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Subject: Remember figs4fun?Time to turn this bus around! Replies: 55
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 466
 

 #4

Subject: Hi. I live in South Korea. Replies: 12
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 189
 

 안녕하세요, 그것은 여기 좋은입니다.

 당신의 식물 멋진 보세요.

 한국 보고 싶어요.  내 아내와 나 거기 있었다 몇 년 동안 대전, 인천, 그리고 톤 뒤 촌에서.

  Blue

Subject: California Rare Fruit Scion Exchange Replies: 22
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 509
 

Aaron,

  This is the CRFG Redwood Empire exchange... it's hard to tell in the photo, but each row of tables is about 14 tables deep.

[scion-exchange-tables-700_zps7yevmcji] 

Subject: Ebay Seller Replies: 15
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 537
 
No first-hand experience with the seller, but I'd tread cautiously...  previous feedback reflects dead and dried up cuttings received that bore bark that was peeling away.  The seller is located within NYC and only has Ponte Tresa and Dall 'Osso for sale, two of the historically highest netting cultivars.  What's wrong with this picture?

Subject: Coll de Dame varieties Replies: 58
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 1,068
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sas
Rafael, perhaps I started this conversation by saying that the Panache was the closest in taste to the Col de Dame Blanc. I was making an observation based on personal experience when it comes to taste and not scientific research. My background as a scientist (not figs) tells me that research by academics is much more accurate than simple observation especially if genetic tests were performed. So if a placard at the UCD fig tasting event said that "all of their research to date has led to them to believe that Panache is a Rimada within the CdD family", then I presume that it must be based on some lab research, which I take more seriously than my taste buds or what a fig looks like.




We are cut from the same cloth Sas.

I was speaking with UCD's lead research geneticist at the Wolfskill event, and shared figs (pictured below) that I had brought from my orchard with both he, and with Howard Garrison.  Howard has over 25 years with these figs, and heads up their ficus division at Davis.  
  
As we spoke, I made the same observation as you stated above, commenting on how close Panache and CdD-Blanc tasted to me.  Howard caught me totally off guard, first by telling me that the figs that I had shared were the most delicious that he has tasted; and then by directing me to the placard connecting Panache with the CdD figs.


[3e648f05-c673-4ccb-82d4-0b70e1e4e9a3_zpsgt9gmx1j] 

  



Quote:
Originally Posted by rafaelissimmo
I hate to tell people they are totally wrong but on this thread two statements are TOTALLY WRONG so here it goes: 1. Panachee is not in the Col de Dame family. It is not a Coll' de Dama Rimada, and I don't care what any placards said. ...You do not need to be an expert or a geneticist to see this. 



LOL!!!  

I should have known better than to think that I might drop back over here to assist fellow growers and to share information from a university's ficus researcher, without having my input to be met with another serving of vitriol.  What an utter waste of my time... 

I was able to share over 70 lbs of cuttings last year with other enthusiasts here on the forum, without ever placing a single item up for sale.  Since then, I have been blessed to have added an additional 160 or so wonderful cultivars to the orchard. Some of which are only in the hands of one or two other growers within the US.  For those that have spoken with me about receiving cuttings or airlayers of these rare strains, you can contact me at OurFigs.

Subject: Unknown Dark Greek Replies: 28
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 811
 


I probably have a little different path to the fig addiction than most...   I bought four very common trees from Home Depot to supplement our preparedness as a living food storage asset to prep for the possibility of the fertilizer hitting the fan.  

When the trees fruited, they were really bland.  (I had no clue that first-year trees were expected to be un-remarkable in taste)  Soooo...  I tried scouring the Inter-Web to see if there were maybe any better varieties out there.  And, kapow!!  Be careful what you might wish for!  I found the forum.  LOL!!!

Blue

Subject: Air Layer Update Replies: 3
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 83
 

The lack of root development on your Black Madeira is in keeping with the widespread belief that active leaf formation is needed to realize a like development of roots, no?

Subject: Coll de Dame varieties Replies: 58
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 1,068
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sas
FYI, when it comes to flavor, the closest fig to Col de Dame I found, is the store bought Panache from California.  


Great assessment, Sas...

At the UCD Fig Tasting last month, there was a placard next to the Panache offering, which stated that all of their research to date has led to them to believe that Panache is a Rimada within the CdD family. 

Subject: Coll de Dame varieties Replies: 58
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 1,068
 

To my taste, CdD-Blanc was much more intensely flavored than CdD-Gris. (Gris instead of Grise because the fig neck is grey, not the gal).  I have Roja growing as well, but it has yet to fruit.  It is reputed to be every bit as good as Blanc, but indeed it will cost you a pretty penny to add it to the collection.  

Subject: sending cuttings to california Replies: 4
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 139
 


Chuck,

My state AG Inspector has given me word that, even without a phytosanitary certificate, fig cuttings and bare-root fig trees will be allowed to proceed to their addressee if the exterior of the package is marked with:

"Plant Material Enclosed"
"Common Fig Tree (Panache variety)"
" -Source State, County/City- "
" AG Inspection of Contents is Authorized"

Blue

Subject: Fig Deodorant?! Replies: 5
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 74
 

Holy, Moly!!  

 My trees all smell like cat urine...  thank you, but no thank you!

Subject: UCD/USDA No More? Replies: 8
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 396
 

Bob and Scott both pegged it...  

At the fig tasting event hosted by Wolfskill on Aug 13th, John Preece, the USDA Research Leader there, explained that the ficus orders had more than doubled each of the last two years that orders were still being accepted from the public.  And, in that their "manpower" consisted of 4 or 5 students each semester, the cuttings that were taken in December to fill the orders that had been received, were still being shipped out the following June.  The vast majority of which were clearly non-viable at that point.  This also precluded the students from actually assisting in the facility's mission of collecting, preserving, evaluating, and distributing the crops assigned to them as a repository of the US National Genetic Resources Program. Thus, the decision was made to limit the orders accepted to those from research facilities. (With an exception made for scion provided to the California Rare Fruit Growers' scion exchanges)

Blue

Subject: You have to love Black Jack figs Replies: 21
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 775
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by snaglpus
The darker the fig the richer the flavor. Tomorrow, I'm going to transfer my black Jack's to my GH. It's over a 100 in there on some days.


 
    Or,   ...your welcome to vacation with them here, Dennis;   it was 104* in the shade here today.

Subject: You have to love Black Jack figs Replies: 21
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 775
 

  Hey, those are gorgeous...  very uniquely colored, Dennis! 

       I was just commenting this morning to another group of fig enthusiasts about my Black Jack sport...  and that I was shocked at how incredible this first fruit from it tasted.

  To describe the flavor, it would have to be what a divinely-rich watermelon might taste like. There was no figgy-flavor whatsoever. But rather think seven year-old Watermelon/Blackberry Brandy...  and so, from here on out, I'm going to call my little tree Black Jack's Watermelon Wine...  LOL!!

I like a lot of acid in my fruit... such that it bites back; and this fig was delicious, but much more mellow, so, simply for that reason, I'd dock it half a point, and score it a 9.5/10.



[411594f0-740a-4095-ab39-19cd3de5ab5c_zpsfa1folmv]


The skin was very thin and delicate, not at all chewy. It just disappeared in each bite of fruit.

There were open eyes and outer-skin fractures on about half of the ripe figs, and no honey-drips whatsoever. We are inundated with honey bees and Yellow-Jackets here, and I have never seen a single fruit bothered by them.

The little tree has been a robust grower for me, and it has four or five figs on every terminal branch, (eighty or so that are yet to ripen?) so I really hope to have ripe fruit to share with the members at our get-together here next month.



[a23993bc-3f88-4e3f-a8de-a990dec398e7_zps3tqb58kd]




Blue
  

Subject: Panache and Bordissot Blanca Rimada Replies: 6
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 509
 

  It's Bordissot Blanca Rimada, Nick.

  Blue

Subject: Aeroponic rooting Replies: 6
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 148
 

  I guess I'm just not as super as Mario...   I got roots to develop, and then 78 of eighty cuttings promptly rotted in the 'Death Machine'.

Subject: Pine Bark Fines in San Diego County? Replies: 9
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 198
 

  When purchasing the EarthGro bark, steer clear of the 'All Natural Bark'...   that is EarthGro's code for "we left it in the full 6" chunks that came off of the tree".  

      Their 'Decorative Groundcover' is the bark fines.

Subject: Pine Bark Fines in San Diego County? Replies: 9
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 198
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by figpig_66
Still have never seen a bag of pro mix. Is that the brand name ?


  Richie,

   Several growers have commented on Pro Mix HP's unavailability in LA.    Sunshine #4 is as close as one could possibly get to it,  plus it is $19 less a bale here.

Subject: Too much heat for new Figlets??? Replies: 19
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 382
 

  We aren't far behind you, Jodi...  the temps here are threatening to push through the 108* ceiling that has been forecast.

   I moved my grafts up into the shade of our porch when the mercury started rising.  All of them had new leaves just a week old.   They fared well for the first few days, even in this heat, but I made the mistake of allowing some of the plants to have a glimpse of sun for the last 30 minutes of the day.  (8:15 to 8:45pm)  Even that much added heat was too much for them...  all of the leaves that were hit by the sunshine were fried.   ;-(

Subject: Animal control , lo cost Replies: 6
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 321
 


  Several of us purchased the commercial version of the AirCrow the last time that we discussed it.  It was only $20 for everything... the strong commercial fan, and two dancing figures.

 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPPOYIC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

      [Dancer_zpso0bycwn9] 

   Our problem was birds destroying all sprouting seeds, so a timer kicked on the unit only during daylight hours.  If deer are the problem, the timer could be set to kick it on from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise.  The company selling the $200 units always have a $40 coupon on Amazon, and they run specials all of the time.  We used thei special price of $60, and applied the $40 coupon for an Amazon Prime delivered price of $20.   Too cheap! 

Subject: Memorial Day Replies: 7
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 194
 

For sixteen years, I was honored to daily don the uniform representing our country. So, the sacrifice of those of my brethren in arms that gave their all to ensure our continued freedoms hits very close to home, and means an incredible amount to me.

As I think of them and their sacrifice, a phrase come to mind that was penned by one far wiser than myself...

"Well done, thy good and faithful servant..."

Subject: $7 fig trees for spring/summer delivery, around 150+ varieties Replies: 775
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 28,737
 

    moeslem,    James has absolutely no control over the customs nor postal systems in foreign countries that may thwart the delivery of shipped packages abroad.    And many of us here have experienced the result of jumping through all of the legal hoops to send our cuttings overseas, only to have the recipient declare that the cuttings arrived non-viable.   AND...  after shouldering the expense and cumbersome legal burden of sending replacements abroad, we received a counterfeit cultivar back from the recipient, rather than our original cuttings.   So any guarantee that might be offered, would simply invite these said abuses.

   How about THEM figs!   

    LOL!!!!

             Blue



.

 

Subject: Italian 258 Replies: 54
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 1,965
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rafaelissimmo
I would not agree that Planera in any way resembles 258, where did you hear that?


  Whoa, whoa, whoa...    I didn't kick anyone's puppy here;  I merely stated that I was looking forward to a tasty comparison based upon the suggestion that they were one and the same.

       ...And, I stated up front that these guys were giants.   I'm a 98 lb weakling;  do you really think that I'd want them sitting on me for throwing them under the bus?   Sheesh!  ;-)

Subject: Italian 258 Replies: 54
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 1,965
 

  It has been posited by several giants in our hobby that It-258 is also known by the name Planera.    It'll be a tasty side-by-side comparison that I look forward to...

Subject: DIY engravable plant tags (how-to video) Replies: 16
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 414
 

 Andrew, the 600 that I purchased cost me $16 for shipping coast-to-coast.   

    Your question about shipping 11k got me to wondering as well...   they quoted $84,  as the shipment exceeded 100lbs.

Subject: DIY engravable plant tags (how-to video) Replies: 16
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 414
 

   I've purchased these directly from the manufacturer for half the cost of the ebay tags, as little as eight and a half cents each...    http://www.amekron.com/shop/

Subject: Softened Water ACK! Replies: 7
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 183
 

  ...On the other hand, if you added some ground black pepper and garlic to the garden watering regimen, just think of the savory veggies that might flow from the beds this year! 

Subject: 1st year plants from cutting Replies: 19
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 744
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by brianm


    ...pinching        I do it constantly...



   Yes,    but you're not supposed to enjoy it so much, Brian;       "Oh, so no figs again this year?   Take that...    (Snap!)   !!!!

Subject: Does Anyone Have Any Left Over Cuttings? Replies: 13
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 444
 

 Mario, Gregg and Rob...   the LdA is winging its way to you.

  Blue



 .

Subject: Does Anyone Have Any Left Over Cuttings? Replies: 13
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 444
 

  PM sent, Gregg.

Subject: Does Anyone Have Any Left Over Cuttings? Replies: 13
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 444
 

  I'll get some out to you, Mario.

Subject: Does Anyone Have Any Left Over Cuttings? Replies: 13
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 444
 

  ...And I have Longue de Aout cuttings that I can send you.  Their brebas are legendary.

   Blue

Subject: IT 320 fig Replies: 6
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 227
 

  I have it growing Brian,  but no figs to date.   It has been a moderately-robust grower.  

   This is the write-up on it:

     IT 320 - Purple-green fig with strawberry pulp, breba crop, medium size, round with a thick neck, medium size eye, thick smooth skin. Good to excellent flavor. (PS)

   Blue

Subject: Brebas fall off. Replies: 6
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 243
 

   The shock of transplanting, excess heat and cold can trigger fruit drop.   If your up-potting was done prior to the jettisoning, that may have been a contributing factor; or a day of high temps in the greenhouse. 

Subject: El Molino baby Replies: 11
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 320
 

  This little cultivar just keeps spreading the cheer...

      I up-potted two rooted cuttings of it into 1-gal pots on Monday myself.

Subject: Order from WellSpring Gardens? Replies: 15
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 413
 

   I've had good luck with their fig plants.   Just be aware that they use tissue culture for propagation, and so the plants will be generationally young and very small when received...  resulting in a longer period before fruit production.   Only one plant that I received out of a dozen was delivered without leaves and with a sticker on the pot reading: "dormant".   Yet, it never leafed out.

Subject: What is your experience with fungus gnats using Coconut Choir as rooting medium? Replies: 16
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 287
 

 Thanks for your input, Simon.   Has this been your experience in side-by-side rootings of the same cultivar in the different mediums?    I'll give this a try tonight.

  Brian, to combat the wet coir against cuttings, I've tilted the cup at a 45* angle and drizzled the fertigation liquid down the side of the cup, maintaining the drier coir close to the cutting.  I have not yet lost a cutting due to rot using this method.  I also place the cup into a closed ziplock bag with just the cutting extending through the bag.  This slows evaporation greatly during the first few weeks of the rooting process.  When leaves push, I gradually open the bag to the atmosphere and begin the fertigation when required to maintain the low moisture level inside the cup.

Subject: $7 fig trees for spring/summer delivery, around 150+ varieties Replies: 775
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 28,737
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rcantor


You need a train and maybe those vinyl strip doors on your tunnels for the summer.  ... it travels through a greenhouse, out into the sun and back in to another green house.  You've got switchable track so there's a path with only 2 min of sun every 3 hours but you can switch it to longer paths in the sun as needed plus adjust the speed of the train.


  Somebody definitely has way too much time on their hands to sit and ponder such things...          LOL!!! 

Subject: Why is the 'Galicia Negra'. so EXPENSIVE? Replies: 21
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 890
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kkk2210
 Does the fig police really come arround and give trouble or is it just a myth.


  It's only funny because it has basis in reality, Vinny.  Everyone that I've talked with that inadvertently purchased a plant over Ebay from abroad has been visited or was contacted by telephone.  And several people were visited due to their having been turned in by persons unknown.

Subject: Why is the 'Galicia Negra'. so EXPENSIVE? Replies: 21
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 890
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kkk2210
 Maybe they could send someone across the pond haha for family visit etc etc


   Hey...   don't let that get out!

Subject: Why is the 'Galicia Negra'. so EXPENSIVE? Replies: 21
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 890
 

  Shame on you, Vinny...     

   The OP has only been a part of the forum for three weeks and your already throwing them under the USDA truck!  

    "Sure buddy.....   those men in the green jeeps just love it when we buy the plants from overseas.  They tell us that it keeps the gene pool fresh.    Yeah,   ...yeah, that's the ticket! " 

              LOL!!!

Subject: Why is the 'Galicia Negra'. so EXPENSIVE? Replies: 21
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 890
 

   Mike,   G/N is a great tasting fig, one of the best in a lot of people's estimation.  But the cultivar is one of the very worst at rooting; so it is the old supply and demand scenario of capitalism...  there just aren't enough available to go around, so the price is what the traffic will bear.

  If you can wait until this time next year, you can get a G/N plant for $15 plus shipping:    http://www.figcuttings.com/p/custom-fig-tree-orders.html
   
   Welcome to the forum!

    Blue

Subject: Please help me find 2 small fig varieties for California Replies: 10
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 227
 

  Welcome to the forum, Sas-.    I'm north of you a tad... just above Sac.  Even with our unending sunshine during the summer, my VdB has remained under 4' for years, so it should serve your purpose well.  I second the Galicia Negra recommendation, as it and a third cultivar: Hative de Argenteuil are naturally dwarfing plants due to very small root foundations, but are terrific tasting figs.  This slow-rooting trait has a downside though...  you should get established plants of these varieties, as they are notorious for being obstinate rooters to try to start from cuttings.

Subject: My Black Madeira on BT - Update to include budding Replies: 46
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 3,107
 

  Experience is the best teacher, Raaz.  For your conditions, you're being taught that more humidity = trouble.  While you will find some growers that promote humidity chambers, like you, they caused me to experience my only fig losses due to mold.  And the transition from humidity dome to ambient humidity has to be carefully orchestrated, or you will lose a large percentage of plants at that time.

  You are finding success with budding cuttings without the humidity chambers...   if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Subject: My Black Madeira on BT - Update to include budding Replies: 46
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 3,107
 

  Well, I had a good instructor...

Subject: My Black Madeira on BT - Update to include budding Replies: 46
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 3,107
 

  Hi Raaz,

    I wouldn't assume to speak for Harvey,  but in that he stays quite busy, it may be a little while before he sees your post and is able to respond to your question.  I have sat with him at his home through several days of grafting multiple cultivars, and can give you what he taught me about relieving the sap flow.

   If fluids have begun to push through your host plant, Harvey makes several superficial cuts, just below the grafting site, through the outer bark, and just into the cambium layer.  These cuts are not quite around the entire circumference of the trunk or branch being grafted onto...  but rather they encompass about 3/4 to 7/8 of the circumference.  The several slices are just 3/8 to 1/2" below one another, and the non-incised portion are offset from one-another. (The uncut portion of each slice is not immediately above or below the next uncut portion.  If you are familiar with automobile engines, you could substitute the piston rings for the slices.  The opening of each piston ring is set 1/3 offset from the next ring on the piston)

  The plant is not kept from its watering regime.  (Don't stop the appropriate watering of the plant, but remember that the foliage is no longer present on the plant, so water requirements are drastically reduced as evapotranspiration has all but stopped.) 

Subject: Cuttings Of The Tree From The Godfather Movie Available Replies: 43
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 1,264
 

  Coop, you've outdone yourself!   Thanks so much.

    PM me with your current wish list, so that I might return the favor...   Blue

Subject: Trade! Hardwood cutting boards for figs Replies: 13
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 537
 

  Kyle,  the cutting board arrived this afternoon;    ...beautiful work!  Thanks so much.

      It was very apparent that the wife has been married to a gear-head for quite a while.   Her first response was:  Wow!  ...that's nice!   Hey,  racing stripes!!

   

      [29d3eb65-9372-493d-9ab9-a9d24b8ce8ba_zpse0tdlb2b]   

Subject: Grafting or rooting if you have hard to find cuttings Replies: 19
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 430
 

  Yes and yes...

      ...dormant scions are indeed preferred,  but I wouldn't hesitate to use what I had on-hand.   You can put the small B/M back into dormancy, in a cooler;  or do a green-wood graft.  

   http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/propagation/greenwood/index.html

Subject: Grafting or rooting if you have hard to find cuttings Replies: 19
Posted By: Bluemalibu Views: 430
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberfarmer
Would it be possible at this time of year to just snip off a cutting from the top of the BM and whip & tongue graft it onto the in-ground tree? 


   Yes Paul...  perfect time of year.  This is a B/M whip and tongue grafted onto a Calif/Improved Brn Tky:


     [Feb%2016%20Grafts%20002_zpssslo5ekq]