I would like to acquire cuttings for two different varieties of fig trees however I don't know which ones to get or where to find them so I am turning to all you experts for help. Here is the pertinent info. Trees will be grown outside in florida on the east coast near Cocoa so first and foremost I would like something that does well in that climate. Also bing that this will be my first time growing fig trees a variety that grows easily is helpful. Their first year will be in a container in then transferred outside when I move down to Florida in January. Second I prefer the figs that have a darker color when ripe and not the green ones. Also varieties that are "ever bearing" in florida climate or at least have a long season would be helpful. Two varieties that had different seasons wouldn't be a bad idea either. Lastly I prefer a smaller tree since I have a small yard to work with but that's not essential as long as it can be pruned smaller. So what varieties should I get? Also where can I get the cuttings from? I only want one of each tree. For now anyway. Thanks everyone I appreciate the help!

I am new to this so any other pertinent info would be appreciated. Thanks!

There is a search button on top, you may find a related question.  If you want a tree in Florida, I would google fig trees in Florida. There may be a tree nursery in the area. There may be a tree at a swap meet, farmers market you can try craigslist.  On finding the right cuttings, hopefully some Floridian Members can help you with that. At the moment, Ebay has some cuttings at fair prices.   Good Luck !!!

Violette de Bordeaux is a great potted variety that will not grow extremely large.  Negronne is similar, if not the same as VdB.  Those should be easy to obtain, but if not, I may have a Negronne cutting available next month.  Welcome, and enjoy the great climate!

Armando I have googled for several days now. There are some varieties that seem popular but figs seem to turn up a lot less results than citrus does for florida when googling. Not nearly as much info as I had hoped. I was hoping for personal experience from the members here that may have florida fig experience or just an abundance of knowledge on the subject.

Figgy thanks for the info and yes if I don't have something by then I would be very interested. I will google those particular varieties and try to learn more about them. Thanks!

I have read that in some areas of Florida with sandy soil there are problems with nematodes attacking the roots of fig trees planted in ground.  You might want to investigate whether this is the case in your area before planting in ground.  Other Florida fig growers on the forum will be able to provide more information.

We chose to pick figs from a region. For example varities from France like Violette de Bordeaux.
I avoided varities that were grown for sale in markets like Black Mission, Brown Turkey etc.

Chris -

I can provide cuttings of Brown Turkey and Black Mission if you want dark figs.  Nematodes can be a problem, and in Cocoa the sandy soil may be a problem -- you may want to keep them in pots.  The VdB I have growing in a pot is absolutely thriving and except for a few others that I have established in the ground, most of my new trees will stay potted up (my yard also tends to flood and drown things).  

If you want to wait to get very nice established trees, I cannot recommend "Just Fruits and Exotics" up in Crawfordville enough.... very healthy trees and wonderful folk to work with.

Let me know if you want the BT/BM cuttings. And dont let anyone poo-poo Brown Turkey -- its a good fig.

James

ps: Get your fishing rod ready...your about to be in paradise!

For RKN, or Root Knot Nematode, there are several preventative measures for in ground figs.  I have gathered this info over time and from many internet sources.  If you're in sandy soil near the southeastern US coast, you probably have them.  And they love fig roots.  This is how I plant my trees at my coastal NC property - this is my first year, but all of my trees did well through their first season.

First, amend the soil with a lot of organic matter, e.g. compost or potting mix (not soil).
Second, cut the bottom off a 5 gallon bucket, plant the tree in the bucket and the bucket in the ground with about an inch above the soil line.  Use high quality potting mix or 5-1-1 mix, do NOT add your local soil!
Third, mulch with organic mulch.

Apparently RKN do not travel deep into the soil (they need light), and they don't like being around high organic matter soils.  So your trees roots will emerge from the bottom of the bucket and not be bothered by them.  Keeping it mulched will keep new organic matter going into the soil creating a buffer zone for your tree.

I believe you can always keep your fig tree as small as you like with pruning.

Ive always wondered if the light factor with RKN is one reason for the old (Southern) adage of planting a fig tree near your house... maybe the roots like the cool soil... maybe its because they are less impacted by RKN

Great info and helpful hints. Thanks guys very much. Seems like nematodes are a problem in sandy FL coastal communities. Thanks to all that have offered cuttings. I will continue to research all suggestions. I did find that google suggested LSU Celeste as a worm resistant variety. Does anyone have any experience with these? Thanks!

Hi chrisw,
Welcome to the forum.
Don't hesitate to buy a fig tree from a nursery, as that will get you fruits sooner than going through cuttings.
Don't hesitate to test fig strains by yourself as your taste buds might be different from the ones of other people.
Good luck !