CLBC

[Ikibahd]

It looks like I could potentially get at least a couple of figs off my CLBC this year… but it only has “double bumps” currently where some of my other trees (notably Mittica Unk) have figlets already getting pea size and larger. I am wondering (and will observe over this early part of the season) how long it takes for the figlets to truly start forming from bumps.

Does anyone with experience growing it know: is it as late as Black Madeira or Col de Dame varieties? Do those varieties set figlets later or do they just take longer to form and ripen after being set?

I’ve read that CLBC is not overly productive for lots of those that grow it, but can be very prolific with the right growing conditions. My tree was put in ground in Spring last year after rooting in 2024. I am pleasantly surprised by how little damage it took over this winter, as it seemed like a pretty harsh one in this area (and a lot of others…)

I think the location is key, being in the southwest corner of the house where it gets lots of sun for a large part of the day as well as radiant heat from the bricks.

 

[TorontoJoe]

Great work! I tried to grow CLBC for years and I could never get a decent crop out of it. Mine was super low on vigour.... I mean, slooooow.

Yours looks nice and healthy

 

[Poplee]

I now have 1 in ground and 1 in 15 gallon and 1 in 3 gallon. This is my first year with a few on 2 bigger trees. Hopefully a taste test this year.

 

[JC Figgy]

Your tree looks great in ground! The brick and southern position definitely helps. What made you plant it in ground in our area? CLBC was found in Florida and I didn’t think it was cold hardy at all.

CLBC is stingy in its First year, Still produced some great fruit though. Mine typically ripened late August / early September, so in line with BMKK ripening in our area. At 2 years old it produced very well, it died from borers the next spring . Now I have a 1 year old replacement starting over.

 

[Ikibahd]

Your tree looks great in ground! The brick and southern position definitely helps. What made you plant it in ground in our area? CLBC was found in Florida and I didn’t think it was cold hardy at all.

CLBC is stingy in its First year, Still produced some great fruit though. Mine typically ripened late August / early September, so in line with BMKK ripening in our area. At 2 years old it produced very well, it died from borers the next spring . Now I have a 1 year old replacement starting over.

That’s devastating! I put it in the ground mostly out of a desire to put all the different trees that I end up keeping in the ground eventually - in pots is painful to keep watered for me even with makeshift drip irrigation (though it’s much better than hand watering!)

I put it in that spot specifically because it seemed like the most premier spot in my whole property and I read that CLBC needs lots of light and heat. I was so surprised at how well it came through the winter! My Peters’s honey (possibly just a Kadota) died back nearly to the ground in a similarly sheltered place against the south face of my house, whereas CLBC and Mittica both did great!