Best Figs for Michigan

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dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1338912466	Reply with quote #1

I'm looking for someone to recommend what the best figs are for Michigan growing in Pots. Anyone else here have experience and can shed some light on this. I would like a fig that produces and ripens large great tasting figs. I don't want to become a collector, so I need the top 3. Althought I have to admit, I have a collection started. It happens to all of us I guess........... __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1338916952	Reply with quote #2

It does happen to all of us. :) One of the top will have to be a desert king. You get the breba crop so it's early. After that there are other threads listing early or short season figs. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg1022365116571.html And the 2 pinned to the top http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Ripening-order-2858750 http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Best-figs-at-your-location-4800578 Another option is extending your season. You can do that with a greenhouse, hoop house or 1 or 2 250 watt halogen lamps aimed at the unlit side of a fig in an E, S, or W window. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1338948847	Reply with quote #3

Thanks Bob. Appreciate you steering me in the right direction. I studied the posts. I put together a listing and gave each variety a check mark when it was listed. A rough count showed these to be at the top, but not necessarily for Michigan. Since I'll be growing them in pots, It shouldn't matter too much. I should've mentioned I'm between Toledo and Detroit. 1. Hardy Chicago 2. Marseilles vs Black 3. Celeste 4. Violette de Bordeaux/Negronne 5. Brown Turkey Now the one I'm missing is Marseilles vs Black. Is there a difference between Marseilles VS and Marseilles vs Black? Sal's, Stella, & Desert King seem to be popular as well. __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1338950460	Reply with quote #4

A lot of people diss your #5 but a lot of people like it. Are you avoiding light colored figs? The Desert King will be earlier than any you have listed. I think you can do better than #3. There's a few improved Celestes - O'Rourke is one and Improved Celeste is another. Flanders is a good, early light fig. Even better would be a Kathleen Black if you can find one. There are a few Sal's and Sal's EL is most often mentioned as the best but you can find some comments saying another's better. All of them are somewhat similar to HC (#1) HC can be grown in the ground. Without protection it will die back to the ground but regrow and produce figs every year. I don't know if protection will prevent dieback in your climate. If you're willing to drive to Toronto, this guy has some great offerings. In fact, if you go I'd like you to get some for me! I'd be sure the M VS was a black fig. Most of the Marseilles figs are white. VS is the source. It's policy to not out the sources :) __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

OttawanZ5

Registered:1192897779
Posts: 2,551

Posted 1338951198	Reply with quote #5

'Marseilles VS' and 'Marseilles vs Black' are the same fig, Black. VS stand for Herman's initials. It is my fig insurance plant here is zone 5 in pots. The top four in rcantor list are good my area and ripen relatively early compared to most others and I will add SAL (EL) and Natalina. The problem is (but it is really not a problem at all) that the fruits of all these are almost the same size and similar in looks (with minor differences). __________________ Ottawan-Z5a, Canada

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1338952076	Reply with quote #6

Thanks guys. The more I read into it the more I learn..... Sounds like the Sal's might be too close to HC to worry about getting. I need a Desert King I think. Honestly, I would love to go to Toronto. We were thinking of going to Niagra Falls this summer, maybe a side trip to Toronto may be a good adventure! My Celeste isn't anything too special. I was somewhat surprised to see it on so many lists. I do want some variety in my collection! __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

Dieseler

Registered:1215735852
Posts: 8,252

Posted 1338953067	Reply with quote #7

Sals and Hardy Chicago are not close in my opinion . Sals is more productive and is a very good tasting sweet fig. Hardy Chicago little less productive but to me even better than Sals as it is a rich tasting fig exactly as Ray Givens describes it in his video. Thats in my climate.

mgginva

Registered:1320266925
Posts: 1,856

Posted 1338994688	Reply with quote #8

I wonder just how much difference there is in individual varieties when grown in different states. I'm in Virginia (7a) and I love the light figs but also have 3 celeste and 3 Almas among the 14 trees I have as my "feeder" trees. I think LSU Purple is a really good and hardy fig. I've only had a few dozen varieties and am definitely not an expert, but I do suggest you try at least one big green fig like a White Paradisio or Conadria or Excel. Just my opinion, but having the contrast of say an Excel and a Hardy Chicago together is mmm mmm good. __________________ Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list: Perretta,

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1339001592	Reply with quote #9

The varieties I have are listed below. I have opinions about some of these, but I won't share them here. I don't want to talk bad about any of my suppliers. 1. Hardy Chicago (someone gave this to me at the greenhouse I work) 2 yr old My favorite last year! 2. Celestial (willis) 3 yr old 3. Texas Everbearling (willis) 3 yr old 4. Black Jack (willis) 3 yr old 5. Italian Everbearing (willis) 3 yr old 6. Conadria (EL) 7. Kadota (EL) 8. Brown Turkey (EL) 9. Peter's Honey (EL) but actually the tag said L.E. Cooke California 10. Osborne Prolific (EL) 11. Violette de Bordaeux (EL) 12. Petit Negra (EL) however the tag was from Clackamas county Oregon 13. Lattarulla (EL) 14. LSU Purple (EL) 15. White Marseilles (Ebay- Florida Hill) 16. Green Ischia (Ebay - Wellspring Gardens) I was on the phone this morning with Durio Nursery, he also had some good suggestions. I spoke with Mike at Edible L. and he was very friendly. I have to control myself here! I worry that my wife thinks I'm crazy. And my garage and basement are only so big :) Being a horticulturist though this is in my blood and while other people like motorcycles and Hot rods, growing is my passion. She wonders how I can do this all day and then come home and still be so engrossed in it. __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

Dieseler

Registered:1215735852
Posts: 8,252

Posted 1339003515	Reply with quote #10

One fig not on your list and excellent tasting, grows fast and is a dark fig of course. As more folks plants come to maturity you will hear more about it. Click to Enlarge Attached Images Ronde_de_Bordeaux_33.jpg (155.63 KB, 126 views)

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1339003660	Reply with quote #11

That does indeed look tasty! I can't quite figure out how to insert a photo. I could post a photo of my Chicago Hardy in the ground. I just covered it with a garbage can. We didn't have a normal winter though. I need to find out first if a trip to Adrianos would be worth it. He says on his site that he only sells to people in Canada. Not sure if I would be able to get the plants across the border. __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1339467011	Reply with quote #12

I would be willing to drive to Toronto if someone could tell me if I would be successful getting plants across the border. __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

Dieseler

Registered:1215735852
Posts: 8,252

Posted 1339473172	Reply with quote #13

Dfoster im not sure how it is these day but years ago we went fishing in Ontario. Driving into Canada they had us pull over to the side counted our cartons of cigs and beer cases in the trunk and matched them with the occupants in each car. Had us step out and inspected the interior or car. There were 2 cars total. Coming home back across border our coolers packed with dry ice and taped shut they untaped them and inspected each white paper packed fish even though they were labeled by our guide at camp. Only 1 day limit of each allowable species is allowed back to the states. Im thinking a plant would not make it across . But i have been wrong before on this forum. ; )

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1339502335	Reply with quote #14

No, I think you're right. I have an MDA inspector that I know that might give me a solid answer or maybe a way around it. I'll keep you posted. __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

mnedelcu

Registered:1239093283
Posts: 571

Posted 1339504102	Reply with quote #15

You are in the same zone with me.If you wanna taste figs in august i would recommend:florea,sal's el,ronde de bordeaux,nero600 and mavra+vasilika sika. Early figs,good figs.Good luck!

springlakenj

Registered:1320370452
Posts: 281

Posted 1339504951	Reply with quote #16

Martin, I must have missed it, what fig is in post #10? Very nice looking __________________ John G. Spring Lake Hts, NJ Zone 7A

hoosierbanana

Registered:1287901146
Posts: 2,186

Posted 1339505803	Reply with quote #17

It is a Ronde John. If you hover over the picture with your mouse you will see that Martin labels his pictures. 33 Ronde de Bordeaux photos on file, what a lucky guy ;) __________________ 7a, DE

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1339508231	Reply with quote #18

dfoster, I live in Sterling Heights, not too far from you. As far as bringing plants across the border you will need a Phyto cert. and Adriano does not provide this. There is one that does and that is Grimo Nuts and I think they are at Niagara in the Lakes, On.. Trying to bring plants across to the U.S, could become disastrous if they find them in your possession without declaring them. And declaring them means you are giving them up and subject to search and filing documents. It could be a lose lose situation without the proper documents.

Herman2

Registered:1189809424
Posts: 2,625

Posted 1339510105	Reply with quote #19

Large great tasting fig fruits,in container(big container),there is one that will work in your cold climate: Atreano

rob0520

Registered:1239503203
Posts: 482

Posted 1339526615	Reply with quote #20

Hey Herman where is your Atreano from?

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1339799347	Reply with quote #21

I spoke with Dalton this morning. I have an Atreano and a Sal's on the way next week. Super nice guy! I can't wait. Wait...... I'll be waiting for a while to taste them though ...!?!?!? __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1348354112	Reply with quote #22

Strange to look back over old posts. I started this one in hopes of finding a good fig for MI in pots. Funny how I had Brown Turkey listed as a fig that I had to get. I've learned a lot this past 4 months. Thanks to everyone for all the kind & thoughtful advice. Thanks to members who have sold me plants at reasonable prices. Thanks to other members who have just given me plants straight up or still have cuttings in the works. I really appreciate all your knowledge & generosity. I started off with 4 varieties in June. I currently have 38. 10 more cutting varieties coming from UC Davis (forgot to cancel the order) and a few more from others. 50 varieties or so in total. This was not my intention, but I did have fun this summer. I look forward to tasting more of them next year and discarding them as I see fit. When I do so, I will be sure to pay it forward by giving them away to members here. Attached is a photo of my collection. Thanks Again Attached Images Final_for_the_season.jpg (322.47 KB, 77 views) __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

Pattee

Registered:1345750012
Posts: 1,417

Posted 1348354649	Reply with quote #23

Nice looking collection!! __________________ 7a & 9b ►I assume all my figs carry FMV ◄ Seeking : Italian 376,395 , Galicia Negra, Negretta,UNK Pastilliere ,Pananas Purple, Malta Blk+purple/red, Italian + Calabrian UNK's , Catanzaro, Malone, Sucrette(Baud) "We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of hearts?" - Gandhi

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1480171038	Reply with quote #24

4 years later: Interesting. None of the figs on the original list stayed with me. My top 5 Favorites are: Italian 258 Genovese Nero Maltese Beauty Nero600 Preto/Black Madeira __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,117

Posted 1480172658	Reply with quote #25

Quote: Originally Posted by dfoster25 4 years later: Interesting. None of the figs on the original list stayed with me. My top 5 Favorites are: Italian 258 Genovese Nero Maltese Beauty Nero600 Preto/Black Madeira Wow, I would never have guessed that these figs are the "best figs for Michigan" (Zone 6)...lol These are all late ripening? What do you do for ripe figs from July to end of October? __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1480178600	Reply with quote #26

I have an Unknown called Antonelli. And Lattarulla from Edible Landscaping. This pretty much extends the season from July to October. From a flavor and seasonal aspect, these cover it. __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1480188035	Reply with quote #27

__________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,117

Posted 1480207781	Reply with quote #28

Quote: Originally Posted by dfoster25 I have an Unknown called Antonelli. And Lattarulla from Edible Landscaping. This pretty much extends the season from July to October. From a flavor and seasonal aspect, these cover it. Looks like you are covered! Very nice figs. Your lattarula has red centre like mine. __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

don_sanders

Registered:1429304713
Posts: 219

Posted 1480266061	Reply with quote #29

If that's fig bundle #4, sign me up! __________________ Don - Columbus, OH. Zone 5b/6a Wish list: Rafed/Adriano's Genovese Nero, Your favorite fig.

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1480267209	Reply with quote #30

Haha yup. __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1480268355	Reply with quote #31

I wish I could do that. That would be awesome. Unfortunately, I don't have that many cuttings of those awesome varieties. __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

akrouus

Registered:1436231528
Posts: 146

Posted 1480269380	Reply with quote #32

dfoster, how would you rank the figs in your previous post based on taste? i know its hard, but if you were forced to decide based on space, etc. __________________ Nick Southern California

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1480270027 · Edited	Reply with quote #33

1. I258/Genovese Nero. Tied for first place 2. Preto (similar to Black tuscan and Black Madeira) 3. Maltese Beauty (some people disagree, but this one has been good for me) 4. Nero600 (best of the negronne types IMO) 5. Antonelli (similar to a Hardy Chicago) 6. Lattarulla (only on the list because of its prolific, large, tasty early Breba crop.) Because of my location, everything is grown in containers and moved in the garage for the winter __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

jrdewhirst

Registered:1420324567
Posts: 91

Posted 1480282880	Reply with quote #34

Which varieties bombed? What should the northern grower avoid? __________________ Joe D

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