In this video, Ross introduces viewers to the "Colonel Littman's Black Cross" fig variety, highlighting its exceptional taste and suitability for humid climates. He discusses the challenges of fruit production, emphasizing the importance of sunlight, tree form, and avoiding over-pruning while tasting a fig and sharing insights into its unique flavor profile.
Introduction (0:00):
Ross introduces "Colonel Littman's Black Cross" fig variety, highlighting its exceptional taste and suitability for humid climates.
Comparison with Black Madeira (1:02):
Ross discusses how Colonel Littman's Black Cross is considered a superior alternative to Black Madeira, especially for humid regions.
Challenges with Fruit Production (2:06):
Ross explains the challenges of getting Colonel Littman's Black Cross to fruit, emphasizing the importance of sunlight, tree form, and avoiding over-pruning.
Discussion on Pruning (3:38):
Ross advises against hard pruning for varieties like Colonel Littman's Black Cross and Smith, as it can hinder fruit production in subsequent seasons.
Fig Appearance (4:49):
Ross showcases the appearance of Colonel Littman's Black Cross figs, noting their smaller size and resistance to rain-related issues.
Hormonal Balance (5:07):
Ross emphasizes the importance of hormonal balance and patience when growing fig varieties like Colonel Littman's Black Cross, which may take a few years to fruit.
Tasting the Fig (6:10):
Ross tastes a Colonel Littman's Black Cross fig, describing its berry-like flavor with a slight bitterness due to the skin.
Seasonal Challenges (8:00):
Ross discusses the seasonal challenges of ripening figs in colder weather and how soil temperature affects fig metabolism.
Future Growth Plans (9:16):
Ross expresses his plans to overwinter branches of Colonel Littman's Black Cross and hopes to have in-ground trees of this variety in the future.
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