Thanks for all replies in advance.

I recently moved into a house with a large yard and porch, and I've been looking to fill it with edible landscaping.  Buying figs has always been cost prohibitive for me (at $30+ a tree with limited varieties at the local nursery), but I got my first one (LSU Purple) last year and I love it immediately.  I recently discovered the UC Davis Germplasm Repository, and was hoping I could get some ideas/help with getting my hands on some figs.

First, I used the sticky thread to try to identify figs that would grow well in my area (Zone 8a, middle-north GA) and came up with a list, and wanted to know if nearby members could verify that certain varieties would do well here, or alternatively, if there's a variety I don't have and absolutely should, what would it be?  The list is below. 

-Black Ischia
-Adriatic
-VDB
-Barnisotte
-Excel
-Black Madeira

Second, I planned on putting in an order through the UC Davis system for these varieties, but am not totally sure what to expect.  The basic idea is that they send you some 1 year growth and you get it to root.  But I've got some basic questions:

1) What is the success rate at getting cuttings to survive to the tree stage?  I've got a decent green thumb, but I've never rooted anything before.  I can follow instructions well enough, and there is plenty of online info on how to do this.

2) How many cuttings do you normally get?  They say 3 on the site, but I've also read that you can get as few as 1 or 0, depending on popularity and availability.  Do they always get you at least something, or is it really hit or miss?  What are the odds I'd get most or all of the varieties I listed?

3)  Finally, I definitely discovered the UC Davis thing at the wrong time of year.  6 months ago would have been a lot better.  If I put in an order now, will they receive it?  Obviously I wouldn't get any cuttings until next spring, but is there a limit as to how early you can place an order?

4)  Is there anything else I should know about ordering from UC Davis?

If you guys can answer some or all of these questions, I'd be most grateful.  I'm really excited to do this, even if I don't get my first figs for several years.

Welcome to the forum.  The first thing you need to do is go to your profile and put your planting zone in.  This will help us help you.


1) What is the success rate at getting cuttings to survive to the tree stage?  Depends on your methods.

2) How many cuttings do you normally get?  You get 1 to 5 depending on variety.

3)  Finally, I definitely discovered the UC Davis thing at the wrong time of year.  6 months ago would have been a lot better.  If I put in an order now, will they receive it?  Yes, but you won't receive your order until next spring.  I'd wait till Sept untill you know what you really want to order.  That's just mho.

4)  Is there anything else I should know about ordering from UC Davis? Link a credit card to Fed EX or UPS for shipping.  

Suzi

welcome. most you listed should do well. but not sure if they can handle the winter down there or not. however, you can always grow them in the container.

Ischia Black, Barnissotte, and Black Madeira are slow to grow. rooting isn't much of an issue, but  IB, and Barnissotte are really slow with lot more sign of FMV.

typically with USDA/UCD, you put in order by some time before nov. and they ship it out in around feb./march time frame.

most of the time, you will get what you want, but depends on the demand or availability, you might not get some. but it's a free service and they are doing us favor.

They do us a huge favor, and you need to respect that.  On the order form you need to have a reason for getting the cuttings.  I usually say I am testing varieties in my climate.  You need to figure out your own deal.

Suzi

Congrat's on the new house and it sounds like you've got plenty of room for figs.

To answer some of your questions:

1)  Figs are pretty easy to root, but some strains can be more difficult than others, and even different cuttings from the same tree can root differently, but UCD give large cuttings that I usually cut into three pieces each.  So, three cuttings divided into three gives you up to nine chances at getting a single strain rooted.

2)  You normally will get three cuttings of each, assuming they're not in some very limited supply and/or some very high demand.  You have picked some popular varieties.  I did NOT receive any of the Ischia Black I ordered and only received one each of VdB and Black Madeira.  The Black Madeira was the shortest of all the cuttings (and I only received the one), so I was only able to divide it in half and I was able to get both halves to root, although, they're still newly rooted.

3)  You can order now and up to November for shipment next March/April timeframe

I hope that helps!

Wow, wonderful and quick responses.  With regard to FMV, I've done my research and it seems to be fairly (though perhaps not ubiquitously) prevalent everywhere.  I'm pretty sure my LSU purple has it, but is mostly unaffected by it, just a few odd shaped leaves and the occasional yellow splotch.  Can it actually kill trees?  Or at least make them unhealthy enough to ever bear good fruit?

As far as winter goes, I'm not too worried.  I've got a nice big garage and I plan on keeping my figs in containers, repotting as needed, so winters shouldn't be a problem.

You guys are tremendous by the way.  That was unbelievably fast.

FMV is a touch subject. i ignore it. they cause more problem in cold weather area like new england. down south, not much problem.

Ahh, in that case ignore my FMV comments.  No need to start an off topic debate with my first thread.

Welcome to the forum and good luck growing your collection!

I suggest that you scout around your area for old fig trees you can get suckers from, or take cuttings. That way you know the variety is suited for your area. Usually you will find figs in 30-50 year old neighborhoods, although sometimes in newer ones.

If  you find one, you might even get the owner to allow you to do an "Air layer." It is a simple way to get a nice start on a fig tree, if you have access to the tree for an extended period of time (6-8 weeks). If you google "air layer" you will find tons of tutorials online.

I've considered taking cuttings from my area.  There are 2 fig trees a couple miles from my house and one in my neighborhood even.  Alas, they're all rather unattended and unkempt.  One borders some undeveloped property and the other two live in between 2 apartment complexes (and make delightful green figs).  A big part of the experience for me right now is knowing which varieties I have, and I doubt I could find anyone who knows much about the figs I've found.

There is a local university sponsored farm with about 10 small fig trees, but I'm willing to bet its only 1 or 2 varieties, as I think they will try to market them as they get bigger.  Couldn't hurt to ask though.  I've always meant to stop by and say hi...they do a little produce sale every Thursday.

go for air layer. taking cutting now is not really ideal. if there is new growth on the tree they will have to take that off to get hardwood cuttings. the softwood cuttings are rather finicky. with air layer around the hardwood, you can have ready made tree in about a month or two. 

Whereabouts in Georgia are you? I have a few duplicates, including an Alma that is supposed to hold up to the rain we get down here pretty well.

I'm in Athens.  Alma was actually on my list of potentials before making the cut. 

If you find yourself down in Atlanta and are interested, you're welcome to her, just send me a note.

Greetings and welcome to the Forum

One other suggestion is for u to browse the gardening sections of your local big box stores like Lowes and/or Home Depot. Many members here, including myself, have picked up all types of nice 1-2 year old trees at these locations usually at a pretty good price. The advantages are many fold. You have a nice tree or two instantly, rather than waiting for cuttings to grow into a tree that is productive; readily available; hopefully they are selling types good for ur area; usually a pretty good price for Hardy Chicago, or Brown Turkey, or Celeste. If you are lucky and time it just right, u will often be able to pick up a few when they are marked down to move them along. Get urself a nice cheap tree to grow, and care for now while u start ordering ang growing cuttings! Best of luck, come back often.

Does anyone have the link to UC DAVIS with their list of accessions?  Can any of you gents post the link?  Pls