Hello all. Just joining in, trying to find sources for fig cuttings that will do well in SE  British Columbia. I would lik eto try a couple varieties that will be cold hardy, as well as a couple I will have to move in & out. Any reccommended sources? I dont know anyone in my area with plants I could 'steal' from!

Though not the only one, the best source of figs in Canada
that I know of is Adriano Figs of Ontario.
http://www.adrianosfigtrees.com/varieties.html

We have some forum members in BC that you should hook up with.

Since you are in B.C. you can go to a local nursery and get a nice tree for 30$. From my experience all the varieties they sell are adapted to British Columbia climate. In your case I would not order anything on the Internet since you get what you need locally. You might have to do a few phone calls to a few nurseries but you will end up finding a nice fig tree. If you decide to move to the ''next level'' then I would recommend going on the Internet but for now you should fine with a local nursery.

Thanks for all the ideas! There are no nursuries that I know of closer than 4-5 hour drive, which is too far for me to go 'just' to fetch  figs. I will keep trying to find someone in BC who does ship, and will also read more from adrianos pages. I did look at his varieties, and the selection is overwhelming .Does anyone have a couple reccommendations? ( maybe 2 hardy frost resisitants for outside, and 2 I could drag in and out) My kids devour any variety, but Id like something prolific, that will also be preservable( drying ) and then something thats just plain fabulous to eat fresh.Any ideas/comments?

medusabomb I have no idea of what would work for your difficult location but there are others here that have spoken up and I'm sure a few others will also. I just wanted to welcome you to the forum. This is a fun place to hang out and make great friends.

medusabomb,

I just looked up the zone mapping for BC and it ranges anywhere from 1-9!  Any idea what your local growing zone is?  That might help us determine what might be good in your area.

Thanks ccc1, I think Im at a 5, but my property is south facing on a slight slope, 100m from Kootenay Lake (huge lake & very mild weather) so my garden is always 'up' a month earlier than most of my friends. I have had success with items zoned up to 7...but a nasty winter would likely wipe out things on the edge of 6. I have lots of space (10 acres) and a big deck/house, so I can haul stuff in/out /around if I have to, I just want to make good choices!

medusabomb: Since you are in Kaslo you are a bit closer to Calgary then Vancouver. I think I drove once around there in 2008...

You are pretty much right that in your area chances are low that you will find a nursery with figs. So you should order on the Internet and I will strongly recommend that you go with Grimo nut nursery in Ontario. You can select any of their varieties since they all have been select for colder climates. They offer fast and efficient service and you can get a tree for a good price. Also, since you are starting I would skip Adriano for now. This is because it can take some time before you get a reply from him and sometimes his cuttings are a bit too skinny to my taste. If you are able to visit Adriano personally then this is a different story but I think you are too far from Oakville Ontario.

There is also a nursery in White rock that ships but I am going to skip mentioning them since their customer service is complete crap.

Oups I noticed that Grimonut is now only taking orders for spring 2010. I would still go with them since they will sell you an entire tree. Well also try with Adriano you might be lucky and he could be able to send you some cuttings. (in 2008 Adriano was charging 6$ per cutting and it might still be the same price) If you send an email to Adriano just mentions you want him to select a variety for you since he is an expert.

Your best bet is to have a plant rather than mess around with cuttings. I have seen 1 gal Desert King going for $20 this year. If you have friends in Vancouver they should be able to help you get a Desert King variant & ship it via Greyhound bus sometime in early spring. Best time to get a Desert King is in mid spring.

Suggestions by Montreal Fig on sourcing is good if you do not want to trouble your friends in Vancouver.