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Subject: A risky move to save my rooted figs Replies: 11
Posted By: Troyb Views: 724
 
I figured I'd update everyone on the outcome of this experiment. Turns out that fig cuttings can handle pretty low temperatures even when they have leafed out. All of the cuttings that were pictured lived, and grew to very large plants over the summer. Some of them did not live (there were ones not pictured), but I had a 90% success rate with the plants that were already leafed out and rooted, and an 80% success rate with the figs that were rooted in the core and directly planted in the ground (the ones that didn't live had few if any roots). This year, I am going to just plant my figs directly in the ground after I root them in core. To answer questions about what temperature fig cuttings can handle: I had them outside for a long cold snap with highs in the 40's for a few days, and lows in the high 20's for several days. They were under a cold frame, but it still registered temperatures below freezing.

Subject: A risky move to save my rooted figs Replies: 11
Posted By: Troyb Views: 724
 
The thermometer read that it reached 29, but there wasn't any frost damage. The fig cuttings are still perky and green. Good test for what they can endure for low temperatures. However, it's too soon to tell what will happen.

Subject: A risky move to save my rooted figs Replies: 11
Posted By: Troyb Views: 724
 
Still looking ok. It dropped to 40 last night. I'm most concerned about rdbd and Florea. I'll keep you posted. Tomorrow is an expected low of 34, but they are always wrong.

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Subject: A risky move to save my rooted figs Replies: 11
Posted By: Troyb Views: 724
 
I have had the worst year for cutting with more than half of them dying. The first time I did it, I used the paper towel method and then moved them to perlite filled cups. I had a very high success rate with this, especially after they were put into the cups. This year I tried three parts perlite and one part Pete Moss and rooted them directly in cups. Almost all of them started to rot, so I cut off the ends and put them in 100% perlite. Even in the perlite, they were growing roots and then suddenly succumbing to root rot. I did not overwater. Anyways, I started to see that the roots were turning brown on some of my more desirable cuttings (which was how it started with all the others that had died before them). So I said screw it, I'm planting them in the ground outside. I have excellent soil and I just made a double raised bed filled with fast draining topsoil. It's supposed to get into the mid 30s for Lows later this week, so I'm going to make a hoop house over them and cover them with blankets. My logic behind this was that if I plant them in commercial potting soil, they will most certainly die. They wouldn't make it through the first watering. I figure there are things in my soil that might just save them. At least that's what I'm hoping for. I'll let you know in a week or two whether They died anyways. They all had such weak roots anyways. I'm trying my new batch in core.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
I noticed that one of my Violette de Bordeaux cuttings was wilted due to stem rot. I'm going to try nurse root grafting to save what is left. If You notice, it is a very thin cutting and I had to cut up to the last 3 inches to avoid the stem rot. I got roots by grabbing the inside of the pot of my black mission. Thus, the quality of the routes is questionable. If this one lives, I will be creating a separate post on how to save rotted cuttings. So far it has worked for the other three that I have done, but they were not as wilted, thin, or as rotted.

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Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
Joe, I was going to ask how yours were doing. Did you put the roots in soil or perlite? I found out the term for what we're doing is nurse root grafting. It's used for harder to root plants by providing the cutting with nutrients while it forms its own roots. They usually bury the scion below the graft point in order for roots to grow. I didn't because I wanted to know that the grafted roots were stimulating the growth.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
9 days after root grafting a cutting that had developed root rot. It hasn't shown root growth yet ( I used small root pieces) but there are buds forming. The second photo shows what it looked like before. Both grafting methods are proving successful.

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Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
17 days later- all 5 of the cuttings I grafted are leafing and growing massive root systems. The one is growing roots above the soil. I even had one that was already leafing out when I took the cutting and is still green with growing roots.

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Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
18 days later- here is a picture of the tiny cutting that I just wedge grafted 2 roots into the slit. It is showing both top and bottom growth. Before and after.

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Subject: Fig trees are Growing everywhere in a small village of Sparta in Greece Replies: 6
Posted By: Troyb Views: 408
 
That was the way it was in Lake Garda region of Italy. However, the figs I picked off those trees tasted like dirt and had the consistency of sawdust. Guess the fig can fall pretty far from the tree. Great pictures!

Subject: PA Grafting Class Replies: 8
Posted By: Troyb Views: 355
 
Good to know! I was planning on joining... wish I had done it before I signed up for the $30 class.

Subject: E- bay record. Dall Osso went off $1025 Replies: 25
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,436
 
I hope it's for the tree and not the cutting! I'll wait a few years for those varieties. I do wonder how something which roots and grows so quickly can sell for such high prices. I'm wondering what makes a particular fig the new "it" fig. I'm not criticizing, I'm just curious. I'd be more than happy if I were the seller of that variety.

Subject: PA Grafting Class Replies: 8
Posted By: Troyb Views: 355
 
I figured I pass on the info for this class that's offered through the backyard Fruit Growers at Landis Valley Museum on March 28th. I already signed up for it.

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Subject: Best French Figs Replies: 12
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,087
 
I have noticed that the grafts nearer the top of the plant do oftend perform better. This occurred when I purchased an espaliered apple tree that had 6 different grafts - one for each branch of the teir. However, I would say that 4-5 of the 6 did do well, and that the main problem was the lower branches were getting shaded out. I think it could be more successful if I get a multistem trunk and try to graft them at the same height. I'm pretty good at pruning though, so I'd be curious to see if diligence could help keep the other branches going strong. I do like the frankenfig! I wish I had that climate. Thanks for the cautions though. The project may just be a flop, but in the meantime, I'll gain skills and new varieties.

Subject: Best French Figs Replies: 12
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,087
 
OttawanZ5 - Thanks for the list, that's really helpful. Bill, I've been seeing that the CDD series is very popular, I think that sounds like a good place to start. Thanks for the input.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
Nice pictures Joe! I think you should start seeing root growth in 2 weeks if its warm. I know what you mean about it being easy. It feels like it's too simple for it to be successful, and that it has to be wrong. Maybe the root growth I'm seeing is just a fluke, but I think it works.
I'm glad people are finding this useful, Thanks for the comments.

Subject: Best French Figs Replies: 12
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,087
 
I would like to graft a tree that has all of the best french fig varieties on it. I only have 3 varieties so far (RDBD, VDBD, and Kathleen Black in the mail). I would like to use the most vigorous for the rootstock and go from there. From what I've read, Kathleen Black is very vigorous but it needs to be pruned to really produce well. I thought this might be a good base. Any thoughts? I then want the most flavorful and diverse flavors to graft onto it. This is obviously going to take some time, but I would like to start the project at the end of summer or spring 2016. I am trying to collect the best ones in the meantime. What types would you recommend?
Also, If I wanted to do one that was done with cold tolerant varieties, what types would you use?

Subject: What low temperatures are safe for rooted cuttings? Replies: 6
Posted By: Troyb Views: 320
 
I guess I'll try one at a time like you are doing. I'm worried they will die if I leave them indoors any longer. They have lost almost all of their leaves due to some bug infestation. I sprayed them down with an organic pesticide, but they are still looking sad. Thanks for the reply.

Subject: What low temperatures are safe for rooted cuttings? Replies: 6
Posted By: Troyb Views: 320
 
In pa, we'd have to wait until July for those type of temperatures.

Subject: New here with questions! Replies: 12
Posted By: Troyb Views: 559
 
I'd avoid vermiculite. All of the cuttings that I have added a 1/5th vermiculite to have not been drying out, which has caused several to rot.

Subject: What low temperatures are safe for rooted cuttings? Replies: 6
Posted By: Troyb Views: 320
 
I have two cuttings that I've been routed since January. I'm seeing that low temperatures are going to be staying above freezing for the next 10 days. That means that my greenhouse can be kept above 50 at night with limited heating expense. I will probably have highs in the 90s and lows in the 50s. Will this be safe for my new plants? By the way, they look like they're suffering indoors.

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Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
Good luck! Post pictures, I didn't think about the green ones.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
Joe, I'm not getting too exact. I just shave the roots into a wedge and stick them in under the bark. Today's cuttings were also pretty dirty from the soil. No sterilization either. I am limited in my mobility so I'm being rather sloppy. We'll see if it matters.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
I am trying to save the wilted trees. I root grafted the on the cambium after I cut the rooted cutting above the soil line. I left one cutting with leaves as a test, but cut off the new growth on the other 2.

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Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
New grafts. I took pictures of how I root grafted 1 to 2 node cuttings using an older cutting. I got 4 possible plants off of one 8 inch cutting. I used smaller prices of root and used 2 methods. I also did one on the node rather than the internode.

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Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
I found new roots growing on them all! The reason I'm hoping this proves to be successful is what's happening to my already rooted cuttings. I think that I'm in the clear and then suddenly they wilt and die. It happened 1st to my lyndhurst white, then I found rotting on almost all of my cuttings and was fourced to cut off the rot and wait again for them to root. My Kathleen black had a beautiful root system and suddenly rotted and wilted. I know that it's not related to over-watering because I have not touched them and Have allowed them to go dry. I think that the batch of Pete Moss must've had some bacteria in it. So as the count of lost figs continues, I am more motivated to find something that works better for me. I will only use perlite in the future, and I'm going to try root grafting on older cuttings today.

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Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
Pino, I'm going to probably score the tape when I repot them this spring. Since I'm still experimenting, I'll probably take the tape off of one completely to see how they scarred.

I'm glad people are trying this! I'm really happy that Grasas did this 3 years ago and documented the process because there is very little information out there regarding root grafting. I don't think Grasas has been on for a few months. If he would sign in, he could probably answer all these questions. I'm glad people are liking the posts though. I'm really excited about the process. I think it might be the propagation technique for the impatient.

Subject: Cuttings at 3 1/2 months Replies: 44
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,063
 
Wow, those figs look like they're on steroids. I am going to have to use grow lights next year, that looks like a nice setup.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
Danny,
I'm thinking that the grafting method that places the root against the cambium might be more successful. I forgot to mention that the first one that I did with the small cutting using wedge grafting is showing no signs of growth. Granted it is still pretty early and it was a very thin scion and root. If I had more roots to mess with, I would experiment with very short pieces of cutting to see if I could get away with only using a terminal bud and one internode. I also might try just using one or 2 wedge grafts only to see if that method can be successful. Good luck!

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
Here's the update... Four of the 6 cuttings are starting to bud at day 6. Here's a photo of one of them. All of them are buried up to the graft, so the only moisture the cutting would be getting other than the roots would be from the humidity in the air. This makes me think the roots are working.
As far as tools, I'm afraid I used a rusty exacto knife that was still sharp. I will eventually get a grafting knife, but maybe I'll ask for it as a birthday gift since for some odd reason my family says I'm hard to shop for (they could get me a fig cutting and I'd be happy).

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Subject: New member from Maryland Replies: 22
Posted By: Troyb Views: 629
 
Welcome, it's a great site to be a part of. I'm new to it also, but have already learned a lot.

Subject: Great deal on Grafting Tool Replies: 35
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,283
 
I grafted 3 branches on my fig using the same principles as this tool. I think it might not be the graft as much as the length of the cutting for that method. The longer the stem, the quicker it dried out. The one that took was only about 2 inches and completely covered in wax. I'm new to grafting though, so I might just be talking out of my ars. I'll still probably get it this spring for messing with other fruit trees. Thanks for the post.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
Aaron, that's an interesting video, it gives me an idea for my brown turkey fig. I just have to find more cuttings after the ground thaws.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
To be honest, I didn't think much about where I placed the roots. However, it is harder to cut around the node and it would be more difficult to peel back the bark. I can try both in the future. I'll see how this batch works.

Subject: cuttings with roots but no leaves Replies: 28
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,528
 
That's good to hear. I have one right now that is loaded with roots, but no sign of leafing out anytime soon.

Subject: What are the best grafting methods? Replies: 19
Posted By: Troyb Views: 882
 
I do think cleft grafting is the easiest by far. I will be curious to see what takes. It looks like the saddle graft I did 3 weeks ago is budding. I just used a plastic tie and beeswax. The other 2 dried up- not a surprise as the wax wasn't fully covering the graft.

Subject: cuttings with roots but no leaves Replies: 28
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,528
 
Just curious if and when it finally leafed out. If you can remember from almost 2 years ago:)

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
http://rfcarchives.org.au/Next/CaringForTrees/RootGrafting9-91.htm

Here's an interesting article on how to do it.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
My phone autocorrects and I hadn't noticed. Thanks, I'll keep an eye out

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
I tried several methods with 3 different varieties- black mission, green ischia, and lSU purple- all onto Chicago hardy roots (first picture). I tried wedge grafting and t grafting. One I only did wedge, 2 I did wedge and t, 2 I did t only, and the mission I did one wedge and one t higher up- this one is also starting to leaf out. I put them all in perlite filled cups. I'll keep you posted.

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Subject: Fig leaves aren't just for the dogs! Replies: 10
Posted By: Troyb Views: 408
 
I'm finding several studies that are showing that it lowers cholesterol and is showing promise in increasing insulin sensitivity for diabetics. But, you're right, if you have a latex allergy and/or are sensitive to the sap, it would not be wise to eat it. The new leaves that I ate did not have any sap. I guess the same caution could be used for under-ripe fruit.

Subject: peach flavor figs. Replies: 56
Posted By: Troyb Views: 2,321
 
Thanks Bill, I remember you talking about a Fig that your daughter thought was a peach. You must of been talking about cddg before we move onto sodus. Great, I just added another to the list.

Subject: Fig leaves aren't just for the dogs! Replies: 10
Posted By: Troyb Views: 408
 
I'll be interested to hear your opinion on both fresh and cooked.

Subject: peach flavor figs. Replies: 56
Posted By: Troyb Views: 2,321
 
I remember bigbadbill telling me that cole de dam Gris tasted like peaches... I shouldn't quote though because I probably have it wrong. He mentioned so many varieties that my head was spinning. That one stood out though because after talking to him I wanted to get it. Please correct me Bill.

Subject: Fig leaves aren't just for the dogs! Replies: 10
Posted By: Troyb Views: 408
 
I think other varieties may taste different. I ate a green ischia and it was sweeter. I agree with the celery taste though, I think it was more noticeable in the brown turkey.

Subject: Fig leaves aren't just for the dogs! Replies: 10
Posted By: Troyb Views: 408
 
After reading from several sources on the Internet along with other forum members, I decided to eat my first Fig leaf. Long have fig leaves been a delicacy for my two dogs. I would always yell at them to stop eating the leaves because I figured they were just trying to choke something down in order to vomit. Not to mention I value my figs and prefer they have leaves. Alas, my dogs had something right. Most people liken the smell of fig leaves to cat Pee. I personally think they have more of a fruity scent, almost like the fig fruit. That being said, you might not be able to trust my description of what the fig leaves actually tastes like.
I picked a leaf that has been growing in my little fig propagation area. It was the second leaf in so it was rather small and new. I collected it from a brown turkey (I don't care if they get stressed out). To me, it tasted like the rind of the fruit if all the center had been scraped out. It is sweet and a little bit nutty and the aftertaste is a slight bitter floral taste. I actually really liked it, and will probably be adding it to my salad once I have some fresh leaves growing regularly. Bon appétit!

Subject: Violet de Bordeaux vs petite negra fig Replies: 24
Posted By: Troyb Views: 3,574
 
I'd love to be the person to track that, but my cuttings are thinner than pencils right now, so it may take a few years. I'm sure others have some larger vdb since it's pretty common. However, I'm surprised your pn grew so much considering all of the sites describe it as a dwarf. Must be the Texas heat, the figs have got to love that.

Subject: Sodus Sicilian Replies: 59
Posted By: Troyb Views: 3,162
 
I'll look forward to hearing more. It's really neat how people on this site have saved so many cool fig varieties from extinction. Who knows what would have happened to Sodus Sicilian if you hadn't found it. It may prove to be the hardiest fig yet.

Subject: Root grafting Replies: 60
Posted By: Troyb Views: 1,819
 
That's true John, I was thinking about some of the good varieties that people have been complaining about rooting. I personally am focusing on the figs that are almost 2 months in with no roots. I just read about Sodus cuttings that are very hard to root .

Subject: Early Bird Award Replies: 5
Posted By: Troyb Views: 308
 
I would like to just see ground. Can't help but notice the green grass behind your fig. I'll look forward to seeing the first figs you have too.