25 MUST GROW Fig Varieties for Humid Climates: 1000s of Hours and Dollars Later...
Channel: Ross Raddi
Date: 2023-12-17

Growing figs can be a “fruitful” endeavor, but only if you select the right varieties for your climate. After expensive and time-consuming trials of hundreds of fig varieties in the Philadelphia area, I've observed the characteristics that enable a fig to thrive in humid conditions. There are 1000s of fig varieties in existence and only 2-5% of them can make the cut in rainy climates. 

To read the full article, check out the blog post here: https://www.figboss.com/post/my-best-fig-varieties-as-of-2022

And that’s exactly what this article is about, figs suited for humid climates. These are the best fig varieties I’ve evaluated and the reasons why.

Remember, part of the secret lies in their genetics – much like us, each fig variety comes with its own set of genetic traits that determine a whole host of characteristics. A fig variety’s genetics largely determine its flavor, texture, size, shape, productivity, suitability to a particular environment, and so much more.

However, genetics are not everything. Where you’re growing your fig tree also plays a large part in consistent fruit quality.

Understanding the Impact of Climate on Figs

During a fig’s final ripening stage, the current weather conditions are critical; high humidity or rain can negatively impact the fig's quality and taste, reducing sweetness and shelf-life while increasing the risk of fermentation and mold. In dry climates, figs lose water through evaporation and concentrate their flavors.

Intro (0:00): 
Ross introduces topic + blog link.

Humid climate fig choice (0:59): 
Choosing right variety crucial for success.

Fig variety categories (3:07): 
Dry, humid, hot, cold, short season climates.

Humid climate locations (3:42): 
Northeast US, Mid-Atlantic, South US, parts of Midwest, West coast humid areas.

Hang time & susceptibility (4:41): 
Shorter hang time = less risk in humid climates.

Pick underripe for better results (5:55): 
Avoid spoilage, maintain good taste.

Tolerance for unripeness (7:32): 
Crucial for humid climates where full ripening might be difficult.

Celeste & variations (8:38): 
Standard variety with The One (short hang time) & Black Celeste (dark skin, intense flavor).

Hardy Chicago & soil moisture (10:23): 
No major changes, dry soil for optimal flavor.

Campanere, Little Ruby, LSU Tiger (13:50): 
Campaneriere = exceptional taste, Little Ruby = disappointing this year, LSU Tiger = potential for drier climates.

Moro de Caneva, Nero de Elba, Verdolino (18:02): 
Caneva = productive, 2 crops, good underripe taste, Nero = potential fall bitterness, Verdolino = possible new variety from unpollinated fig.

Green Michurinska (22:11): 
Both perform well in humid climates.

Noire de Bellone/Barnissotte (34:53): 
Rain-resistant, cold-hardy fig for north.

Nin ZS (38:07): 
Nins: unique sugar spots, short hang; NZS: prolific, good taste.

Pernette Noire (39:20): 
Humid-friendly Black Mission alternative, short hang, rain-resistant, slightly bitter skin.

Marseillaise (40:33): 
Humid-friendly, similar to Elba/Vergino Delor, prone to splitting (but not this year!).

Corio Provence (42:24): 
Short hang, late-ripening.

De la Roca (46:27): 
Short hang, amazing flavor, humid-adapted.

Coll de Dama (47:40): 
Thick texture, late ripening, mosaic virus concerns, choose healthy sources and methods.

Hivernenca (53:02): 
Latest figs, good for in-ground planting, delightful taste and texture.

Molla Vermella/Joualle Noire/Beat Ramon (54:55): 
Synonyms for one variety, good even underripe, faster than other late figs.

Martinenca Blanca (57:18): 
Production powerhouse, long harvest, tasty even picked early, long hang time.

Colonel Litman's Black Cross (1:00:44): 
Amazing flavor, low yield, proper pruning key, similar to Black Madeira.

Check out the very informative Fig Boss website & blog: https://www.figboss.com/
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Other important links: 
The Fruit Talk! Podcast: https://anchor.fm/rossraddi
The Ever-expanding Fruit Growing Spreadsheet: https://goo.gl/X6ye9e
2018 Fig Variety Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/a9MLNYaf3pqxNU7p9
2019 Fig Variety Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bSFfDZnVuwSeZ9Bi8

Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia