From their offerings, I chose these Ficus Carica cultivars:  Black Madeira, Col de Dame, Mission, Rattlesnake Island, Panachee, Barnisotte, Zidi, Excel, St. Jean, Ischia Black, and Alma.  Did I miss anything good? 

I already have VdB coming out my ears, and a struggling Panachee, thus the re-order for that one.  If I missed something spectacular, please let me know.  I like to get my order in early.  I also ordered Olives, Pomegranates, wine grapes, and persimmons.

Thanks!

Suzi

Suzi,

Are you aware that Zidi requires caprification?

Nope, not aware Zidi requires caprification.  I'll delete it.  Bummer!  OK, so I replaced it with Santa Cruz Black.

Thanks!
Suzi

good choices.. Black Madeira, and Black Ischia are both always on top spot it seems.. and both hard to root and grow.

i didn't get Black Ischia this year.. will have to try again for next year.

pete

I'm aware of the hard rooting thing, and I live in a Mediterranean climate, so most figs grow easily.  I'll do the baggie method and my favorite from the Old Greek, "lay them vertically in warm damp soil in a one inch trench, in partial shade, cover with 1/2" of loose soil, and wait and see!"

Moving to acreage somewhere between Escondido and Temecula, most likely Fallbrook, CA,  and I don't know if the soil there has nematodes......... whole new subject!  Still Mediterranean though.

Glad you like my choices!  Thanks!
Suzi

I can't speak to your choices (they all sound good to me), but is there any benefit to sending in one's order this early?

i think most members on the forum order around last aug, early sept. i didn't know they are first come first serve.

pete

Thanks. I had read it was better to wait lest one's order got lost.  :)

This is from their site " Distribution Priorities

We ask that a statement concerning the intended use for the germplasm be provided by the requester. Timely, seasonal requests from bona fide researchers are given first priority. Requesters seeking plant material for a germplasm exchange or because NCGR is the sole source are filled next. Other requests are honored as plant material is available."

I may have read it as "first come first served."  They usually send an email confirmation that they received the order.  If I don't get that in a reasonable time, I contact them to be sure they have it.  It's my little comfort zone, I guess :-)  I've done this for 4 years now, and always gotten everything on my order.  I'll admit that our vineyard has priority, but this year is the year of figs!  Very few vinifera on that order mainly because we get tons of cuttings from our established vines.

Good luck to all of you!

Suzi

So i am new to fig trees (one year of experience so far) I've also looked into getting cuttings from UC Davis, but there is not much information outside forums or their website. Exactly how much does this cost (whether it be for costs from UC Davis or from creating a Fedex account)?? I've read that it can cost 50 dollars for cuttings then others say its free. What is the real answer?

Thanks,
Mike

Mike,

You need to set up a FedEx account using a credit card.  That's easy!  The cuttings from UCD are free, and they arrive in beautiful condition!  I can't say enough about the quality and the packing that goes into it.  When you open your order, it smells like heaven!

Depending on what you order and where you live, the shipping costs vary, but for what you get, it's worth it! 

Your first step is to set up a Fed Ex account.  Keep track of your number because you will need it on the UCD order form.  Do some research about what grows best in your climate.  I save their order forms to my computer under something like USD 2013 Order Page 1. 

Your second step is to go here, decide what you want to order, and fill out the Order form which is at the bottom of the linked page!

Enjoy the rewards of UCD!
Suzi

Suzi

Thanks so much Suzi!

I'll get on that!

Mike

Suzi,
When you get settled in SD County, I have a bunch of trees that need homes including some you've ordered from UCD. Come see me. My babies need a new home. :-)
Sue in Ramona

Wow!  Now here is the deal, and thanks so much for your offer!  Actually, thanks a Jillion!  I intend to take you up on it! 

JD's mom died at 98 years old in January (smiling all the way).  JD owns the home and he let his parents live there for 40 years.  We have done 40 years of updating in Rancho Bernardo, and we call it "The Money Pit," because that is what it is.  I'm working on a sofa painting for the "staging for sale" thing that should happen soon.

Once we get the cash from the sale, we will be trolling Fallbrook/Temecula!

San Diego County is Fig Country, and actually vineyard country.  These are the two things I love.  The vineyard and the Fig orchard.  Oh, and the Avocados!

I'm taking you up on your offer, Svanessa!

Your new best friend,
Suzi

Yeah, 150 trees in 5-7 gal pots is quite a daunting sight! I need to rid myself of the many duplicates, keeping 1 of each. That alone leaves me 80 some-odd trees...and still looking for a few more. ;-) Most are going in ground next year.

I'm in between 2 vineyards, lucky me! I even get to 'help' harvest grapes in Aug. So when you get settled, come on up and bring a big vehicle! Love to meet you and hubby.

Sue

There is a You-pick blueberry farm in Temecula (open for picking now), ...so you could grow those too.. :)

http://www.temeculaberryco.com/U-Pick_Blueberries.html

There's also a u-pick blackberry and raspberry farm here in Ramona. I think they have veggies too...organic.

Lake Sutherland Farms - U-pick blackberries and raspberries
20625 Sutherland Dam Road, Ramona, CA, 92065. Phone: 760-788-4360

I do have rasp and blackberries but haven't tried blues yet...lots to do! I haven't even got the ubiquitous citrus trees: oranges, limes, tangerines. I did get a lemon though...an Anna Apple, 2 avo's (a Reed and a Mexicola) and a Katy apricot...and figs up the wazoo.

Gina and Sue, girlfriends!  We stick together!  One of these days we meet over wine, marscopone, and figs!  Looking forward to meeting both of you!  Meanwhile, my order is in, and JD hasn't quite gotten the whole scope, but there are a lot of foreclosures with acreage North San Diego County, so once we sell that money pit in Rancho Bernardo, we'll settle in.

I actually grow blueberries on the drip system for the grape vines here in the hot desert, but the birds beat me to them!  Always loved blackberries too.  Problem with that was avoiding the poison oak when picking them.

I have promised JD, no chickens! No Roosters!

Wannabe farmer,

Suzi

I learned by calling UC Davis how to save a little money on the postage.   If you just order dormant cuttings, it's less.   I had also asked for a couple of olives.   For olives, they said they would have to ship everything overnight which would end up costing me a fortune.   So I took out the olives.   Couldn't resist ordering kiwi though.   I didin't order the right male kiwis, so I guess I'm going to try amending my order.

Mike, three of us in Tucson were each looking for just a few varieties from UCD, so we pooled our order to save on shipping costs. The FedEx charge came to just over $26 for a dozen varieties.

When did they start charging for shipping.  I recall ordering twice in the past and paid nothing.  Note, I am not against paying, I think the program is stellar and am more than willing to pay, just curious.

Keith

I've ordered the past 3 years, and they have charged for shipping all three.  It's worth the cost for sure!
Suzi