Also got some from Jon & Herman(the MBVS). Most of mine have the FMV too, but most don't show it much after they start growing well. I do have a Blue Giant with a few figs this year so, we shall see.

I like your rooting method---just so easy! I've had a lot of trouble with the baggie method this year, but managed to root quite a few new ones. I think I'll dedicate one of my raised beds it the garden to fig cuttings next year. I can't wait.

cbalducc, sorry, didn't mean to but in on your post.

Thanks Tim.  It really was an easy method of rooting.

I had about 70% success, without really trying much.  I also built a small chicken wire cage to keep the dogs, cats, and armidillos from digging in the bed, but that was pretty easy too.

My idea was to re-create the growing conditions a new fig would find in nature, which would be under a mother fig.  So I put a well dug bed (about 4 x 8 feet) topped with about 4 inches of good quality light textured soil (lots of organic matter) on the south side of our largest fig (about a 7 foot arching Italian Honey) for midday shade, but the cuttings get lots of full sun in the morning and afternoon.  They are doing well, and I found it a very easy, no stress method.

Can't wait to hear what you think of the MBVS and Texas Giants!

Best wishes.

John

Would a Violette de Bordeaux fig be a safe bet for a dark fig? Is a Blanche, Lemon, or Marseilles a risky choice for a light fig because of its eye?

I have avoided the Lemon, etc., because I had read about the relatively open eye, as in the hot humid South souring is a big issue.  We have an Italian Honey, which is a large light green/yellow fig with pink/amber inside that has done pretty well here in Zone 7b, and would probably even like it a little warmer.  You're most welcome to some cuttings if you want.

We have a new Violette de Bordeux, and all we know so far is that it is a strong grower here, and is setting fruit pretty heavy its first year in ground.   I have heard the flavor is quite good as well, and we hope to find out soon.

Best wishes.

John
North Georgia Piedmont
Zone 7b

Im in SW Florida:  what I have learned.
As others stated, LSU gold is good.  I have two and are producing figs the first year in the ground and this summer have shot up about 4+ feet.

I have an alma and celeste, it seems the celestes figs fall off before getting ripe.

Ok, I stumbled onto this site, they are located in N Florida.  My thoughts, if they can grow and sell these types of figs there, then they should do well all along the gulf coast area and SE USA.
http://www.justfruitsandexotics.com/Figs.htm

Hi cbalducc,

I have a VdB here in Georgia. I just got thru eating this years brebas. Closed eye, slow to split (but can split in rainy weather). Unique dry strawberry-raspberry flavor. Very dark fig--nearly black with fine purple spots.

Don't forget Hardy Chicago (Mongibello) or Sal's as they behave well here and seem to be more productive than Vdb. See if you can tell the difference.

For a light fig--Peter's Honey behaves well for me (yellow skin, yellow interior) but the flavor is just sweet, not  really figgy. I liked the one Col de Dame blanc I had last year (green exterior, red interior) and it really behaved well in the rain.

i wouldn't think of leaving green ischia out of the mix :).