Register  |   | 
 
Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Search > All posts by Axier
 
 


The search returned 207 posts

Only find topics started by Axier
   
Topics  |  Posts
Subject: Col de Dame Blanc and Coll de Dama Blanca Replies: 14
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,087
 
IMHO, Coll de Dama is the king of figs. A well ripened Coll de Dama is the best.
Unfortunately, it is a very late fig and it is difficult in my climate to get a well ripened one.
CDD Blanca and Negra are similar.

Subject: Col de Dame Blanc and Coll de Dama Blanca Replies: 14
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,087
 
Scott, thanks for making me author of that web site :-), but I am not.

That web site is of Xon2000, an old member of figs4fun.
For those with doubts, Col de Dame Blanc and Coll de Dama Blanca, Col de Dame Noir and Coll de Dama Negra are the same variety.
"Col de Dame" is the French name and "Coll de Dama" is the Catalan name, not the Spanish name, because it is a Catalan and Balearic variety.

"Col", "Coll", and "Cuello" are the respectives names in French, Catalan and Spanish.

Don't confound with "Cuello de Dama Blanca" it is a completely different spanish variety:

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/show_single_post?pid=1280377459&postcount=15

Subject: "De La Reina MP" a promising variety Replies: 58
Posted By: Axier Views: 7,800
 
They are very close, I agree, but to say that they are the same, I don't.
The fruit is close to "Albacor Comuna" or even "Black Mission", but they are not the same.
Montserrat has much experience and a very professional method to identify his figs and I trust him completely.
He says that De la Reina MP is originated in a very small and isolated village of Majorca.
Can anybody explain how DLR MP arrived to USA decades ago?
Because if I am not wrong, KB was discobered years ago to fig collectors by Gene, who found the fig from an elder woman and from an old tree in USA.
I see a VERY inprobable connection between DLR and KB.
By the way, I am sure that DLR Leon's source and mine are the same, and my DLR grows healthy and like weed, the ethernal song of FMV...

Subject: "De La Reina MP" a promising variety Replies: 58
Posted By: Axier Views: 7,800
 
I doubt that KB and "De la Reina" are the same variety.
As Rewton says, De La Reina seems to be very productive, on the other hand, I don't know any fig less productive than KB, I will remove my KB. After several years in ground, no figs so far!!

Subject: "De La Reina MP" a promising variety Replies: 58
Posted By: Axier Views: 7,800
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Axier
I want to emphasize that, only "De la Reina MP" is the true one. There are others "De la Reina" which are or not the above mentioned.

It is important to be rigorous in these questions or we will end with several "De La Reina" all around.

Moreover, Monserrat Pons is very cautious with this matter and he doesn't want to distribute his varieties if it is not guaranteed their true origin in the distribution network. To be rigorous with this matter is good for everybody.

By the way, MP has many other excellent and, in some cases, unique varieties which could be distributed in the near future.



There are many "Reina" or "De la Reina" in Spain.
"De la Reina MP" is originated in Majorca, and currently it is found only there.

Subject: Sucrete- what a surprise!!!! (a Replies: 8
Posted By: Axier Views: 641
 
I agree, I've been saying it for some time.
It is a must have fig. In my opinion, the biggest drawback is that it is a bit late ripening.
I am referring to Sucrette from Baud, not from UCD.

Subject: LdA exploded! Replies: 27
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,004
 
It is from the book "Figues" of Pierre Baud:

http://www.amazon.fr/Figues-Pierre-Baud/dp/2952380007/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411547063&sr=8-2&keywords=figues+pierre+baud

I think that it is currently no longer available.

Subject: LdA exploded! Replies: 27
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,004
 
Ok, I may precipitated in my view, I can be wrong, of course!

I am not saying that your fig is not LdA, I am saying that it doesn't seem to me like a LdA.
In any case, I would have to see more pictures.

You can see pictures of my LdA in this old post (6 years ago!):

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/longue-daout-pics-2976855?

You can see too the Pierre Baud description:

Longue d'Aout.jpg 




Subject: LdA exploded! Replies: 27
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,004
 
Greenfig, IMHO, your figs and plant don't seem to be LdA.
The figs shape and size don't match, and the leaves seem to be different as well.
My LdA don't split in that manner, despite my humid climate.

Subject: De la Reina Replies: 14
Posted By: Axier Views: 863
 
In those circunstances, a 7 is not so bad...

Subject: De la Reina Replies: 14
Posted By: Axier Views: 863
 
There are many "De la Reina" in Spain, completely different between them.
For that reason it is important to clarify the origin of your "De la Reina".

Subject: Princesa (take note of this name) Replies: 22
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,016
 
Princesa: I have just tasted two figs from a potted plant, it is not enough to judge the quality. So far, I agree with Harvey, a good fig but not a top fig for me. Sweet but not a complex taste, plain sweet, just what I don't like of a fig.
In any case, as I have said, it is soon for a conclusion, will see next year...

Planera: The figs have not ripened yet. You have my opinion in my first post. If it confirms this year, it is an excellent fig.

Here you are Planera pictures

By the way, Planera is from Balearic Islands, from Montserrat's collection.

Subject: Princesa (take note of this name) Replies: 22
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,016
 
Harvey, ironically my labels are yellow. I think that black birds don't worry with my yellow labels, they dig the soil and sometimes they do it so strongly that they remove the labels. Fortunately it is infrequent.
I put the labels half buried, between the soil and pot wall.

Subject: Princesa (take note of this name) Replies: 22
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,016
 
Neil, you are right, Princesa has not deep red flesh. I have just realized of my mistake.
I have tasted my first true Princesa and it is not the fig I described in my initial post.
The fig which I described is the variety "Planera", also from Montserrat Pons. 
The origin of my mistake are two labels I took from the soil beside Princesa and Planera pots. I put them misplaced, Planera had the "Princesa" label and viceversa. 
I am very careful with identifications but sometimes black birds remove the labels from the pots when they are searching bugs in the pot soil. Usually, the label is only moved and remains in the pot, but in this case, the two labels were removed, and I was not right putting the labels again.
I keep my pots all year outdoor in my orchard, black birds "care" for them, removing labels and eating figs ;-)

Sorry for my mistake.

Subject: De La Reina (MP) 2014 Replies: 10
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,065
 
Thank you Leon.
I have De la Reina MP for second year now, but no figs yet.
Very interesting to see your pictures and comments. 

Subject: Grise de Saint Jean (P) 2014 Replies: 6
Posted By: Axier Views: 993
 
Nice figs Leon!
GdSJ has the best quality brevas I have tasted, and in quantity.
You are right, it is not a very productive variety for main crop, but it improves year by year. GdSJ is a variety to be patient with it, but it is a must have variety in my opinion.

Subject: col de dame gegantina??? Replies: 4
Posted By: Axier Views: 549
 
I am from North of Spain, and you are right, the weather here is cloudy and rainy along the year, but with decent mild summers.

Depending on variety, we can crop excellent taste figs, mainly early varieties.
Very late varieties are not good for our climate.

Subject: col de dame gegantina??? Replies: 4
Posted By: Axier Views: 549
 
Pictures from the book "Las higueras de las islas Baleares", published with the permission of the author, Montserrat Pons©

CDDGegantina.jpg  CDDGegantina3.jpg CDDGegantina2.jpg

Subject: Princesa Replies: 13
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,217
 
I bear out what Bass says, Princesa is a Montserrat's favorite, and he has hundreds of varieties!
I have tasted this year two Princesa brevas, they were sweet but nothing special. 
I hope that main crop will be much better. Many times, brevas have nothing to do with main crops.

Subject: --- Got the fig books! Replies: 18
Posted By: Axier Views: 753
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by greenfig
Axier, Thank you for the link, I was not aware of the Spanish edition. That would be easier for me read. Would you know how Pons distributes his cuttings in Europe? There is a cutting request form on his website, strangely enough in English (why in English? ).


I am sorry, but I don't know how Montserrat distributes his cuttings in Europe.
I have exchanged cuttings with him but not through his website.

By the way, congratulations for your free book from Amazon! :-)

Subject: --- Got the fig books! Replies: 18
Posted By: Axier Views: 753
 
Greenfig, yes,  there is an Spanish versión of Pon's book:

http://www.amazon.es/Las-higueras-Islas-Baleares-experimentaci%C3%B3n/dp/8461582152

Subject: Sucrette (from P. Baud nursery) Replies: 20
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,902
 
Leon, in the meantime Bass replies, I have to say that despite the disastrous past year* for figs, a few Sucrette figs got to ripe in October and, as always, they were delicious. Even in rainy and cool weather, they achieve a good ripening point.
In any case, Sucrette is a bit late variety.

* the past year was very bad for figs due to a exceptionally very long, cold and rainy spring here.
This caused a very delayed and deficient ripening in the most of my figs.

Subject: what's better than Black Madeira? Replies: 66
Posted By: Axier Views: 3,420
 
Simply, IMHO the best fig doesn't exist.
What is the most beautiful woman (or man) in the world? The tastiest food? the...
One person, one opinion.
I long ago gave up on finding the best fig based on the opinions of others.
Of course, I appreciated a lot this kind of topic and it helps a lot, but I have concluded that the best fig I will find tasting it myself. And it will be the best fig for me, but very probably, not for my wife (it is true!).

Coming back for your question, unfortunately I have not tasted Black Madeira yet. I can't opine.
After several years tasting figs, new varieties still continue to surprise me, I continue my search.

By the way, the best fig for me so far is a well ripened (it is not easy in my climate) Coll de Dama.

Subject: Spaghnum Moss rooting question Replies: 20
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,735
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rafaelissimmo
In any event a member has recommended I bathe my cuttings in a fungicide called Chinol (8-Hydroxyquinoline) he says it works very well for him.


Rafael, as you know, I've used Chinosol for years, and is the best fungicide for cuttings I've had. 
Very rarely (almost never) I have problems with mold or rot. 
I use the bag method to initiate roots, once the first roots appear, move to a plastic cup with tree bark compost. Very airy and loose. 
 
This is the way I do: 
 
First dip the cuttings in a 0.1% Chinosol solution, I keep the cuttings for about 15 minutes. I take two paper towels and place them next
 
[20140207_191625b_zps2d90fcc5] 
After removing the cuttings, I dip a paper napkin in the solution, and let it drain for a few seconds.

[20140207_191805b_zps3374a540] 
[20140207_191818b_zpsf3cfb5df] 
I wrap the cuttings with this wet napkin,

[20140207_191914b_zps06af6cc1] 
and then with a dry napkin, so I get a suitable humidity level.

[20140207_191948b_zps0e416559] 


[20140207_192000b_zps0fe823c5] 

[20140207_192316b_zps6ec9d4e5]

Then I insert it in a zip bag and leave until roots start.

[20140207_192510b_zpsed743c67] 
 
Very easy and mold does not appear. The key is Chinosol.
Maybe other fungicides will get similar results but Chinosol is my favorite for cuttings.
 
I take a look every few days, and if necessary, slightly moisten the towel with a few drops of water.

Subject: Noire de Caromb fig Replies: 40
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,916
 
My KB is also from Gene, it is the true KB without doubt.
The time and my patience for demonstrating anything has ended for my KB.
I don't doubt that it is a good variety, but not for my climate.

Subject: Noire de Caromb fig Replies: 40
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,916
 
I have both, Noire de Caromb and KB, and neither of two has produced any fig yet. Despite KB has several years and 7 ft high.
I will remove it this year. I like easy figs, not this one.

It is interesting what P. Baud says about NdC in his book "Figues":

"Elle n'a cependant pas une grande productivité dans toutes les regions et présente un "effet terroir"."

Translated: "However, it doesn't have a big productivity in all regions and it has an "Effet terroir".
"Effet terroir" is a French saying to name the different behavior of a variety in different environments, sometimes not easily identifiable the cause.

It is the only fig that P. Baud says this.

In my case, it has a marked negative "effet terroir".

Subject: Dangerous Beetle Pests Replies: 26
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,339
 
I live in SW Europe and, as far as I know, we haven't new foreign beetles, I have never seen a beetle damaging fig woods. Just some inoffensive green Cetonia beetle on souring/rotten figs.

Subject: Princesa (take note of this name) Replies: 22
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,016
 
Me too!
I have one potted plant and several vigorous grafted branches of Princesa, I hope they will fuit next year.

(I wrongly wrote in my first post that I received it the past winter, It is false, It was two winters ago.
Time flies and my memory too!)

Subject: Princesa (take note of this name) Replies: 22
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,016
 
Princesa is a fig which I received from Montserrat Pons two winters ago.
Although he has it in his collection, it is not from Balear islands, it is from Servicio de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en la finca La Orden in Badajoz, Spain. It is, between other things, a fig germplasm repository.
Years ago, he personally received Princesa from researchers of this center.

When I asked Montserrat for varieties he could recommend to me. He told me without doubt Princesa (in addition to other varieties). He says that it is one of his best figs.

I rooted and grafted it past year, and I can taste just one fig, but surprisingly, it was delicious, the best of all the figs I tasted this season, despite it has been an horrible year for figs here.

It was green with deep red flesh, it reminded me to Italia 258. Unfortunately I didn't take pictures.

Don't forget the name...

P.D:
- Princesa is not in Montserrat's book
- Be careful, like other spanish fig names, "Princesa" is used for other different varieties too. There are several varieties with the same name. "Princesa" means "princess"

Subject: Looking for Col De Dame Noir Cuttings Replies: 19
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,220
 
Cuello de Dama has nothing to do with Coll de Dama, despite it means the same in Spanish and Catalan.
Cuello de Dama is mainly used for dried figs, Coll de Dama for fresh eating.
Cuello de Dama is very sweet, but in my opinion the taste of Coll de Dama is much better and tasty.

Here you are Cuello de Dama figs (forget the middle picture with several different figs on a dish, it is a decorative picture):

http://cadalsovive.blogspot.com.es/2010/09/los-higos-de-cuello-dama.html

and here, thousands of Cuello de Dama figs during drying process:

[IMG_2844_716_4]

More Cuello de Dama pictures:

[productosDeLaTierra_09]

[productosDeLaTierra_10]

[DSC01197]

[HIGOS]

Subject: Can a rootstock advance ripening in figs? Replies: 24
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,777
 
Rewton, some figs ripened a few days later I took the picture (many days before usual CDD ripening date), three figs are ripening yet, at a similar stage as other inground CDD tree.
I would not dare to draw conclusions, but I think it deserves more trials, I will do it.

Jon, as I said, fig grafting is an unknown, uninvestigated and very interesting matter.

Subject: Longue D'Aout (2013) Replies: 16
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,309
 
Thank you for the feedback, Leon.
I never tire of saying that Longue d'Aout is one of the "must have" varieties.
It is outstanding.

Subject: Can a rootstock advance ripening in figs? Replies: 24
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,777
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rewton
Axier, thanks for starting this interesting thread.  Besides the Bakio you mention, I wonder what other varieties have characteristics suitable for slowing/dwarfing growth of fast growing varieties.  Perhaps Petite Negri is another?  I ask this because I don't have a lot of space but would like to grow several different varieties in the ground.  I suppose another obvious characteristic for any rootstock is lack of FMV symptoms.


Petite Negri, Dalmatie, maybe Negronne...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Luke
Would you mind linking me to your grafting technique please, I would like to give it a try also. Thanks,


http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/english-translation-of-axiers-how-to-graft-an-adult-fig-tree-4504717

Figs are easy for grafting, any technique will make.

This one works fine too:

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/simple-stepbystep-grafting-5830743

Quote:
Originally Posted by pako
Axier,that is very interesting for me.
Do you think is possible to graft CdD Negra on Brunswick?


No problem, you can combine whatever variety you want.
I don't know incompatibilities with figs so far.

Subject: Can a rootstock advance ripening in figs? Replies: 24
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,777
 
You're right Martin, as I said before, anything can happen yet, and it is soon for celebrations. 
But one thing is clear so far, Coll de Dama grows in a very different manner when grafted in this rootstock. 

Subject: Can a rootstock advance ripening in figs? Replies: 24
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,777
 
In this case, chip budding. 
Once the graft is settled, it doesn't matter the graft type used. 

Subject: Can a rootstock advance ripening in figs? Replies: 24
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,777
 
Of course, rootstock effect is very important regarding vigor, Coll de Dama is a vigorous grower and grafted on Bakio is of low vigor and slow growing.
On the contrary, past year, I grafted Bakio on an adult and vigorous tree I have in ground, and it grows much more vigorous than on own roots.

Years ago, I had Coll de Dama in a pot (own roots) and I didn't notice an special advance in ripening.
I think that the "pot effect", regarding ripening, is limited.

In any case, you are right that the real test is when it is in the ground. For now, I will see how it ripens in the pot.

Subject: Can a rootstock advance ripening in figs? Replies: 24
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,777
 
Yes, if I am right, it is very interesting, but one should be cautious with expectations.
Sometimes figs change color and, before ripening, fall.
I will make sure soon, I cross my fingers...

Subject: What are the Best Varieties from Spain Replies: 38
Posted By: Axier Views: 4,006
 
Thank you Leon, I agree with your opinion regarding Negra d'Agde.
An erratic producer and insipid figs, a expendable variety, at least in my climate.

Subject: Can a rootstock advance ripening in figs? Replies: 24
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,777
 
The use of fig rootstocks is a world for discovering. Unlike the use of grape rootstocks, well known and tested, with figs there is not information and trials.

It is known that some grape rootstocks can advance ripening, besides other advantages.
I grafted Coll de Dama Negra (a very late variety) on an unknown local variety which I named "Bakio".
Bakio is somewhat dwarf tree, slow growing, and early variety.
It is in an small pot and to my amazement, the figs are turning color now and it is probably that they ripen soon. It is in a similar stage as Ronde de Bordeaux, the earliest variety I have so far.
On own roots, Coll de Dama Negra ripens in mid October here, Ronde de Bordeaux in late August (this year, later)
Moreover, this year figs are two weeks delayed due to a cold spring.

I wonder if rootstock is causing this advance. It is also said that poted figs ripen a bit earlier.
I will see soon if these figs ripen adequately, It could be a false alarm.

The winters are mild here, so the pot was always outdoor, in the same environment as inground and own roots Coll de Damas.

Here a yesterday picture.

[3jvq]

Subject: Fig of the day - Sucrette 08-26-2013 Replies: 11
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,890
 
In my opininon, according to the pictures (I can be wrong, of course!), it is not the same as Baud's Sucrette.
Baud's Sucrette is, by far, the best green fig I have so far.

Subject: Got a call from USDA!!! Replies: 80
Posted By: Axier Views: 3,708
 
I don't want to intrude in USA laws, I think that it is very understandable that USDA controls these things. But in this globalized world, I think that beetle will arrive in USA sooner or later, and probably through a llegal import.
By the way, I live in Europe and I have never seen that beettle.
On the other hand, I think that the most of the best varieties are already in USA, and probably, most of them arrived in the last 10 years... through "illegal" imports.

Subject: higo reina rayado = reine rayée, spanish one Replies: 4
Posted By: Axier Views: 445
 
I agree with you, except for wasps. In South Spain there are wasps.
South Spain has a Mediterranean climate, but caprified figs there are not popular in Spain, as opposed to other Mediterranean country, Turkey.

Subject: higo reina rayado = reine rayée, spanish one Replies: 4
Posted By: Axier Views: 445
 
De la Reina rayado? I never heard so far.
Strange variety...
(rayado=stripped)
Be careful, he sells seeds, not cuttings (except for request).

Note, as I have said many times, that in Spain there are many "De la Reina" figs, but different varieties.

Subject: De La Reina Replies: 28
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,102
 
Ok, if you are sure that it is not a Ronde de Bordeaux, I believe you.
In any case, they look nice! 

Subject: De La Reina Replies: 28
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,102
 
These leaves are similar to Ronde de Bordeaux, mndelcu, I would bet that your fig is a Ronde de Bordeaux. 
Spanish nurseries are a disaster labelling figs, somebody heard "ronde" and wrote "Reina";-) 
Believe me, don't trust Spanish nurseries regarding figs. 

Subject: De La Reina Replies: 28
Posted By: Axier Views: 2,102
 
Mnedelcu, nice figs, but those black figs seem to be Ronde de Bordeaux, not De La Reina.
At least not De La Reina MP (Montserrat Pons), in Spain there are several "De La Reina" figs, but different between them, because of this I put "MP".

De La Reina MP



My Ronde de Bordeaux:



More details about De La Reina MP:
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/quotDe-La-Reina-MPquot-a-promising-variety-5646757

Subject: Noire de Barbentane Replies: 8
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,668
 
Nice figs Leon! 
Glad to know that NdB performs well in your place. 
P. Baud always mentions NdB like an excellent fig. 
In my climate it is prone to splitting due to humidity. 
In any case, I am trying it on other less vigorous rootstock. 

Subject: Les Figueres book+RdB pics+garden Pics. Replies: 4
Posted By: Axier Views: 489
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by eden13
Lol Mike, no problem I will translate for you asGoogles I learn Galician. Figs are Ronde de Bordeaux.

Eden, it is not galician, it is catalan. Just in case you use Google translator. 

Subject: Longue D'Aout almost there! Replies: 27
Posted By: Axier Views: 1,221
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by timgoodin
Wow as large as an apple....Now that is a fig!  Is it void in the middle or pretty solid?

Definitely one to add to the wish list.  Thanks for sharing, keep us updated on this giant fig.



It is dense:
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Longue-dAout-pics-2976855

An excellent fig, a must have

Subject: Best green fig? Replies: 7
Posted By: Axier Views: 933
 
Baud`s Sucrette, Sucrette from UCD seems to be different.
BS is for me the best green fig with no doubt.