SeattleFigs From Zone 8 On Aug 20 2021
August 10, 2021Breba Crop ripen for me in Seattle, WA
When I first heard of this variety highly recommended to me by Slavi (ourfigs member in Kirkland, WA)
He had been growing this variety for a long time, it was his favorite besides Black Madeira. He grows it outdoors year-round without any protection, unlike Black Maderia. It was so rare three years ago, I had gotten my tree from Slavi. He told me it was very difficult to root. He had to air layer the tree to make a copy. And, finally, this is my first year the tree fruited. At first, it looks similar to a Violette de Bordeaux. Is the price and difficulty to obtain worth the chase? For me, appearances it doesn't look like VDB, flavor it was a notch higher. If you want just a good fig you get VDB and call it good it's common, easy to obtain, and affordable. If you tasted a Black Ishia, it's a very good fig. I'm happy I took the chance on it. Just make sure you get the real variety because it can be difficult to get the true source. It has both spade leaves ( similar in Black Madiera type) and three lobes. I had picked a leaf in my photo that has had a spade and half three-lobe. It is slow to grow, and dwarfing habit compared to my VDB. I was worried about the FMW this tree is famous for, and in young trees, I notice it a lot more, my oldest tree is extremely healthy with not signs of FMV. I think if you are concern with FMV, you will miss out growing this variety. The FMV can be controlled with proper sunlight, drainage, fertilizer, and watering schedule.
I rate this 8/10
