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Subject: Iranian Mountain Fig Replies: 1
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 322
 
I have read about this plant. I believe it is not Ficus carica.

Subject: OT: citrus trees for sale Replies: 4
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 284
 
My favorite source for Citrus online is Four Winds Growers.


Subject: Harvey's New Fig Orchard Replies: 114
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 5,095
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by FigWhisperer
Where is the LIKE button in here :)

Yes. The newer bulletin board freeware has such a pleasurable user experience.


Subject: Harvey's New Fig Orchard Replies: 114
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 5,095
 
Very nice!

Subject: Climbing Ficus Carica??? Replies: 11
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 531
 
Ficus pumila is a very aggressive vine which in time brings the structures it climbs on to a death kneel.

Subject: how can I speed up growth of newly planted figs Replies: 11
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 659
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by whiterk
... using wood chips to retain moister, about 8inches thick over the soil widely around the plant. ...

Excellent practice, especially if you extend the radius of the mulch to the desired drip line in the full size tree.

Subject: Climbing Ficus Carica??? Replies: 11
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 531
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Figgyme
This tree is located at German. And she said no fruit this time

German is a language. Germany is a sizable country. Any particular location?

Subject: Climbing Ficus Carica??? Replies: 11
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 531
 
Very cool. Thanks also for posting.

Subject: how can I speed up growth of newly planted figs Replies: 11
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 659
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kassoum
I don't think that I understand what you said , how could rocks increase soil evaporation?! if you mean the moisture evaporation , I think the opposite s true ! rocks known to reflect sun heat.


Regardless of reflection, rocks have a much greater capacity to store heat than wood fiber, measured in Joule/Kelvin. The release of heat from rock and gravel coverings increases both the soil evaporation rate and the overall evapotranspiration rate in most environments. The exceptions occur where rainfall meets or exceeds evapotranspiration rates.


Subject: how can I speed up growth of newly planted figs Replies: 11
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 659
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kassoum
Yes I have them both, 'Teen' and 'Zytoon' 
I am really happy having them  :)
I also keep honeybees ... and have delicious honey from wild flowers of the Holy Land !
I think I'll water them more frequently, i'll cover there soil with small rocks (lime stones), this will help them sure to preserve the moisture in the soil.

I recommend you don't use rocks. They increase soil evaporation rates.

To increase growth rate via fertilization, I recommend either:
(organic) Fish Emulsion
OR
(water-soluble) 21-7-7


Subject: Fig of the Day - Panache 08-25-2013 Replies: 52
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 4,751
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenn42
I was gifted a panache last year and interestingly enough, when the leaves came out this spring, it has variegated leaves along with the wood. I was looking at it today & thought I needed to fertilize but the realized it was my panache!


Sometimes Jolly Tiger gets distributed or sold as Panache. Did it come with a plant tag from the nursery?

Subject: Let's start some air layers! Replies: 28
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 812
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by armando93223
... I think you guys are using Miracle Grow...LOL

Grow More, actually.

Subject: Fig of the Day - Panache 08-25-2013 Replies: 52
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 4,751
 
One surefire way to obtain one is to purchase a DWN tagged Panache tree from a reputable nursery.

http://www.davewilson.com/product-information

Subject: Fig of the Day - Panache 08-25-2013 Replies: 52
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 4,751
 
I sold 15-25 Panache trees a year from 2007 to 2012. All of them were obtained wholesale from Dave Wilson Nursery. None of these young trees exhibited variegation on leaves or wood, nor did the older tree I had planted in the ground.

I'm surprised to learn of variegation appearing elsewhere. I selected Panache for taste, not appearance and being fruit-crazy I'm mystified by folks seeking variegation for its own sake.
:)

Subject: Fig of the Day - Panache 08-25-2013 Replies: 52
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 4,751
 
Panache does not have varigation on the "wood" or foliage - only on the immature fruit.

Subject: Let's start some air layers! Replies: 28
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 812
 
Excellent!

Subject: What else do you grow? Replies: 106
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 9,031
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hermitian
In a previous thread ...


I moved to my current home in April 2013. It needed a lot of work, most of which has been completed now. Here's a photo from July 2014 showing a portion of my tree collection in 25-gallon pots. Many of them are in the ground now:

July 2014.jpg  

I really like figs, but that's not the end of it. Here's a list of the perennial fruiting plants I am cultivating. I had to narrow it down for space considerations.

Apple, Gordon
Apple, White Winter Pearmain
Apricot, Gold Kist
Aprium, Cot-N-Candy
Avocado, Holiday
Avocado, Reed
Blackberry, Arapaho
Blueberry, O'Neill
Blueberry, Sunshine Blue
California Huckleberry
Cherry, Holly Leaf (CA native)
Cherry, Minnie Royal
Cherry, Royal Lee
Cherry Of The Rio Grande
Citrus, Grapefruit, Rio Red
Citrus, Kumquat, Seedless
Citrus, Lemon, Eureka
Citrus, Lime, Bearss
Citrus, Lime, Kaffir
Citrus, Mandarin, Frost Owari Satsuma
Citrus, Mandarin, Gold Nugget
Citrus, Orange, MidKnight
Citrus, Orange, Sanguinelli
Citrus, Orange, Washington
Fig, Janice-Kadota Seedless
Fig, Panache
Fig, Violette de Bordeaux
Grape, Black Manukka
Grape, Gold Manukka
Grape, Southern Home
Green Sapote
Jaboticaba
Java Plum
Jujube, Li
Kei Apple
Konkerberry
Loquat, Big Jim
Mango, Valencia Pride
Mulberry, Persian, Black
Musa, Brazilian
Musa, Mysore
Musa, Namwah
Musa, Pisang Ceylon
Naranjilla
Nectaplum, Spice Zee
Nectarine, Snow Queen
Passion Fruit, Frederick
Peach, Mid Pride
Persimmon, Izu
Pineapple Guava, Nazmetz
Pitaya, American Beauty
Plum, Beauty
Plumcot, Flavor Grenade
Pomegranate, DPUN 0139 (Myagkosemyannyi Rosovyi)
Raspberry, Bababerry
Shisandra Vine, Eastern Prince
Strawberry, White Alpine
Surinam Cherry
White Sapote, Sue Bell

Subject: Safe Indoor Fertilizer? Replies: 9
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 345
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by figlegacy
Touche',  but I do plan on putting them outside in May.   


Great rhyme!

You can switch to a fruit tree formula once they are fully rooted and in the ground or a large pot.


Subject: Safe Indoor Fertilizer? Replies: 9
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 345
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by figlegacy
Thank you all for the replies.      
As I've done some reading, people are saying there is a particular NPK ratio that is ideal for fig cuttings.  I live in NJ, (don't know what zone that is).    Do any of these fertilizers recommended fit into the right NPK ratio for NJ?


Your outside climate zone doesn't matter much indoors :)


Subject: CA water restrictions Replies: 99
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 2,408
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DesertDance
... I'm really interested in how to increase our vineyard and orchards with zero water, and I think the Groasis Tech might be the answer. Suzi

I wish you well there. The prognosis from decades of research by UC Riverside is not good though.


Subject: How deep to score cuttings? Replies: 11
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 522
 
I never score my fig cuttings. My propagation success rate is near 100%. See page 50, Plant Propagation ed. Alan Toogood.

Subject: CA water restrictions Replies: 99
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 2,408
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DesertDance
Richard, expand on that.  Low water in vineyards = great wine.  From experience.  Yours?
Suzi

Low water compared to what? For vineyards it would make more sense if we are talking about inches per week per season. In some wine growing regions the annual rainfall is over 100 inches, and in others it is 4 inches. The concept of low water in those two extremes is different. I was referring to the latter scenario and only watering 4 inches every other week throughout the year.




Subject: Safe Indoor Fertilizer? Replies: 9
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 345
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by figlegacy
Does anyone know of a fertilizer I can use for potted fig trees (1-2 gallon pots) that's safe to use indoors?  I keep my cuttings in my office and don't know which ones smell real bad or are toxic to inhale. 

I can't imagine a pesticide-free fertilizer that would give off toxic fumes in dosages under agricultural conditions.

As for bad smell, that depends on your upbringing. If you don't like the smell of manures, then I recommend you avoid "organic" products.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberfarmer
There are a LOT of choices, but you can't go wrong with Miracle Grow.

There are many Miracle Grow formulas, some suitable for fig cuttings and others not.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gordenia
What about dried sea weed?

Seaweed is a source of hormones and a minor source of carbohydrates -- but not a significant source of nutrients.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rcantor
Miracle grow is great but use it at houseplant strength.  Even better is Osmocote plus because it has micronutrients that plants need.

Both Miracle Grow and Osmocote contain micronutrients. Osmocote is a time-released product, some Miracle Grow products are as well.

-----

Personally I'd recommend you dope your indoor plant water with 1/4 teaspoon / gallon of Grow More 20-6-16 (Miracle Gro has a similar product) each time you water. When you transplant them outdoors into pots or the ground they can graduate to a fruit tree formula.

Don't over do it. A 1/4 teaspoon per gallon means 1/8 teaspoon per half-gallon. Increasing the dosage is not necessarily better.




Subject: CA water restrictions Replies: 99
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 2,408
 
In my experience, low water = low quality fruit. End of story.

Subject: CA water restrictions Replies: 99
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 2,408
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ako1974
I ran across this on CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/01/us/california-water-restrictions-drought/index.html
It puts a lot of pressure on everyone. How does this affect home gardeners/fruit growers? Do I have it right that farmers/nurseries purchase water rights to a certain amount of water?
I hope you guys get some rain...


The rain, even in a superfluous year is no where near enough for anything except the native plants (no surprise!). Specifically, in terms of fruiting plants in coastal-influenced metropolitan areas it is sufficient for Holly Leaf Cherry and not much else.

Agriculture in California is a product of irrigation. We are now in the throws of balancing our resources with the real need for drinking water, water for crops, and "recreational" water. People who study the regulations generally do well. For myself, I have fruit trees but no lawn. Years ago I noticed that my sister-in-law in New Jersey had a one acre lawn which only required supplemental watering by a rainbird sprinkler for 2 weeks out of the year. At that point I decided that trying to support the habit of having a lawn in California was pure greed.



Subject: liquid seaweed when dormant? Replies: 6
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 273
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allcelestage
Wow beautiful tree! What kind of fertilizer did you use! I put lime on mind too, along with a few inches of rich compost!
Allen.


Lime in the eastern US makes sense because the water supply is typically acidic. Out here west of the Rockies our water supply is typically alkaline and adding lime can be a disaster.

Subject: liquid seaweed when dormant? Replies: 6
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 273
 
Seaweed Extract is a plant hormone (aka plant growth regulator) product. The active ingredient is gibberellic acid. If you look at the "Guaranteed Analysis" on the product label, you'll see that very few -- if any -- of the advertised minerals on the label are present. This is because they are not in a form that is available for plant uptake, nor will any soil process break them down into a form usable by plants.

Gibberellic acid and the essential plant oils that contain it do break down relatively quickly in soils because they are utilized by many soil organisms and also react with soil chemistry. Consequently, I see no benefit to supplying it to plants in dormant stage.


Subject: What other Fig Trees should I add to my list? Replies: 10
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 420
 
In my opinion VdB is superior to Black Mission and so no reason to plant both.

Subject: ROOT KNOT NEMATODE....PREVENTION AND CURE/CONTROL Replies: 20
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 712
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mic
Would stunted growth, small leaves and galls on the roots would be enough to be pretty sure RKN are present?


There are other soil organisms which in overpopulation cause galls on roots.

Subject: ROOT KNOT NEMATODE....PREVENTION AND CURE/CONTROL Replies: 20
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 712
 
RKN is primarily an eastern U.S. problem with pest species that thrive in the local environment - and especially in the absence of sulphates and electrolytic minerals. It is most prevalent among "organic" gardeners who do not supply necessary minerals to (a) thwart the propagation of nematodes and (b) supply plants with necessary defenses.

Here in the western U.S., horticulturists and county plant pathologists are sometimes faced with reports and samples of RKN, only to determine that (a) RKN were not involved, and (b) the growing medium was so prosperous for soil organisms (i.e., compost without igneous and ionic acidifying minerals) that the biology in the soil was attacking plant roots for lack of other food sources.

It is a classic error to view pictures of symptoms from one region and believe they correspond to symptoms in your region. It is a simple matter to check with your county plant pathologist before jumping to conclusions.


Subject: It's No Big Deal Or Anything, But... Replies: 50
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,038
 
James, I'm so happy for both of you.

Subject: Christmas in March Replies: 8
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 383
 
There are a couple thousand grape cultivars in the Davis GRIN holdings known only by accession number. Visiting the Wolfskill orchard with pad and pencil during fruiting seasons is the only way to learn about them. This one is a seedless golden table grape which due to its parentage I have nicknamed Gold Manukka. It is sweet and fruity.

Subject: Christmas in March Replies: 8
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 383
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by drphil69
Is this a fig?


Click on the link in my original post.

Subject: Christmas in March Replies: 8
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 383
 
DVIT 1328.

Gold Manukka cuttings.jpg 
Gold Manukka cuttings potted.jpg 




Subject: Fig Flavor Categories Replies: 18
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,237
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by figherder
From what I have seen the flavor profile varies depending on climate grown, age of the tree and of course taste buds of the person tasting.  was it picked a day or 2 early? was it raining, wet, sunny, humid?
An orange tastes like and orange, I wish the same could be said for all the different figs.


I have grown a fig cultivar with strong overtones of butterscotch regardless.


Subject: Fig Flavor Categories Replies: 18
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,237
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AltadenaMara
... All the fruit flavors aren’t just strawberry. ... 


I agree. Another problem with the designation "strawberry" is that some people (myself) are referring to flavor while the vast majority of consumers seem to mean "appearance of flesh".


Subject: Fig Flavor Categories Replies: 18
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,237
 

Among the seasoned growers and tasters of figs, most know there are categories of fig flavors. The flavors are so varied that I believe any discussion of "best tasting fig" should be qualified with "best tasting fig in flavor category xxx".

Here's some category names I use. Some of you probably have better ideas:
Classic Dark Fig. examples: Mission, Violette de Bordeaux
Honey Fig. examples: Deanna, Janice-Kadota
Strawberry Fig. example: Panache
Sub-acid Fruit Flavor Fig. example: LSU Purple
and so on.

If anyone is interested in developing a categorization of fig flavors, please contribute here.
Thanks!

 


Subject: Shade cloth percenage for Green house Replies: 30
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 911
 
Due to the large number of small farms in the area, there are wholesalers here who have machinery to produce large (and enormous) shade cloth in custom shapes (straight edges) at various percentages, with grommets sown in at 1 foot intervals. The cost is incredibly competitive for sizes 1000 sq.ft. on up -- 50k sq.ft. is not uncommon. Typically these are adhered to either PVC or galvanized steel tubing with "outdoor" zip ties. A good thing to know when purchasing shade cloth with pre-installed grommets is that it stretches. When ordering from a production site, tell them the dimensions of the frame plus the desired shade percentage and they will produce something that stretches to that size. One supplier in the area is Wind & Shade Screens in San Marcos. Please don't think of them as an internet ordering site. Instead, whatever you order might take 6 weeks before its your turn in the production schedule. They do hire (and charge you) for deliveries in the local area. Otherwise shipping is usually your problem.

Subject: Shade cloth percenage for Green house Replies: 30
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 911
 
I used 30% for walls and top in my commercial nursery operation to protect plants from strong winds and ocassional hard down pours. No plastic sheeting.

Subject: Green Sapote (Pouteria viridis) Replies: 1
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 290
 
A few years ago I bought some seedlings of Green Sapote (Pouteria viridis) from Roger Meyer. I've been propagating them in 15 gallon pots and training them for production. They are currently about 1" diameter caliper and about 2 feet in height above the soil line with numerous side branches.

Since there are many entrepreneurs here, I'm wondering what is the base price I should offer these plants on eBay or similar. Your advice is appreciated!



Subject: OT - "A month of sundays" Replies: 0
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 204
 
"A Month Of Sundays" -- words and music by Don Henley.


I used to work for Harvester
I used to use my hands
I used to make the tractors and the combines that plowed and harvested this great land
Now I see my handiwork on the block everywhere I turn
And I see the clouds 'cross the weathered faces and I watch the harvest burn

I quit the plant in '57
Had some time for farmin' then
Banks back then was lending money
The banker was the farmer's friend
And I've seen the dog days and dusty days
Late spring snow and early fall sleet;
I've held the leather reins in my hands and felt the soft ground under my feet
Between the hot, dry weather and the taxes, and the Cold War it's been hard to make ends meet
But I always put the clothes on our backs,
But I always get the shoes on our feet

My grandson, he comes home from college
He says, "We get the government we deserve"
My son-in-law just shakes his head and says, "That little punk, he never had to serve"
And I sit here in the shadow of suburbia and look out across these empty fields
I sit here in earshot of the bypass and all night I listen to the rushin' of the wheels

The big boys, they all got computers, got incorporated too
Me, I just know how to raise things
That was all I ever knew
Now, it all comes down to numbers
Now, I'm glad that I have quit
Folks these days just don't do nothin'
Simply for the love of it

I went into town on the Fourth of July
Watched 'em parade past the Union Jack
Watched 'em break out the brass and beat on the drum
One step forward and two steps back
And I saw a sign on Easy Street, said "Be Prepared to Stop"
Pray for the independent, little man
I don't see next year's crop
And I sit here on the back porch in the twilight
And I hear the crickets hum
I sit and watch the lightning in the distance but the showers never come
I sit here and listen to the wind blow
I sit here and rub my hands
I sit here and listen to the clock strike, and I wonder if I'll see my companion again
 

Subject: Still Around Replies: 7
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 284
 
Best wishes to you :)

Subject: UC Davis Cuttings Replies: 49
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,501
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gina
The Davis repository knows exactly who is asking for figs and other cuttings and why

There's no ambiguity here. The Davis website openly states:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hermitian
Distribution Priorities

We ask that a statement concerning the intended use for the germplasm be provided by the requester. Timely, seasonal requests, from bona fide researchers are given first priority. Requesters seeking plant material for a germplasm exchange or because NCGR is the sole source are filled next. Other requests are honored as plant material is available.


Gina, I believe you are talking about "other requests". Folks in that category should not wonder (or complain!) about delayed distribution of materials. For myself, I have perused the inventories of 5 different NCGR sites and introduced two new cultivars to the broader nursery trade.

My point is: if a cultivar of interest is already available from reliable sources, why would anyone tax an NCGR site with the labor of providing a free cutting?



Subject: deerhunter unknown Bronx. thankyou Replies: 7
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 376
 
The title of this post "deerhunter unknown Bronx. thankyou" -- does not make sense in English. What are you guys talking about? :)

Subject: UC Davis Cuttings Replies: 49
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,501
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenFin
That's a pretty rude way to talk to someone you've known for years, especially one you've known to be upstanding at all times.

Do you realize you're making an egregious failure of logic by jumping from 'James doesn't want to pay $35 for shipping for CdDB' to 'therefore I'm going to propose that the only reason James ordered the cuttings was because they were free, that he was defrauding the system, and that he deserves to have his credibility questioned'

I didn't make that jump, and I don't believe James did either.
Quote:
Originally Posted by eithieus
cut the drama

Exactly.

If you want a better understanding of my viewpoint, then go to Wolfskill and meet with the staff from NCGR Davis. I've been there many times.
Quote:
Originally Posted by waynea
Our tax dollars are always spent beyond our control, I am retired and still paid over $19,000 ...

I don't care how much tax dollars you paid. Honesty is priceless.


Subject: UC Davis Cuttings Replies: 49
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,501
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenFin
Thanks James.
I specified ground, too, and may cancel my order.  Free CdDB cuttings isn't really a good deal if $35 shipping gets added in.

I believe that ordering the cuttings because they are free is an abuse of the system. Basically, you're asking U.S. taxpayers as a whole to pay the labor costs.

On the cutting request form, there is a box you fill out regarding intended purpose. If you're lying about use in order to obtain a free cutting, this is fraud and I wonder about your credibility overall.

From the NCGR Davis website:
Quote:

Distribution Priorities

We ask that a statement concerning the intended use for the germplasm be provided by the requester. Timely, seasonal requests, from bona fide researchers are given first priority. Requesters seeking plant material for a germplasm exchange or because NCGR is the sole source are filled next. Other requests are honored as plant material is available.


Subject: UC Davis Cuttings Replies: 49
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,501
 
From NCGR Davis Services Page:
Quote:
Orders for dormant cuttings or budwood must be received by November 1st, and are shipped in March-April.




Subject: UC Davis Cuttings Replies: 49
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,501
 
Thanks for the heads-up, I'm waiting on Gold Manukka Grape cuttings.

Subject: Weird signs that figs have taken over your life! Replies: 30
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 1,200
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NativeSun
Ive had multiple dreams about 500 ways to torture a (A) Mockingbird , (B) Brown Thrasher...  for eating my beloved figs

If there is ripped open or rotting fruit on the tree, birds will be attracted and also peck at unripe fruit. Keep your fruit trees clean of bird "magnets". This is easier of course if you control the height of the trees.

Subject: What is the Optimum Humidity Range for Cuttings? Replies: 22
Posted By: Hermitian Views: 719
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DesertDance
...I do have part of my cuttings in a damp paper towel in a drawer.  No mold.  No roots yet.

Roots take longer to start by that method but they are serious roots when they start.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DesertDance
Planted tomato seeds this morning.

There's a good possibility here of another storm or two in March this year. I'm going to wait on annual vegetable starts for 3 weeks.