Fernando's (unknown) White Italian

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Jim1742_Eastpointe

Registered:1469545617
Posts: 15

Posted 1469547161 · Edited	Reply with quote #1

Brand new to this forum I have recently taken cuttings from (and am air-layering) a very large (about 9') fig tree in the area, owned by the son of a deceased Italian man named Fernando who brought this tree in its infancy from his native country. I am trying to ascertain the town or region he was from, to better help identify the variety. Tree has MANY breba and new fruit on it -- can't wait to see and taste ripe fruit Meanwhile, his daughter-in-law says the ripe fruit is white inside, and when I mentioned White Sicilian, she adamantly denied that the old guy would have ANYTHING at all to do with Sicily, that he was a proud ITALIAN! I will be posting photos of the cuttings, and am going to send FREE cuttings (for postage cost of $6.45 Priority Mail) to the first 4 people who email me at jim.knoop@yahoo.com. I will give you my PayPal ID at the time I notify you that you are one of the four "winners" or, if you don't have PayPal, then you will have to take the chance that a money order will arrive in time for me to get these out to you while still relatively freshly cut. Disclaimer: You should have no problem rooting these, as the tree is very healthy, hardy and vigorous. If you do have a problem, however, no refund of postage will be made. __________________ Growing: White Italian, (real) Black Italian, Nebo, Brown Turkey, Yellow Longneck, Red Sicilian, "Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian" , Wuhan, "Il Pastore Italiano" (an unknown given to me by my Italian pastor, thus the name) Hope to be receiving soon: Stella, Ponte Tresa, others

FicoParadiso

Registered:1447989012
Posts: 31

Posted 1469547648	Reply with quote #2

Welcome Jim from Eastpointe! Thank you for your generous offer!

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1469548317	Reply with quote #3

Hello Jim! Your cuttings offer sounds very generous, I look forward to seeing pictures and maybe growing a few for myself! Always love a new fig, -Devin __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

zone5figger

Registered:1395082963
Posts: 250

Posted 1469554454	Reply with quote #4

Warm welcome to you, and a very generous offer that is in the true sharing spirit . Fernando would no doubt be pleased his legacy is being spread around. Where is the mother tree located? __________________ Jesse- zone 5, 1000' elevation

Jim1742_Eastpointe

Registered:1469545617
Posts: 15

Posted 1469554734	Reply with quote #5

Thanks very much. I am leaving a note with the realtor, that if the new owners do not want the tree we will "take it off their hands." I would like to do it to honor Fernando, who passed away before I could really get to know him well, or even ask questions about the tree's history. Mother tree is in southern Michigan. __________________ Growing: White Italian, (real) Black Italian, Nebo, Brown Turkey, Yellow Longneck, Red Sicilian, "Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian" , Wuhan, "Il Pastore Italiano" (an unknown given to me by my Italian pastor, thus the name) Hope to be receiving soon: Stella, Ponte Tresa, others

MGorski

Registered:1399823521
Posts: 370

Posted 1469582123 · Edited	Reply with quote #6

Welcome to the forum Jim. That tree must be quite hardy to be 9' tall in Michigan. Is it up against the house? Nice offer, hope you get a chance to adopt the tree or at least have full access to cuttings. If you can, a picture of the plant with a close up of the leaves could help others here help you with an I.D.. Hopefully you can also post a picture of the ripe main crop with a taste review. Mike in Hanover, VA __________________ Zone-7, previously Mescalito

VeryNew2Figs

Registered:1441488407
Posts: 241

Posted 1469589462	Reply with quote #7

Late to the party, but am interested in growing out your tree. Thanks __________________ Cheryl Chicago, Zone 6a (That's what they say, but it still feels like 5) Growing: Hardy Chicago, Black Mission, Brunswick, Kadota, Ischia Green, Desert King, Osborne Prolific (slow but steady), Malta Black, Violette de Bordeaux, Texas Everbearing, Beall, White Adriatic, Nolo Pink Eyed Lady. Rooting: Ronde de Bordeaux, Celeste, Nero 600 m, Violetta Bayernfeing, Marseilles Black VS, Celeste.

Jim1742_Eastpointe

Registered:1469545617
Posts: 15

Posted 1469621159	Reply with quote #8

Free cuttings have all been claimed. I would ask each of the 4 "winners" to keep me posted on condition of cuttings upon arrival, as well as progress with rooting / growing. I am fairly new to this, but I have a VERY experienced mentor, and am hoping a bit of his expertise rubs off on me. If you were not able to procure any of these free cuttings, you may want to watch for them on eBay. Use "saved search" Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian. I may be listing them this weekend, or sometime next week. Warmest regards, TONS of thanks, and God bless you all! __________________ Growing: White Italian, (real) Black Italian, Nebo, Brown Turkey, Yellow Longneck, Red Sicilian, "Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian" , Wuhan, "Il Pastore Italiano" (an unknown given to me by my Italian pastor, thus the name) Hope to be receiving soon: Stella, Ponte Tresa, others

Jim1742_Eastpointe

Registered:1469545617
Posts: 15

Posted 1469621460	Reply with quote #9

DARN! I could have been a MILLIONAIRE!!! Could have marketed all those fig leaves we trimmed off to Halloween folks who wanted to go trick-or-treating as Adam and Eve!!! What? Was I thinking??? __________________ Growing: White Italian, (real) Black Italian, Nebo, Brown Turkey, Yellow Longneck, Red Sicilian, "Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian" , Wuhan, "Il Pastore Italiano" (an unknown given to me by my Italian pastor, thus the name) Hope to be receiving soon: Stella, Ponte Tresa, others

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1469625066	Reply with quote #10

I'll do my best to make them grow Jim, and I will be posting updates on Fernando Figs here :) __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

Jim1742_Eastpointe

Registered:1469545617
Posts: 15

Posted 1469629265	Reply with quote #11

MUCH appreciated, my new friend! __________________ Growing: White Italian, (real) Black Italian, Nebo, Brown Turkey, Yellow Longneck, Red Sicilian, "Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian" , Wuhan, "Il Pastore Italiano" (an unknown given to me by my Italian pastor, thus the name) Hope to be receiving soon: Stella, Ponte Tresa, others

VeryNew2Figs

Registered:1441488407
Posts: 241

Posted 1469944031	Reply with quote #12

Got mine yesterday and have started rooting them. Will keep you updated on their growth. Many thanks! __________________ Cheryl Chicago, Zone 6a (That's what they say, but it still feels like 5) Growing: Hardy Chicago, Black Mission, Brunswick, Kadota, Ischia Green, Desert King, Osborne Prolific (slow but steady), Malta Black, Violette de Bordeaux, Texas Everbearing, Beall, White Adriatic, Nolo Pink Eyed Lady. Rooting: Ronde de Bordeaux, Celeste, Nero 600 m, Violetta Bayernfeing, Marseilles Black VS, Celeste.

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1469979962	Reply with quote #13

Cuttings arrived yesterday, found them on the table when I came home from work last night. Lovely cuttings! Getting them taken care of this morning and i'll keep you updated. Thanks Jim __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

Charlie

Registered:1404043833
Posts: 1,214

Posted 1469997505	Reply with quote #14

Your mentor is a great guy. I'm sure he has already rubbed off on you. Everything you do with figs will succeed, in time. He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored. Proverbs 27:18 RSV __________________ Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1470005888	Reply with quote #15

Welcome to the Forum Jim! __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

sbmohan

Registered:1416704743
Posts: 223

Posted 1470011737	Reply with quote #16

Welcome to the forum. I once lived in Sterling Heights, Michigan for about 14 years. Moved to Charlotte about 5 years back. Miss the Great Lakes. __________________ Mohan B Harrisburg, NC - Zone 7a

Jim1742_Eastpointe

Registered:1469545617
Posts: 15

Posted 1470081975	Reply with quote #17

Thanks to all who have responded with welcoming messages. I feel very honored. I have 3 listings on eBay now, and was able to add the town, region and province in Italy that this tree came from. In Fernando's luggage, no doubt... __________________ Growing: White Italian, (real) Black Italian, Nebo, Brown Turkey, Yellow Longneck, Red Sicilian, "Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian" , Wuhan, "Il Pastore Italiano" (an unknown given to me by my Italian pastor, thus the name) Hope to be receiving soon: Stella, Ponte Tresa, others

Charlie

Registered:1404043833
Posts: 1,214

Posted 1471705122	Reply with quote #18

__________________ Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1471711770 · Edited	Reply with quote #19

Just potted up my Fernando figs five minutes ago. Three of four were pushing roots at the bottom, nice 1/4-1/2" ones. I'll keep the fourth a few weeks more to see what it dies. The three should push leaves in the next 2-4 weeks. Thanks again Jim! __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

Jim1742_Eastpointe

Registered:1469545617
Posts: 15

Posted 1471714363	Reply with quote #20

Thanks very much for the feedback. And I think you meant "does" -- not "dies" -- no talking of "dies" when it comes to growing things LOL. Mean to go down the block today and check the mother tree for fruit., Found one ripe one a week ago. It had split and a small fly and some ants were enjoying themselves. Nice white center. Would love to have tasted it, but didn't want to "share." __________________ Growing: White Italian, (real) Black Italian, Nebo, Brown Turkey, Yellow Longneck, Red Sicilian, "Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian" , Wuhan, "Il Pastore Italiano" (an unknown given to me by my Italian pastor, thus the name) Hope to be receiving soon: Stella, Ponte Tresa, others

snaglpus

Registered:1244258188
Posts: 4,072

Posted 1471715357	Reply with quote #21

Just about every white fig I've seen ended up being Marseilles White. Very sweet very delicate. __________________ Dennis Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a

Jim1742_Eastpointe

Registered:1469545617
Posts: 15

Posted 1471719521	Reply with quote #22

Well, Fernando was VERY Italian, so it isn't a White Sicilian, and I can't imagine it being some variety with a French name. He brought the cuttings or whatever with him from Italy, a town about 60 miles south of Rome. I think I posted the town and region in one of my posts. If not, I'll go back and find the info and post it. __________________ Growing: White Italian, (real) Black Italian, Nebo, Brown Turkey, Yellow Longneck, Red Sicilian, "Fernando's (Unknown) White Italian" , Wuhan, "Il Pastore Italiano" (an unknown given to me by my Italian pastor, thus the name) Hope to be receiving soon: Stella, Ponte Tresa, others

snaglpus

Registered:1244258188
Posts: 4,072

Posted 1471722393	Reply with quote #23

There are many of the same figs around the world with different names. I hope the one you found isn't one of them. Good luck. Cheers, __________________ Dennis Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a

VeryNew2Figs

Registered:1441488407
Posts: 241

Posted 1471728111	Reply with quote #24

Hi: I've got a root coming out of the bottom of one of mine with no leaves yet, but the others are still sleep. Hope to have good news soon. __________________ Cheryl Chicago, Zone 6a (That's what they say, but it still feels like 5) Growing: Hardy Chicago, Black Mission, Brunswick, Kadota, Ischia Green, Desert King, Osborne Prolific (slow but steady), Malta Black, Violette de Bordeaux, Texas Everbearing, Beall, White Adriatic, Nolo Pink Eyed Lady. Rooting: Ronde de Bordeaux, Celeste, Nero 600 m, Violetta Bayernfeing, Marseilles Black VS, Celeste.

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1471795828	Reply with quote #25

Please take photos Jim! I want to see the inside, outside of the figs and even next to a leaf if you can manage! I'd love to know what I'm growing before the next 3-4 years ;) and yes I meant does __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1473785111	Reply with quote #26

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim1742_Eastpointe Well, Fernando was VERY Italian, so it isn't a White Sicilian, and I can't imagine it being some variety with a French name. He brought the cuttings or whatever with him from Italy, a town about 60 miles south of Rome. I think I posted the town and region in one of my posts. If not, I'll go back and find the info and post it. Three are potted with roots, one is branching out nicely. Have you gotten back to eat more and snap some photos? __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

FicoParadiso

Registered:1447989012
Posts: 31

Posted 1473993346	Reply with quote #27

Thanks again for spreading around the cuttings of This precious tree with such a great history. All of my cuttings have rooted successfully. Seems to be quite a vigorous variety. Also enjoyed eating the fruit you brought me from the mother tree. Tasted like catelopes and walnuts mixed. Very delicate skin. A winner in my opinion.

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1473993469	Reply with quote #28

That is a hard taste to imagine ficoparadiso, did you happen to snap a pic? __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

Louneo

Registered:1447108662
Posts: 95

Posted 1474090293	Reply with quote #29

Has there been any fruit pics yet by chance? __________________ 2017 Wishlist: CDDG, CDDN, CDDB, CDDR, Preto, i-258, Pastilliere Dauphine, Figoin, Cavaliere, Bordissot's Thank you!

VeryNew2Figs

Registered:1441488407
Posts: 241

Posted 1477990724	Reply with quote #30

Hi, Jim. I wanted to give you an update. Sorry to say mine didn't make it. I got one that was doing fine, until I killed with kindness trying to up-pot it. When I get a little time I'll edit and show a picture of it before it died. Good luck to everybody else who's growing this one! __________________ Cheryl Chicago, Zone 6a (That's what they say, but it still feels like 5) Growing: Hardy Chicago, Black Mission, Brunswick, Kadota, Ischia Green, Desert King, Osborne Prolific (slow but steady), Malta Black, Violette de Bordeaux, Texas Everbearing, Beall, White Adriatic, Nolo Pink Eyed Lady. Rooting: Ronde de Bordeaux, Celeste, Nero 600 m, Violetta Bayernfeing, Marseilles Black VS, Celeste.

FicoParadiso

Registered:1447989012
Posts: 31

Posted 1483504125	Reply with quote #31

Quote: Originally Posted by DevIsgro That is a hard taste to imagine ficoparadiso, did you happen to snap a pic? Sorry for the late reply. I don't have any pictures of the fruit. Perhaps Jim may. Medium to large size. A few of the Breba's were double mule (mutated). It did not appear that any of the main crop were unless we missed them. Great discovery, Jim.

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1483506656	Reply with quote #32

Well I hope to see pictures some day, or at least taste mine in a year or so. I had a few root, one that's very strong and well rooted. In a 2 gallon now. I think it will do very well next year. __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

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