Vasilika Mavra (Royal Black Fig) and Vasilika Melissi (Royal Honey Fig)

Vasilika Mavra (Royal Black Fig)

I recently acquired this rooted cutting of a wonderful Greek variety fig known as Vasilika Mavra or Royal Black Fig (picture above) along with a Vasilika Melissi (Royal Honey Fig) from Greece.  Yes, I got hold of a seller who shipped those two rooted cutting to me.   I am quite excited as these will join my other Fig collection.

As far as history goes, these figs date back to ancient Greece.  They were popular for there taste and for there abundance of vitamins.   Harvesting for both these varieties are in August-September.  These varieties do not need any pollination.  

People often confuses the name Vasilika Sika which just means in Greek - The Royal Figs.  Vasilika Mavra often referred as Vasilika Sika. 

I planted both of those root cuttings on 5 gal pot with my super soil mix (:  ... come to think of it, probably a bit overkill.  We shall see how they do as time goes (it is still very cold outside ... in the 20s, so plants are staying inside.

Soil Mix

- 1 part Perlite

- 1 part Vermiculite 

- 3 part Organic Potting Soil

- 2 part Mushroom Compost

- 2 big scoop RockDust

- 1 scoop Kelp

- 1/2 cup Diatomaceous Earth

- 2 tbl spoon Epsom Salt

- 1/2 cup of Oyster Shell 

- 1 part Turface

*Some of the above product I happen to have in my storage, so I just added int he mix .. :))

Both rooted cuttings were 2.5 years old, so I anticipate figs as early as this summer!

By the way, these are the pics I obtained from Giorgos Arvanitis (Person who I received those root cuttings from)