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Subject: Storing fig cuttings in water? Replies: 2
Posted By: fignutty Views: 119
 
Hey if it works use it. I'd think they'd do better stored in damp sand or even soil.

Subject: Weather report - Edited Replies: 5
Posted By: fignutty Views: 95
 
Can you explain a solar heater for a greenhouse?

In winter my greenhouse would hit 120F if not ventillated. Most days the exhaust fans run from 9am to 5pm. That's when it's on chill cycle. After chilling is complete, about Xmas, the fans run slightly less. Sometimes I even need the evaporative cooler/wet wall. On chill cycle the wet wall even runs some at night in order to hold 40-45F.

We've had very strange weather the last two wks and I thought the NWS did a good job over here. We went 36 hrs with only 3F temperature variance, 37-40F. Very unusual in west Texas. Then with these last two cold fronts they correctly predicted that the first would hold off just to the east of us. That's also very unusual. This last front did the usual, covered all of the state.

Subject: Transplanting a fig with fruiits on it. Pot in a pot technique? Replies: 6
Posted By: fignutty Views: 171
 
You should be able to remove it from it's current pot without damage. That assumes it's well rooted which you said is the case. It will probably survive doing what you suggest. But removing a rootbound plant from it's pot won't damage it in the least. That's certainly what I'd do.

Don't jerk the plant out by it's stem. Flex the pot some on the sides and then push on the bottom to loosen the plant. It should come right out. If not you can carefully cut the pot off.

Subject: Would a hoop house be enough protection for baby figs in 8B? Replies: 8
Posted By: fignutty Views: 152
 
I think it depends on what the hoop house covering is. If covered in clear greenhouse poly it will be way too hot during sunny days and still as cold as outside at night. If covered with heavy duty frost blanket then in my opinion the plants would be much safer.

I'd say being outside uncovered in a protected area would be better than a poly covered hoop house. I think that's what Sas is saying as well.

Subject: Zone 7B Replies: 10
Posted By: fignutty Views: 189
 
Forgive me if I'm off base but Z7b is a lot colder than freezing every few yrs. At 5000ft in AZ 7b sounds about right, maybe even generous. I'd think you'd see 10-15F most winters.

I say that because it is pertinent to giving a decent answer. In 7B you should be able to plant those figs next spring and be as good as waiting a couple more yrs.

Subject: cuttings for grafting Replies: 1
Posted By: fignutty Views: 88
 
I was about 1 for 20 doing what you want to do this spring. But that was with cuttings that also didn't root. Better cuttings of my own taken in Dec rooted pretty well in June. Those I could have grafted with at least decent success.

Your best bet might be to buy cuttings in spring from a reputable source like HarveyC. He's from CA so is able to harvest his cuttings fairly late with assurance that they aren't freeze damaged.

Subject: Fig Wasps in Texas?? Replies: 6
Posted By: fignutty Views: 154
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozarka31
Is there currently a list of figs that do not require wasps? I looked on the treesofjoy website but it does not specify.


Assume those are all common figs that don't need pollination. That's the situation with most nurseries even in CA. They'll tell you if there are varieties that do need the wasp.

Subject: can you transplant a fig too deep ? Replies: 19
Posted By: fignutty Views: 303
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ross


Steven, you sure they can't come from roots? If so that's good to know. Can buds form on roots?


I've left a lot of fig roots in the soil when moving fig plants and they never push shoots.

Subject: can you transplant a fig too deep ? Replies: 19
Posted By: fignutty Views: 303
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daramus


I live in the Phoenix area and my soil is mostly clay. I was curious if burying my plants deeper would possibly add some drought resistance during the intense summer heat since I water deeply in addition to mulching. I know from past experience that plants with relatively shallow roots struggle in the heat versus those with more established, deeper roots systems. I was trying to determine if planting deeper offered any benefit in a hot, arid climate where winter freeze isn't really an issue. I suppose as long as the soil was well draining, it couldn't hurt to try?


I don't think it will hurt but doubt that it will help in the long run. Either way the fig plant will end up with about the same root system. Whether it ends up rooting 3, 5, or 8ft deep at the extreme, it will get there either way IMO.

Subject: can you transplant a fig too deep ? Replies: 19
Posted By: fignutty Views: 303
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ross


The buds will come back from the buried trunk and not the roots. They can come back from the roots, but buds from the trunk will probably activate & break through the soil more easily.


Figs don't push shoots from the roots, only from stems. So it was the buried stem that I was talking about.

Subject: can you transplant a fig too deep ? Replies: 19
Posted By: fignutty Views: 303
 
I'd say professor Linda is just guessing or speaking about trees in general. The original roots of a fig planted 3ft deep aren't going to die in a well drained soil. In a poorly drained soil sure they might. But in a soil where figs normally root 3ft or deeper there's no reason to believe the buried roots will die. And for plants like figs and grapes that root easily even on older wood the new roots near the surface should be just as good as if planted shallower.

That said planting 3ft deep sounds a bit like overkill. It's not going to help survival after a winter freeze unless the buds can push up thru 3ft of soil. Will they do that? I don't know, maybe in a loose friable soil. But not thru clay.

Subject: Still leaves on my Fig Trees Replies: 14
Posted By: fignutty Views: 297
 
An actively growing fig tree will hold it's leaves later than one that stopped growing several months back. So that could be the difference. This holds true for other fruits like apple and peach.

The figs that have dropped their leaves will probably be hardier. A mature tree will probably quit growing sooner than a young vigorous tree.

Subject: Are Roots Left Behind After Potting Good for Anything? Replies: 11
Posted By: fignutty Views: 256
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyerHoldingsLLC
Hi Fignutty, How do you distinguish the crown from the rest of the roots? Would it be comparable to a crown on something like a rhubarb plant?


The crown is that clump of shoots that spread out at the base of the plant. It's especially noticeable if the top keeps freezing back. The plant spreads out getting bigger every yr in this area. In my greenhouse with no freeze injury I can maintain a single trunk. That usually requires removal of low shoots even some from the soil next to the tree.

It shouldn't be hard to tell root from crown if digging up a plant. Those 1/2 inch to pencil size roots aren't going to sprout if potted up.

I've never seen a sprout from the roots of grapes or figs even roots up to one inch size. Persimmon and jujube sprout from the roots like weeds.

Subject: Are Roots Left Behind After Potting Good for Anything? Replies: 11
Posted By: fignutty Views: 256
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cjccmc
Hi Craig,

That was probably a 5 year old in ground tree. I needed to relocate it and only managed to dig out about a 2 gallon root mass near the "crown". The left behind large piece of root that I planted in a second spot was done as a backup in case the main relocated tree did not thrive. So I got shoots from the root but dug it out after the main tree did well so can't comment about the quality of tree it would have eventually produced.


That sounds like there was crown tissue left with the roots. Figs form many vegetative buds below ground on the crown. Those easily sprout new shoots.

I've never seen a shoot form from what is clearly root.

It's the crown buds, not root buds, that allow figs to regrow from below ground after a severe winter freeze. The crown expands every yr on trees that freeze back in winter. There are single fig trees around here that have a crown 12 ft in diameter.

Subject: wilting leaves on fig suckers Replies: 6
Posted By: fignutty Views: 155
 
Shade and watering are good ideas. I assumed adequate watering. But that might not be a good assumption.

On the other hand cutting back the top is a good idea if the main consideration is saving the plant. That will force new growth to come from dormant buds. That means any attempt at pushing new leaves will be delayed by a month or so. That delay will allow time for establishment of new active roots. There is no downside to cutting back 4-5ft tall suckers that lack adequate roots. The remaining stem will push new growth in good time. You won't kill the remaining plant.

If the main consideration is instant 4-5ft tall growth, keep the top, shade and water.

The cut back plant will grow much faster than not cut back. By fall top size should be about equal. This is the same thing as planting a bare root fruit tree. That's basically what has been done with these fig suckers.

Subject: wilting leaves on fig suckers Replies: 6
Posted By: fignutty Views: 155
 
Yes what's wrong is those shoots don't have enough active roots to support the new leaves. So the leaf wilts and another tries to grow. There are enough roots to keep the shoot alive but not enough to support new growth.

What I'd do is cut the shoot way back and let it go dormant. Then next spring it will probably grow enough new roots to support new leaves.

If you are in the southern hemisphere meaning it's spring I'd still cut the top way back. It needs time to grow roots before it can grow leaves just as a cutting does.

Subject: Identifying mystery fig tree and how to make it fruit? Replies: 9
Posted By: fignutty Views: 259
 
In addition to the excellent comments above all that nearby vegetation suggests it may not get enough light.

Subject: Question on Figs and Low Temperatures Replies: 5
Posted By: fignutty Views: 220
 
At this time of yr leaf curling probably isn't significant. A light freeze might do that. Could be something else.

Just hope that the freezes are gradual and not teens all at once.

Subject: Dormant or Not? Replies: 2
Posted By: fignutty Views: 110
 
Get it now and give it more time before going dormant.

Subject: Fertilize rooting cuttings? Replies: 27
Posted By: fignutty Views: 334
 
I've grown large fig plants in plastic water jugs that admit some light to the roots with very good results. Roots don't need to be in total darkness. This was inside my greenhouse.

The plastic cup and your window glass will filter out nearly all the UV-B light. Greenhouse poly does the same.

The thing I'd never do is put that cup in standing water. That's my definition of over watering.

The other thing I won't do is take the plant out at that stage to add soil to the bottom. You'd ruin those roots. The light won't hurt the roots. I've grown cuttings in clear cups with good results. And covering the roots with soil would just be temporary. New roots would soon be on the outside and you be doing it over again.

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
Doug:

Thanks for your input. I agree that too much messing with the soil can just make things worse. The plants look good early in the season so ignoring the issue is a viable option.

jds:

Thank you for your input.

Subject: Healthy Roots on Cutting? Replies: 7
Posted By: fignutty Views: 171
 
Looks fine to me. And yes I'd move it to a well draining soil mix.

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
Just to be clear my present thinking is Mn toxicity.

Subject: Fertilize rooting cuttings? Replies: 27
Posted By: fignutty Views: 334
 
Miracle Grow 24-8-16 with secondary and micronutrients. I go by leaf color. Apply often enough to maintain dark green leaves. It's mainly nitrogen that's needed for green leaves and rapid growth.

For fruit production I use less fertilizer and rely more on rate of growth. I prefer moderate growth rate until August. Then stop growth and harden off. Figs set after August don't mature in most climates.

Subject: Fertilize rooting cuttings? Replies: 27
Posted By: fignutty Views: 334
 
I start MG as soon as the cuttings start leafing out. Just make sure to keep the dilution down to reasonable levels based on the label.

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
Thanks for the additional input. I've just sent in more soil samples. That may not tell me much but we'll see.

An analysis of leaf tissues might be the most help. But that would need to be done next yr I think.

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
LaFigue:

Thank you for your input. The pH was from A&M. Mn was 15.5 ppm with a critical level of 1.0 ppm. Zn was also high at 3.8 ppm vs critical of 0.27 ppm. So both are in the range of 15 times critical.

Ca was 4560 vs 180 or 26x critical. Mg 360 vs 50 ppm. Our soils are naturally calcareous so I don't find those levels out of the ordinary.

Fe was 3.6 vs 4.25 so slightly below critical. But the lab rates Fe as moderate and don't seem concerned.

Everything else was in the moderate to high range including P and K.

These figs are planted in the ground in my greenhouse. I could replace part of the soil this winter. I'm going to run more tests including outside. I may have applied Zn and possibly other micronutrients in the past in the greenhouse. At one point I had Zn deficiency on stone fruit.

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
I got the Texas A&M soil test results. It appears to be a Manganese toxicity issue. Which is hard to believe given a soil pH of 7.9.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=pictures+of+manganese+toxicity+symptoms+in+plants&fr=yhs-mozilla-002&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fkeys.lucidcentral.org%2Fkeys%2Fsweetpotato%2Fkey%2FSweetpotato%2520Diagnotes%2FMedia%2FHtml%2FTheProblems%2FMineralToxicities%2FManganeseToxicity%2FMn%2520toxicity4.jpg#id=26&iurl=http%3A%2F%2Fkeys.lucidcentral.org%2Fkeys%2Fsweetpotato%2Fkey%2FSweetpotato%2520Diagnotes%2FMedia%2FHtml%2FTheProblems%2FMineralToxicities%2FManganeseToxicity%2FMn%2520toxicity4.jpg&action=click

Subject: What to do with non-producing branches Replies: 4
Posted By: fignutty Views: 107
 
Bill:

The only hope for fruit next yr on the wood you have now is breba. Next yrs main crop will only be on wood that grows next yr. In the past I've pruned off part of last yrs wood and still had some breba. It's not an all or nothing proposition.

Subject: Grafting Replies: 34
Posted By: fignutty Views: 619
 
I've had good results with T budding during active growth when bark is slipping. Near 100% takes. But growth can be slow after forcing the inserted bud.

Cleft grafts have worked when bark isn't slipping. Haven't tried too many so far.

Results have been 50% takes with chip buds. I find chip budding much more difficult to line up cambium layers than cleft or splice grafts.

Figs are pretty easy to bud or graft it just takes good technique at the right time.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: fignutty Views: 581
 
You could do either. It depends on your setup and whether you can care for an actively growing fig all winter. It would be easiest to put it in the fridge and root later. That means less time to baby it inside. But there is risk of the cutting drying out or getting moldy in the fridge.

Your best chance of getting a plant would be to root it now and baby it thru winter.

Easiest of all would be to get another cutting in late winter or early spring. But if your area suffers winter injury there might not be good cuttings come March.

Subject: Pictures of BFF, Bass' Favorite Fig Replies: 15
Posted By: fignutty Views: 478
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMario1
Looks gorgeous!!  I must say that the fruit and leaves look somewhat familiar. . . perhaps a close relative to BM/Preto? I am wondering about its hardiness and ripening schedule.  Any info to share on that?


It does seem somewhat similar to Preto/BM. But I think the fruit isn't as flattened on the bottom.

I just bought the plant in May. So I don't know anything about hardiness. I do believe the fruits all formed after I bought the tree. So it may ripen earlier than Preto but again not sure at this point.

Subject: Pictures of BFF, Bass' Favorite Fig Replies: 15
Posted By: fignutty Views: 478
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by drew51

Well it's not his first, maybe his 20th he has named, and they all rock hard! Excellent finds by Mr. Bass. If you approach his record I would have no problems. None of his unknowns are anything we saw before. Like Brooklyn White, Brooklyn Dark, Macool to name a very few he has named.


I agree. If it is his favorite and he's pretty sure it's not something else already in the fig community, then he's earned the right to name it. If it turns out to be something else well known by another name his rep will take a hit.

Subject: Pictures of BFF, Bass' Favorite Fig Replies: 15
Posted By: fignutty Views: 478
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandon87
It looks awesome... Is the eye tight?


I'm not sure about the eye. But it wasn't moldy inside like the open eye types often do. I'll pay better attention if any more ripen.

Subject: Pictures of BFF, Bass' Favorite Fig Replies: 15
Posted By: fignutty Views: 478
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sas
Looks great. So what could this fig be?


To answer three questions in one: Bass' Favorite Fig.

That doesn't tell you what it is just what Bass named it. I don't know where he comes up with all these figs but he must have dozens if not hundreds of contacts here, there, and everywhere...lol

I dried this one some before I ate it. Next one I'll taste fresh. On a young vigorous tree I don't expect much.

Subject: Pictures of BFF, Bass' Favorite Fig Replies: 15
Posted By: fignutty Views: 478
 
I bought this plant in May. I believe it set figs after I got it not before. One just ripened at 54g.

BFF fig fruit and leaves 008.JPG  BFF fig fruit and leaves 004.JPG  BFF fig fruit and leaves 002.JPG 

Subject: What sized container for full sized trees. Replies: 15
Posted By: fignutty Views: 463
 
figoffrandy:

It's not as much about an acknowledgement of input as much as facilitating a discussion. If the topic was deserving of posting then it's deserving of some attempt by the OP to initiate a discussion. JMO

Subject: What sized container for full sized trees. Replies: 15
Posted By: fignutty Views: 463
 
I often wonder why people bother to answer questions on forums like this. Seven individuals made a real effort to help the OP. One got a Hi in return. About pare for the course.

Subject: Has anyone tried these for grow bags? Replies: 16
Posted By: fignutty Views: 270
 
I use a well draining mix. About 70-80% pine bark fines, 10-20% perlite, and a little Pro Mix HP.

Start fertilizing with Miracle grow complete as soon as the cuttings push leaves. And then apply enough to keep the leaves dark green. That's about once a week.

You could bottom water by setting in a shallow saucer. I do that some but prefer to top water esp the fertilizer solution. So even if top watering I like about 1/4 to 1/2 inch water in the saucer after watering. That assures a good soaking. Water again after the saucer dries out well.

The plants grow like weeds and could be 6-8ft tall by fall if not pruned even in the one gal pot. I prune to about 18-24 inches just to keep them under control and not too top heavy. This is in my greenhouse. Outside they'd need support from wind. They will set upright on their own, if started out properly, but are not as stable as a standard flat bottom pot.

Subject: Has anyone tried these for grow bags? Replies: 16
Posted By: fignutty Views: 270
 
You can buy 50 one gal root pouches for $19: http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/root-pouch-black-fabric-pot-12-15-month/root-pouches

I like these a lot. There are zero circling roots. Much better than rootmaker pots in that regard. I just budded 90 spring rooted cuttings many in these pots. Properly watered and fertilized it's possible to grow 3/4 inch caliper trees in 6-8 months.

Subject: Man tires. Should he blow up his air-layer? Replies: 10
Posted By: fignutty Views: 246
 
I prefer something where you can rewet the media periodically. Roots don't grow in dry media. And once the roots extend thru the media they'll dry it out quickly. Once dry any further root growth will cease.

I had 100% takes rooting into 1 gal water jugs with the top cut out. Plant stem up thru the bottom. Wrapped in Al foil. Had one that when cut off was 6ft tall. This was some plants that had supports for the jugs. Smaller bottles can be used the same way and probably not need support. Regular watering of the media helps as long as it drains well.

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
It looks a lot like some of these pictures of Mn deficiency.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=manganese+deficiency+in+plants&fr=yhs-mozilla-002&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhort.ufl.edu%2Fdatabase%2Fimages%2Fnutdef%2Fthy9556_M.jpg#id=66&iurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kali-gmbh.com%2Fen%2Fimg-news%2F2009%2Fnews_20090731_mangelerscheinungen_zuckerruebe_03.gif%3F__scale%3Dw%3A638%2Ch%3A418%2Ct%3A3%2Cc%3Aeaeaea%2Cq%3A90%26f%3D.jpg&action=close

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
Thanks for the link to A&M testing lab. I'll do that soon. It would be nice to know the Ca/Mg ratio before fertilizing. Epsom salts my very well be the way to go.

Thanks for your input.

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
My pH for figs is about neutral. The blueberries about 4.5.

I don't think it's rust. That should affect the whole leaf. The pattern is very much a nutrient issue IMO.

The soil is high in calcium and potassium but I don't know about magnesium levels.

I haven't put much fertilizer on these figs which are planted in-ground in my greenhouse. My potted figs which get some Miracle grow complete don't have this look.

Thank you for the comments..!!

Subject: Nutrient deficiency?? Replies: 23
Posted By: fignutty Views: 329
 
I've got a similar looking issue with both figs and blueberry. Does anyone have any ideas what it might be? My thoughts are Magnesium or maybe Zinc.
It starts on the older leaves. New leaves look OK. These looked OK early in the yr. The zinc deficiencies I've seen are on the newest leaves.
Magnesium deficency 003.JPG

Subject: What sized container for full sized trees. Replies: 15
Posted By: fignutty Views: 463
 
Ye gads that's way bigger than needed. Mine in 12 gal pots this yr probably had 200 figs, maybe more. I'm going with 20-25 gal fabric pots this winter and putting 5-6 varieties in each.

Yes 325 gal is big enough for a full size tree, at least 10-12ft tall. They'll root to the bottom of any pot if the mix drains well.

Subject: I need help with my trees Replies: 17
Posted By: fignutty Views: 318
 
If the fruit has fallen off three yrs running I'd get rid of it or graft to something else. It may be a caprifig or variety that needs pollination to set fruit.

Shoot I'd get rid of the other as well. That few fruit indicates issues there as well.

Your trees look fine to me. Pruning isn't the issue that's causing lack of fruit. You need some productive varieties like Strawberry Verte, Mission, Figo Preto, or any one of hundreds of others that produce heavily. In your climate figs should produce for months.

Subject: Busy Day Yesterday Replies: 6
Posted By: fignutty Views: 154
 
I like it all..!! Need to build me a table like that so I could work at the correct height. Yours looks very sturdy.

Subject: Breba formation? Replies: 17
Posted By: fignutty Views: 858
 
The few breba I've had were not noticeable at all before spring. They seemed to spring up from bare flat wood.

Subject: Is Anyone Growing Beall? Replies: 7
Posted By: fignutty Views: 206
 
I grew Beall right next to Kadota for a couple of yrs. They seemed similar to me. Sweet but little flavor. Yield and precocity were good. This was in a greenhouse so don't know about hardiness. But the plant was moved outdoors to a buddies place so we'll see.