Hi,

Brand new to this forum and to figs.  Just got about 1 month ago a BT, impulse buy, it is only 1 1/2 ft tall.  And also purchased a Chicago Hardy (after some research about taste), 3 ft tall with fruit, hoping to get a taste of this fig this year.  They are both in 15 gallon containers, plans to plant them when I figure out where next year.  I'm in zone 7a.

My poor husband didn't know what hit him, but now I want a Violette de Bordeaux.  I found an online source that will ship bare roots now or should I wait until next winter when they are dormant before ordering?  If I get it now will there be enough time for it to grow, be okay for the winter? And will it be too much stress for the plant.  I plan to grow VdB in a container and overwinter in an unheated garage.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

V

If you get it now and keep it sheltered in winter it should be fine. before you purchase, be sure of the source. Maybe do a search on the forum to see who are the reputable dealers. Many commercial nurseries get the names mixed up. If you want the real VDB, think about purchasing from Trees of Joy, Encanto Farms or Edible Landscaping to name a few of the more well known and reliable places.

Welcome to the forum, V! I would wait for dormancy. Bare rooting a young fig tree through the mail can kill it. Good luck!

Thanks BLB and go4broek for the advice.  I was planning on purchasing from Edible Landscaping which is only 2.5 hrs from me.  With shipping cost, wondering if my DH would mind a day trip to Edible Landscaping, is it worth the trip?

V.

Why not make the trip? At least you can hand pick it yourself?
Good luck

Definitely would drive if I could. Bring lots of money you may find more than just figs that interest you.

Enjoy the trip!  I bet there are all kinds of interesting things to see along the way!  Keep us posted! 
Almost forgot my manners!  Welcome!
Suzi

Okay, so now I just need to convince DH that the trip might be worth it.  Anyone been there yet? Anything interesting other than EL, of course, I have to sell this. Maybe a good restaurant recommendation, golf range to drop him off, etc?

V

The golf range!  Wow!  That would get JD to do almost anything!  Good luck!
Suzi

http://www.bluemountainbrewery.com/visit/
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm

I have never been there, but If I did not want to spend every second I could at EL then that is what I would want to do in the area. He can drop you off!

Call ahead to make sure they have what you are going for. And tell them when you will be there. Ask if they have any other figs they are selling besides those listed on their site. You never know.

Have fun. :)

V, I live in the Maryland suburbs of DC and have driven there a couple times for blueberries, persimmons, etc but not figs.  You will probably meet Michael who runs the nursery.  If it isn't too busy ask him to give you a tour.  Charlottesville (about 20-30 minutes away) is an interesting place to the spend the afternoon.  There's also some great afternoon hikes in the mountains very close to EL.  Michael will give you directions.  Good luck with your figs!

Steve

Thanks everyone,  I might be able to pull this off.  Didn't realize Charlottesville was so close.  My DH had a friend in college there and I remember him mentioning him visiting while he was in college.  Maybe this will work!

Steve, I'll see if I can talk to Michael and get a tour.