CDD Noire tree pics,

[Southeast Figs]

This tree is in a 7 gallon black plastic pot that sets snuggly in a milk crate. The milk crate makes it more stable , and a full 7 gallon short wide black plastic pot just barely slides down in the crate very snuggly, but not hard to get in.
Pics below are of my CDD Noire tree in its second full season with me.

CDD types Need more aeration than average fig trees. As well as needing to dry more quickly between watering.
This is especially important in early years!
I tested a new potting mix for my fig cuttings and trees last year, and it's being used for all potted trees now.
The mix I use is FOX FARMS - *Coco-Loco* potting mix.
Sure it costs a little more, but can be used rite outta the bag and is great for newer growers especially.
You can use it for some copies of varieties you really want. While you test making your own mix , or cheaper mix for other cuttings / trees.
One bag will fill quite a few 1 gallon pots , or preferably extra tall tree pots. 3"x11" inch or larger.
I have been testing more mixes bought and made than I can remember over the past 10+ years. But this is year 8 of specializing in figs specifically, and I can tell you that this stuff is % worth testing for newer growers, and old timers alike.

I rooted Some Israeli Black cuttings directly into this stuff starting after last frost, and all four are going strong.

That's a separate post though so here we go.
I did a heavy root pruning this spring, getting the bulk of the overly dense potting mix off the root ball.
And re-potted using Coco-Loco Potting mix, along with a single application of (Fertilome Root stimulator/fertilizer) at first watering.
The Fertilome is not a necessity, but it can really help boost root development and get a tree going more quickly. But only use a single application like the container says, I tried using a couple of extra applications over time one year and it caused issues. So those directions are important on this product specifically.

FYI...
Col De Dame fig varieties are way more sensitive to any extra moisture, or lack of aeration than average fig varieties.
With CDD Noire being less sensitive than any other CDD type I've grown.
I have spent the last 6 years learning how to grow CDD varieties more successfully, and have learned allot about CDD fig varieties in this time.
With one thing I've read from many growers proving very true! CDD Noire is more vigorous and fruitful in its early years than any other CDD type I've tested.
It has a stronger slightly less sensitive root system than varieties like CDD Blanc, and others.
But still needs a nice (Stable) well aerated potting mix.
---Col De Dame Noire---
Is the #1 CDD variety I would suggest for any grower wanting to try a CDD fig.
It's simply easier to grow, and more fruitful early on than any I've grown. And the flavor is my Absolute FAVORITE so far.
If all goes well, I hope to have one or two copies to share some time next year. But till then I won't even have cuttings to spare.

Oh rite,
I am in North Central (ish) Alabama, One 8a formerly 7b.
And live in a special microclimate in a huge valley. So I am Blessed.
Thank you Jesus

Happy growing Y'all .

 

[Southeast Figs]

A lower bud I allowed to grow out, it's getting big fast.
Air layer time, ....
This variety is the first variety I ever remember my mom saying Oh Wow , we need two of these (meaning two trees cuz it's so stinking Good) .
Then without knowing what variety she was eating, she said the same thing about CDD Blanc (Baud). Which ripe red 2-3 weeks later.

And This from a non fig fanatic,.
So that says allot about how Amazing CDD figs are.

 

[cdh]

CDD types Need more aeration than average fig trees. As well as needing to dry more quickly between watering.

I have a baby CDD Ciutat (rooted in late March) that has been watered twice a day, every day, since being up-potted 10 days ago. It has not ever dried out between waterings. It's doing fine so far! I should note, however, that there is no wood or compost in the pot. YMMV

 

[Figgin' A]

For a potted tree in a 7-g pot, that trunk is way too tall... if you kept it shorter, the center of gravity would be much lower, eliminating the need to stabilize the pot with a milk crate. I live in a very windy location, no special microclimate here , and 16" trunks make for very stable trees even in smaller containers, like 5-7g.... though my keeper trees quickly progress to 15g or bigger because I found that they grow much better and look healthier in larger containers....

Interesting observation about CDDs needing especially more aerated soil mix compared to other trees... I have four CDD trees and have not noticed that at all... I use organic potting mix from a local company; it's quite heavy on compost and can hardly be called super-aerated... CDDs do very well in it... the only tree I've ever had struggle in it was Cravens Craving in its 1-2 years, but now that it's 3yo, the pot gets dry fairly quickly, and the tree performs very well... I suppose it has to do with the timing of uppotting... I up-pot frequently and very gradually, letting the trees fill out the pot fully before up-sizing... If i went too big too quick, that's when the soil would stay soggy and some trees would struggle... especially slow root growers, like Black Madeira, HDA, etc. There is always more than one way to skin a cat, I suppose

 

[TorontoJoe]

My CDDN set figs for the first time. It's a baby still but I'm excited to give it a try. Hopefully they hold on