Hi all!

I am new to the world of figs. Before I did my research, i put in a White Genoa tree into a choice location at my home in:
- Mission Viejo, California
- On the coastal foothills of Orange County
- Sunset Zone 23, 10 linear miles from the Ocean. 

After doing some research, I have not seen a lot of good reviews on White Genoa's flavor. Before the tree gets established, I am considering removing it and replacing it with something with a more reliable good flavor like Black Mission.

Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks,

-Aydin

Why get rid of it? Just grow more figs!

I do though run a home for old and neglected figs. 

Genoa is a vigorous grower. Since it is already rooted in place you can just graft other varieties on it. In dry climate Genoa tastes good, so you can leave one shoot of it ungrafted.

Thanks folks,

It has only been in the ground for 3 weeks, so It is still possible to remove the tree with minimal root damage.

I am however very intrigued with the idea of grafting other varieties onto the stalk. Could you point me in the right direction for information on how to achieve this?

Also, the weather here is generally dry all summer, but can be gloomy with a coastal marine layer most morning from Nov-May. 

Anyone in coastal California receive good results with the white genoa? 

Lastly, there seem to be 5 unripened fruit still on the tree. I hear this variety is late to ripen,  but anyone know when this may occur?

Ask and you shall receive this is an awesome description take a look.


http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/My-Technique-of-Grafting-6052305?highlight=grafting

I gave my neighbour my White genoa and this year she got 5 figs from it, I didn't get to taste them so I don't know how well it tastes but she really enjoyed it compared to hardy chicago if that's any point of reference.

I like my White Genoa, I'm in Zone 8A. Out of my 28 inch plant I got around 18 figs. Most were very good around 7.5/10 for sweetness. The only figs that tasted bad was, when I over watered or under watered. WG is supposed to be cold hardy, so it should do good at your location. Keep in mind, the figs will probably taste better as the plant ages.

Aydin,
 White Genoa was one of the figs that surprised on the upside for me here in New Jersey. The first year it was very late ripening and bland but this year it really improved and tasted excellent. It may even taste better for you in a more ideal climate like California were you live. I would give it a try.

 Peter

Yeah, I wouldn't toss it because of others reviews. You taste it yourself and be the judge. 

Orange County California is THE place to grow figs!  It's the Mediterranean Climate they all love!  I'm in Riverside county, moving to North San Diego County as soon as I can.  Orange County is too far from the grandchildren for us.  Any place Southern California, is great for figs!  They love the summer heat and the mild winters! 

If you can only have one tree in your yard, I'm with those that say, graft different varieties on various branches.  Don't let that tree get too tall or you won't be able to pick the figs! 

Good luck, and I'm pretty sure you will love your tree and the figs it produces!

Suzi

Thanks all!

The tree is still a single 4' spire, but as soon as I get some branches next spring, I'm looking forward to grafting.

I am going to plant my black mission this weekend to give me some more growing capacity.

So far I have in my front yard, in addition to the two figs:
cavendish, ice cream, and good finger bananas
Two trellised passion fruit vines
A pomegranate bush/tree
Two sugarloaf pineapples
A black Persian mulberry tree

So excited to get some subtropical/tropical fruits!