Hello Fig Lovers!

I'm excited I've found this site, and will contribute my knowledge that i've learned over the years.

A little BIO.  I'm 34, from Niagara Falls, Canada and have learned how to garden from my italian relatives since i was young.  I've taken care of my Nonno's (grandfathers) fig trees every year. When he passed away I knew it was up to me to carry on growing these wonderful trees.

I have a question.  I have recently pulled some shoots that were growing from the base of my Nonno's 25 plus year old tree.  The shoots were approximately 1" thick and 5' tall.  When pulled, they came out with some roots attached to it, which I planted in a pot with contained mix.  My concern is, with dormant season very near would it be a good idea to keep the pots in the house where the soil would be warm to encourage rooting? Then take outside where would winterize them.  

Welcome to the forum Vinny.
Trying to keep those root suckers going is not for the faint of heart.
If you have some kind of grow light setup, and can keep them warm all Winter, they'll keep on growing.
A lot of people run into problems with pests, so if you don't want to nuke the plants a couple of times to keep them at bay, it may be worth considering keeping your new plants in the 50 degree range, to allow the roots to settle in to their new home without really forcing the plants out of dormancy.
It might also be a good idea to cut the plants down, so there is more root than trunk. The plants will thank you in the Spring.
You can always wax the cut ends of the cuttings, store them in a ziplock bag in the crisper for rooting in the Spring, or trade them for other varieties with some of your fellow Canadian collectors.

Do you have pics of the fruit or leaves?
Where in Italy did your Grandfather come from?

My first reply! Haha

Last fall/winter I made the mistake of bringing my new trees indoors where they doubled in height, resulting in tall, lanky trees that I brought outside in the spring. No fruit this year, I can wait haha. 

The keeping at 50 degrees method sounds good to me, now just need to find that location, perhaps a friend with a heated garage!  And i'll cut them down a couple feet.

I have the cuttings ready to grow in the spring, but was eager to get these ones rooted before winter.

I used a container mix soil with some dirt (sandy loam) from my garden for the pots. Can you recomend a fertilizer to add?

My gandfather came from Abruzzo to Ontario in the 60's.  And my father and grandparents came form Cosenza (Calabria) in the 60's as well.  

Vince
Niagara Falls, ON 




  

Welcome to the forum Vinny!

Thanks Sammy! Where abouts is Thessalon?

Figs witerized yet??

It's a 50 minute drive east of Sault Ste Marie or 2 hours west of Sudbury.
I just put my figs in my cold storage room this evening. right now it's 11.4*C (52.5*F) in there. 

Oh cool, up north.

Thats great, good spot easy to keep an eye on and control tempeature.

Good luck!

Vinny,

How big is your Nonno's 25 year old tree and what do you do to protect it?

Thanks.

Hey Greg,

It's planted on a 45 degree angle which extends about 12' feet out.  The main trunk at the base is about 9-10" inches in diameter with a second branch growing out form it that's about 6 inches thick. Solid producer except for this year. Harsh winter and late start.

I wrap all the branches together with a rope so it's cone shaped.  Then use a come along to bend it to the ground where I attach it to a ground stake. Then wrap it with tarp and enclose it with plywood which is also wrapped with tarp.  Quite the process but I love it haha.

Take Care.    

Welcome Vinny! 

Thanks Phil,

How was your fig growing season this year?

Vince - Niagara Falls, Canada - Zona 6a

Welcome vinny

Benvenuto Vinny. U need to meet up w Pino, he is Calabrese too. In Niagara.

My first year growing figs went well.  From 0 to 12 plus varieties (I lost count), lots of generous and knowledgeable forum members, and about 4 dozen figs, mostly from first year trees.  So pretty good all around!

You live in a very beautiful area, I'm glad I had a chance to visit Niagara Falls years ago.

Grazie rafaelissimmo!

The Niagara Calabrese connection. 

Phil, that's awesome especially for your first year.

Thanks, I love it here, there's so much to do.  Where did you visit when you were here?

Hi Vinny! HEAT is more important than "light" so an electric heating mat for germinating seeds would keep the roots warm and growing.
OH!! I went to college in Niagara Falls, NY; my sister is still in Ft. Erie and works at the Track. I love EVERYTHING N.F. Canada has to offer!

Hey Vinny!  Welcome.  I wish our grandfathers could see us carrying their legacy.  When my grandfather passed in '97, all he knew was that I loved figs.  I hope he knows how big of an impact he's made on me now.  Among growing figs in Cleveland, OH, he grew peaches, grapes, zucchini and tons of other fruits/veggies.  He also made his own wine.  I wish I could talk to him now.  I was too young to have the interests I have today.  Sorry...got carried away.  ;)

Welcome Vince!
Do you know what variety your nonno's fig tree is or can you describe the leaves and fruit?
The locally famous Niagara Black fig was discovered in Niagara Falls. 
Do a search on the forum everyone that has it loves it.

Vinny's in the HOUSE!!!!

Welcome!

Ok Tahoma got it. That's cool, Everything!! Ya more people need to appreciate it here. Oh we'll more for me to enjoy lol.

Thanks Frank! Ohh they can see, the bond never goes away. I always said best way to carry on a legacy is to plant a tree that your relative loved or grew. Nonnos was the fig tree! Keep the traditions going and pass them along. Sempre Avanti!