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stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Hi I am new. 
I have been growing tropical banyan figs in containers and now I would like to grow some Ficus carica in containers.

I was given 3 cuttings of Petite Negron (1 took off, one died and another is in a limbo) and a pot on sale of a small Hardy Chicago.

I saw these 3 Figs in Brooklyn, and 2 seem extremely lush and vigorous. Any ideas of what they could be?
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Stefano...

Welcome to the forum  You will find plenty of good information about growing figs here, and all the members are friendly, and helpful.

I'm sure some members will guess what the fig varieties might be in your photos.  I can't help you with that.

Growing Ficus carica in containers is very easy, and past-postings on this forum will give you all the information that you will need .  You live in a colder climate zone, so give some thought on how you will overwinter your containerized fig tree.  Older postings will tell you how to do this also.   I have been growing in containers since 2007, and overwinter my figs in an unheated storage shed.

Hope this gets you started.  When I first decided to grow containerized fig trees, I read all the older posting on both fig forums.  It takes some time, but the knowledge you gain will help you grow successfully.

Frank
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rcantor

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
I'm neither friendly nor helpful (Hi Frank  :)  but Others will be better equipped to tell you what you want to know if you show them pictures of a ripe fig, inside and out, with something like a quarter coin (or tape measure) in the photo for size reference. 

Welcome to the forum   :)
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Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.
BronxFigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Stefano....

Don't believe a word of what rcantor just wrote...except the part about identifying your fig trees by using leaves, and figs, especially sliced vertically through eye end to stem.  Lay the leaves on a flat, plain surface, and show a few differing shapes.  We'll do the rest.

Frank...and, I am friendly.




****************************************************************

Forum Members.....The photos of the Brooklyn fig trees look exactly like the trees that grow all over Da-Bronx, uncovered, and unprotected.  What don't you see in these photos?  No  FMV.  Every tree in The Bronx is clean, and disease free, but most of the figs are crap...dry, latex-flavored corks.  Go figure....


****************************************************************
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nypd5229

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Most of Brooklyn is the same way. Saw a couple in pots left outside uncovered. Some even still just stick a cutting in the ground and leave it alone.

Unfortunately most ( not all ) are just BT, Celeste, Italian Honeys ( alot call them Fico Bianco)  and Kadota.

But you still will find rare ethnic ones from overseas. Bay  Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst are great areas to explore.
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Dominick
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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
 Maybe  Brociole  .     ; )
Along with figs of late the Italians seem to be coming out, is it Spaghetti Sunday yet ?

stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Thanks for the replies. I was wondering if those leaves rang a bell what it could be. The leaves of the Petit Negron seem really different. than these photographed. The one in Bay Ridge was in a fron yard. a tenant told me it had been planted by the landlord that does not live there. There were 3 similar figs on the block .

In Bay Ridge there is also a large Palestinian population and closer to the water a Greek one.  But it seems people do not know the varieties. 

Anyway it is braciole (singular braciola kind of pronounced brah-tcho-lah ) not brociole! 
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
Your right i sure chopped up that spelling.
BronxFigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Hello Martin....
"Fico Braciole "...an ethnic variety, no doubt.  Gravy taste. Spaghets...6 more days.
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Dom...
I often wondered what all the varieties might be that have been growing in The Bronx.  Nobody covers their trees anymore...well almost nobody.  I still see a few old-timers covering their trees.  All the trees have lush, clean FMV-free leaves, but hardly any figs.  Some drop fruit in July...probably "Celeste".  The rest...who knows.  When I ask, all I get, in broken English, "black fig", or, "white fig".  They are still nice to see growing...a slice of a way of  life, that's fading fast.

I'd love to go on a fig hunt in Astoria, and collect some ethnic Greek fig varieties.  Then, of course strap on the feedbag in some Greek joint.  Good food!

*****************************************************************

Frank
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stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
Bronxfigs, couldn't it be due to the location? not enough sun?

I can check the one on Metropolitan ave and the one of what i believe is N11 st (this one is in the shade facing north). I can take photos of leaf and fig,

Also the laundromat near me on Graham ave has a fig in their yard. They are Dominican and most landlords here are Hasidic Jews. It is more of a latin section of Williamsburg than Italian.

I wonder if it would be worth growing these street figs in a pot.

I am originally from Milan, and i do not remember seeing figs growing there. They used to be something I would see while on vacation in milder areas closer to the Mediterranean sea.  I remember eating smaller green figs from the tree, pink inside, thicker skin. When I tried the larger ones you buy at a store with thinner skin they did not taste as special to me, too sweet and soft.
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
Stefano....

Are you referring to FMV= Fig Mosaic Virus?  It's a fig virus/disease, and sun, or a no sun location  has little to do if a fig has this disease.  My point is that Bronx, Brooklyn, and probably figs growing in Queens, seem to be virus free, while other areas of the country, and especially, uncommonly found, gormet-type fig varieties seem to be most affected.

Just wondering why the common figs found growing in these  urban areas, look so clean, and disease free?

Frank
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stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
No I meant they bear little. I could go back and check those i photograph and take photos. Are these street figs in need of pollination?

anyway here are some photos of different species of Figs I took in Mexico.
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https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151126500243066.541044.631078065&type=3
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
Hi, Frank   :)  I said *I* (me, rcantor) wasn't friendly or helpful, just to tease you.  Because you said we were all friendly and helpful  :)   Or did you already know that?

Really it's just you and a few (dozen) others who are friendly and helpful.  The rest are friendly and unhelpful or helpful and unfriendly.  I of course go for the worst of both worlds   :)   

Anything for a laugh since I can't say anything actually useful.
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Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.
BronxFigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
rcantor/Bobby C.

Yes, I read that you are unfriendly and unhelpful...and I know that isn't true at all, in fact, quite the opposite.  Just a joke.  I saw your smiley face.  Yes, anything for a laugh....that's good.  We need to smile more.  And I think I could safely say we are a friendly, helpful bunch.

****************************************************************

Stefano...

Sorry again.  Why no figs?  Couldn't tell you why.  Most are in full, blazing sun, or light partial shade.  I think they are either poorly pruned and cared for, Or they might be just crappy, inferior figs that were bough in some garden centers, and planted.  Home Depot type stores are notorious for selling feral figs, probably grown from seed out on the west coast, then shipped to retailers.  Plenty of bad figs find their way into yards this way.  I wonder, with proper care and correct culture, if these "dogs" would improve and ripen a decent crop?  I was never very impressed by any of the figs my neighbors gave me over the years.  The first really decent, delicious figs that I ever tasted, and that were homegrown, came from my trees.  Before I grew fig trees, if I wanted fresh figs, I went to the supermarkets and bought them when they were in season.  Your own figs will be better.

Common, NYC "street figs"  that most people grow and buy from stores do not need pollination to ripen fruit.  But, if they were brought over from the other side, who knows?

Frank
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stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Update,
I saw a great tree on Jackson st.,  I took some photos and it was full with unripe figs. When I walked on the way back around 9 i saw a couple coming out from a yard. They were Chinese and their English was less than basic. It was their tree and it was 2 different varieties grafted at the base. One was "green" with larger figs and the other was "blue" with sweeter figs. I think they said they were very good. They also had a Peach tree. They said the figs will be ripe in mid July and to come back to taste them.They let me take 2 suckers. Not sure if Frank/BronxFigs
I got both varieties. The larger taller sucker was leggy as was growing between the trunk and a wall and shaded by the canopy. I may have messed up the roots oit came with by ripping without the knife, but the smaller one has a few roots. I will make a pot for the taller one with a1.5l water bottle so i can see the roots if it will survive. Would you cut off most leaves and leave it in shade?

the tree had no diseased leaves. Will post the photos in the updated FB album.
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #16 
Stefano....
I would cut the leaves in half, and throw a clear plastic bag over the cuttings to give them extra humidity, and less stress.  Keep them in a bright place, and out of direct sun.  Happy that you were able to take some plant material for starting some new trees. 
Since it is an unknown variety, I'd name them in honor of  the people who own the trees, or some poetic Chinese name.  Maybe you could go back and air-layer some branches, and offer to make a few plants for the owner's relatives, just to sweeten the deal.

Wishing you great luck with the cuttings.

Frank


I would love to go to Astoria, and see what's growing there.  I'd look for the "younger"  trees.  Smaller trees might have recently been planted from cuttings brought back from Greece.  I'd also bring a camera, and a small note-pad to mark the locations.  We need some more Greek figs.  ; )
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Posted Reply with quote  #17 
Too bad Steinway Bakery wasn't in Astoria anymore. You could get some nice stuff while looking. Just don't get your head chopped off looking too close to LGA! ;-) The population of Bay Ridge has changed alot in the last 20 years, so I  am not sure how many Middle Eastern trees there are in the area yet. But I do know more of Fort Hamilton area has a ton of trees.

When I grew up we buried the trees every year. What a PITA! I was ten the first time I did it myself to help my father. I uprooted the whole tree not knowing any better. Thankfully it survived.

In southern Queens- Ozone Park, S. Oz PK, and all of Howard Beach. Big Italian communities.

Frank:

I am assuming you canvassed the Arthur Ave area.
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Dominick
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Posted Reply with quote  #18 

Ciao, Stefano! 

Just what the forum needed, another Italian.   :))

At least your name isn't Frank. There should be a limit as to how many Franks are allowed on one board.

Changing  mine back to my birth name...


Francesco

PS: Looking forward to more of your photos.
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Frank
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Posted Reply with quote  #19 
Dom...

Have you been to Arthur Avenue lately? Big, big changes.  But, that discussion is for another day.  Years ago, we used to shop there for all the good Italian things that turn people into blimps.  The bread never made it to the table....those were the days.

Anyway, I remember seeing fig trees growing in the area, and in particular, some beautiful fig trees growing in a sunken garden, that was a story below street level.  I would stand with my nose pressed up against the iron fence, and watch this old man haul buckets of water for his plants...basil, tomatoes, peppers, and of course the figs.  A real, old-timer.  You know the type, dress slacks, undershirt, suspenders, and a guinea stinker in his mouth.  I don't smell them De Nobili cigars too much anymore. 

Maybe, soon, I will return to look for some fig trees, but really, I need to get some Italian bread that doesn't look, and taste, like a hot-dog roll, and buy a nice crumbly, piece of cheese that bites back, and doesn't taste like a block of wax.  Maybe,  if I'm lucky, I'll see my younger, healthier, parents buying some peaches, or, ripe cherries, from their favorite vendor.  I'll walk through the market and remember what it once was, take a walk around the old neighborhood, sip a cup of  black-coffee, and then, I'll remember.... what I was.

Frank
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Posted Reply with quote  #20 
Forza Azzuri! :-P
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Dominick
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Posted Reply with quote  #21 
Thanks Frank that was an enjoyable read.
As a note dad would fry meatballs and also had some in the gravy, he started to count the fried ones as Anthony and i used to steal them when he briefly walked away.
stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #22 
I added photos of 2 trees to the album. what is the best way to add photos here embedding them in a message? Anyway I pulled out 2 suckers with roots. The larger one although got damaged and I am not sure if the roots are connected.  I am wondering if someone can guess what it could be. Not a positive ID but I am sure certain leaves can be associated with some varieties.  I live in East Williamsburg near Graham ave and there is an Italian community, mostly from Mola near Naples. Old Italians in NYC came when there was not so much a national sense of Italy. They are pretty insular with ties to their town or province more than to their country of origin. I think now it has changed. Anyway I was told by an immigrant from Naples that has been here 30 years that Spaghetti and meatballs is an American dish, not Italian. In Italy they do no put the 1st course on the same plate with the 2nd course!

updated album 
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #23 
Stefano , Dad always had the gravy meatballs, sausage, beef, and braciole in separate bowl. The Barese sausage was always a favorite of mine.


My cheapo camera uses Jpeg format for pictures on forum and i use microsoft  image resizer found on there site. 
Once your picture is uploaded to computer i right click it to resize it  , then when making post i click manage attachments and navigate to picture on hardrive to upload to forum.
BronxFigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #24 
Stefano...

Wish you good fortune with your cuttings, and sorry I can't help with the fig ID, but Dom is probably right about what your trees might turn out to be.

Have fun growing your new fig trees.  Let us know how things turn out.

Bronx-Frankie, not, Florida Frankie

****************************************************************

Frankie from Florida...
You know that Italians can spot a fig from miles away.  This forum is a magnet for the Italians.  So there will be plenty of names like Dominick, Pauly, Pete, Frankie, Joey, Anthony, Sal, .... found here.  Sounds like the cast of the "Goodfellas"  : )) 

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Posted Reply with quote  #25 
Enjoy your new trees!  What a great way to spend they day.
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Wish list:
Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.
stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #26 
Dominick - which ones of those you listed may be blue? " BT, Celeste, Italian Honeys ( alot call them Fico Bianco) and Kadota."? Is Italian honey green / yellow and large?

In italy as a kid i liked small green figs that would grow in the wild with a thick skin and sweet but not too sweet. unlike the commercial ones those would not break apart that easily.

Is there a way to upload images directly on the forum? I only put a link to images hosted elsewhere!

these names "Dominick, Pauly, Pete, Frankie, Joey, Anthony, Sal, " are not common at all in Italy. Domenico, Antonio, Salvatore etc seem to have disappeared. Salvatore is really a Sicilian name, not common on the mainland. same as Domenico, more southern than else. Pietro and Paolo are more common mainstream names as Francesco.

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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #27 
My father was Domenico but wanted to 'Americanize' my name to fit in better. Was worried about stereotyping and wanted me to be as American as possible.

Celeste is small and bluish-purple with 3 leaves.

Yes you can. There is a small green box and just insert the Location from say photobucket. I stink at direct from the computer.

There are so many in Italy but i have trouble getting them here. People are worried about customs and mailing. There are about 300+ distinct varieties just from there.

There are a few individuals over there trying to save alot of the 'Ancient' figs from there. I haven't been back in 20 years since I was a teenager. Now the wife and I would like to go for a vacation.

Thankfully my wife does not mind my fig obsession so going around looking would not be a problem. My problem- My father taught us very little, so speaking may be hard for the older folks there. The young ones are taught English in school.
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Posted Reply with quote  #28 
We need to take a poll and see how many F4F members are of Italian origin. If more than 50%, I move the forum name be changed to Fichi di Allegria.




Francesco di Tallahassee
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Frank
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Posted Reply with quote  #29 
Francesco di Tallahassee...

Maybe we should pay Jon a "visit" and, ....never mind.

Frankie from Da Bronx
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Posted Reply with quote  #30 
Figs, meatballs, paeseans! I'll bring the wine. I started a local map of whom has fig trees in their yard in my hometown. My goal is to visit each residence over the next few months and strike up a conversation and share some figs.
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Posted Reply with quote  #31 
Welcome to the forum Stefano!!! Loved the photos that you posted!!!
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stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #32 
 
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #33 
Was that right up 86th st and about 16 ave?

If you go in some more there is at least 1 to 2 trees per block. That fig appears a day or 2 from being ripe.

Good hunting!
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Dominick
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stefpix

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Posted Reply with quote  #34 
Dominick - to which one do you refer? The Sicilian lady with the red ostiole fig was 19 av and Bath, just near the 62nd pct.. The one that is wide along a wall was 13 ave and 86th (or 85th st?) just across the st from the side of the knights of Columbus. I do not go to that side of Brooklyn that often so I am less familiar than with North or Brownstone Brooklyn. It was funny the Chinese guy on Ft Hamilton that uses figs for soup.
stefano
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #35 
anyway none of these figs i have seen here shows any disease / FMV on leaves.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151203833263066.549986.631078065&type=1&l=3c46ced1b5
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #36 
Sorry they are starting to mix in the mind. LOL

I know of that KOC so I recognized it right away ( the area). At least I was close on one of them.

My family lives in Bay RIdge/ Ft Hamilton so I am sort of familiar with the area.
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Dominick
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Posted Reply with quote  #37 
Bath ave / Bath Beach seem to have more trees, although many are smaller. 

yeah you were close. 
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #38 
can anybody guess an ID? immigrant from Naples gave me a fig (most of them need a week or 2) was green, amber inside and very sweet and jam like. It did not have a lot of fig (skin flavor). skin was very thin. It was given to him by a friend years ago,  More photos here

 



Other Fig on Metropolitan ave in Williamsburg, is it a BT?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151316528548066&l=f7e4c80d04

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151316528748066&l=6bba735e7b

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151316528643066&l=9cfe3de6a1
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stefano
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Posted Reply with quote  #39 
There is a member on here that I haven't heard from a while. He lives in Carroll Gardens and I believe he actually lives in that area where that pic was taken.

I think he has posted that tree at one time last year and we came to the conclusion its an Italian Honey.

Sorry I looked for the post but I can't find it.
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Dominick
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Posted Reply with quote  #40 
Came across this post while searching for Neapolitan figs. I lived in Williamsburg, right around the corner from the tree you originally posted (moved to nj a few yrs ago). Tons of fig trees in the back yards throughout the neighborhood. Sadly they are being torn down to make room for high rise condos now.
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