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decisions,decisions,decisions (variety)

Wow, I am a newbie and feel like I need to go to my local college and take a course on figs... So many kinds of figs that will work in zone 8, but finding the info to make an informed decision is a nightmare. Is there a place with all of the info on hand? I.E. size of adult tree taste comparison hardiness etc. In a ideal scenario all of each taste would be separated into their respective groups by zones they will work in and then graded by taste size etc. Obviously my end goal is to get the best of the best in size, taste hardiness,s productivity, and all in as few trees as possible while extending my harvest, ( early, middle, and late ripening). I'm sure others have been in this situation too. Any help would be appreciated, I really don't want to wind up with 50 trees and regret forty of them.
Thanks gain.
Randall

Well, I'm new around here too, but I think I can start you off with a few resources.

Firstly, the figs4fun variety database is very helpful:  http://figs4fun.com/Varieties.html

There you can look up varieties by name, of which there are many, and get the basic information on a lot of varieties.

Second, you should make good use of the search function here on the forum:  http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/search

If you find a variety available somewhere and you want to know more about it, you can search and see if it's already been discussed here on the forum. I've learned a lot that way.

It's not limited to varieties. You can search for "zone 8" "hardy" or "extending" to find posts about your zone, hardiness, or extending the season.

I don't know of a variety database that has figs listed by season, size, or hardiness. Someone else here on the forum might know of some.

One thing I do is use Google's site search feature to search for specific qualities.

For example, if I type ( hardy site: http://figs4fun.com/Varieties.html ) into Google, without the parenthesis. it'll return every page where the word hardy occurs.

One of the results it gives me is:  http://figs4fun.com/var_s_info.html  Open that page and you'll see that it's a long list of varieties and we were just looking for the word hardy, so press Ctrl+F and type hardy again.  That'll highlight "hardy" everywhere it appears on the page and give you an arrow you can click to skip to each one.  This should work in any web browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)

You can use that technique with any word or words ( midseason site: http://figs4fun.com/Varieties.html ) ( "late season" site: http://figs4fun.com/Varieties.html ) etc.

Now, you might already know all that, but hopefully that information will help someone else who reads this.

If you find a tree using that method that sounds like it'll suit your needs, getting your hands on it might be another issue.  Only a small fraction of fig varieties are available at plant nurseries, even those that specialize in figs.  That's where this forum comes in handy.  This time of year especially, there are users posting that they have cuttings available to sell or trade.  This is probably the best way to get your hands on rare varieties.  

You should search for other fig growers in your area or in zone 8 and see what information they've posted and private message them for more info on the specifics you're looking for.  Chances are there's someone growing figs near you or in an environment similar to yours and it's important to find them because what is a tasty, late season fig in one region might not be worth planting in another.

Ok. So.... I hope that wasn't an overwhelming amount of information and that it was helpful.

While I'm here, I'll also post some links to online nurseries I have dealt with:

Most of these don't specialize in figs, but offer a limited selection.

http://www.treesofantiquity.com/ Probably the best quality of any trees I have ever received.  They ship bareroot trees only during the dormant time of year and have been personable via email.  

http://www.starkbros.com/  A big nursery company. In business since 1816 as they like to brag.  The plants I've received from them have been pretty small, but healthy. Just don't expect personal customer service.

http://wellspringgardens.com/ Quite a few figs to choose from here.  They ship tiny little newly rooted cuttings, but have low prices and usually throw in a couple bonus plants of your choice.

http://ediblelandscaping.com/ Plants of varying sizes to choose from.  They ship year round in pots.   I've bought mostly Pawpaws and Pomegranates from them and not been disappointed.

http://hirts.com/ These guys have their website and are also on Amazon, Etsy, and ebay.  I've ordered a few things from them and their figs come in 4" square pots.

http://www.justfruitsandexotics.com/ I haven't ordered from this one yet, but I've heard good things and they have a good selection of figs.

https://www.fourwindsgrowers.com/store/ I didn't order figs from them, but their finger limes came in phenomenal condition. (they specialize in citrus but offer 12 fig varieties)

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/durio-nursery-fig-list-for-20152016-7780512?pid=1289754254 This is a post on the forum right now about Durio Nursery, who I have not ordered from, but it looks like they offer a LOT of varieties compared to most nurseries.

http://isons.com/ They only offer 5 basic fig varieties but I thought I would mention them.  If you want muscadine grapes they are THE place.

Also check ebay for rare fig trees and cuttings, you probably won't be able to do what you want to do with less than 150 varieties.....just saying. You will probably become addicted like most of the crazy fig nuts on this forum. :)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AZFig
Also check ebay for rare fig trees and cuttings, you probably won't be able to do what you want to do with less than 150 varieties.....just saying. You will probably become addicted like most of the crazy fig nuts on this forum. :)


Yes, but be wary of scammers. That's another helpful thing about this forum.  Just see these recent posts:

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/suspected-ebay-scammers-with-f4f-ties-7247685?highlight=ebay&trail=50

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/anybody-can-told-me-about-13figgerebatihk-7229729?pid=1285632705

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/one-more-timelast-time-good-ebay-sellersmembers-5436565?pid=1289663416

If you are going to go the eBay route check out this thread of reputable sellers.

Thank you everyone, I appreciate your help and will take it to heart. I do hope I won't wind up with 150 fig trees as someone suggested, but I do have to admit it could be a real possibility.  I do currently have multiple varieties of oranges, mandarins, and lemons... sooo...
Thanks again
Randall

Hi kingoceanos,
Because of shipping costs, you may want to check locally what is available.
Then search here on the forum about those strains and start with those desirable for you.
If you have the choice, buy a tree that is already developed a bit. Avoid buying things under 6''/20cm or you'll have to wait 3 or 4 years before you get figs. Just to be honest, I walked
this route with most of mine, but I had no other choice. I have a psychological budget that I won't exceed. For me it is 20 bucks. At 8 bucks I stop ruminating and would buy them .

Then you have the special "Panaché" ... Just for fun and if I get figs from her, that would make a good year I guess.
You can as well go through the cuttings route once you have 3 or 4 trees fruiting, you can wait for the others to come into production.
150 trees is too much for personal consumption. 30 is a more realistic number, but one that you need to get close to, to be comfortable.
Don't let your trees go wild. Keep them under control. Too much of anything, is a bad thing.

What I like, in a plate of figs, is to have different strains. You can then really appreciate the subtle differences, and play the gourmet.
And last advise: start collecting jars and learn how to make jam... That will help you take advantage of the extra fruits and eat them during the winter... That is the best way to extend the season !
Now, stop reading, and get yourself started ! LOL !

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