And so my fig journey begins...

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gings

Registered:1372854422
Posts: 12

Posted 1389200492	Reply with quote #1

I've never tasted fresh figs, but curiosity got the best of my about the possibility of growing them after watching a YouTube video. Every year I try to add something different to my garden, so next season, it will be a variety of figs, Tennessee sweet potato squash, and Concord grapes. I started out by purchasing a couple of trees on ebay. The first was a Vista/Violette de Bordeaux that I almost killed two times within the first month. After discovering this forum, I figured out the problem and it's resting in my garage. Next, I purchased a Black Madeira, which thankfully hasn't been as traumatic of an experience, but I'm still nervous about things going wrong nonetheless! It's resting in my garage as well in anticipation of the upcoming growing season. I keep a close eye on both! I've concluded that growing figs from cutting is the best way for me to approach this endeavor. Thanks to the generous offerings of two forum members, FMD and Figgyfrank, I purchased Carini and Green Ischia cuttings, and even received an unknown Morocco cutting as a bonus. Thank you both. I guess it's true that getting hooked on growing figs is easy to do as I'm keeping my eye peeled for a sales offer for Col de Dame Blanche cuttings. I'm even open to purchasing from members that are not named Frank. LOL.

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1389202470	Reply with quote #2

Yes, lots of 'Franks' here! :) If you root during the winter, mold is the biggest threat at this stage, and the quickest way to lose a cutting. It will sneak up on you quickly. I checked my cuttings just about every day while they rooted. After you transfer them to cups/pots, you then need to make sure the leaves are happy by providing adequate humidity. THEN, spring comes along and when you introduce them to the outside world, they may get droopy if you don't acclimate them properly. Some take well to change while some are very sensitive. Ultimately, they end up pulling through. You will get some failures though, no matter how well you care for them. I wish you great success! __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

eboone

Registered:1378418906
Posts: 1,101

Posted 1389202671	Reply with quote #3

Welcome to the forum! __________________ Ed Zone 6A - Southwest PA --------------------------- Short wish list: CDDG, LSU Red, Dark Greek (Navid), Col Littman's Black Cross. And any cold hardy early fig.

BuzzardsBayFigs

Registered:1363743247
Posts: 73

Posted 1389203011	Reply with quote #4

Welcome to the forum gings and enjoy. Richard Zone 6 MA. with Greenhouse

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1389203547	Reply with quote #5

Welcome to the forum. Frank... one of the other "Franks"....from the North. __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

gings

Registered:1372854422
Posts: 12

Posted 1389205021	Reply with quote #6

Thanks for the warm welcome! I decided to root my cuttings in bags. While it's only been one day, I'm already prepared to check them daily. The problem I am having is getting the temperature in my container up to 75 degrees. It's hovering between 68 and 70 and I'm afraid that's too low. I may have to invest in a seedling heat mat to resolve this issue. The moisture level of my potting medium (a combination of sphagnum, perlite, and vermiculite) is another matter that that's got my attention. The medium is barely wet to the touch, which I gather is the way to go based on my reading. I'm just afraid that it's not wet enough. Time will tell, and it's certainly easy to just add a little water.

KK4DFU

Registered:1331243863
Posts: 125

Posted 1389206405	Reply with quote #7

Welcome! There are quite a number of Franks here isnt their. __________________ Frank Montgomery County, MD Zone 6b Wish List: Sicilian Black,Nero 600M, Fico Genovese, Nordland, Any other interesting Mt. Etna varieties

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1389209010	Reply with quote #8

Quote: Originally Posted by gings Thanks for the warm welcome! I decided to root my cuttings in bags. While it's only been one day, I'm already prepared to check them daily. The problem I am having is getting the temperature in my container up to 75 degrees. It's hovering between 68 and 70 and I'm afraid that's too low. I may have to invest in a seedling heat mat to resolve this issue. The moisture level of my potting medium (a combination of sphagnum, perlite, and vermiculite) is another matter that that's got my attention. The medium is barely wet to the touch, which I gather is the way to go based on my reading. I'm just afraid that it's not wet enough. Time will tell, and it's certainly easy to just add a little water. I wouldn't worry about raising that temp. Yes, it will encourage rooting faster, but 68 is sufficient. A heat mat is definitely not necessary, as you then run the risk of drying out the bin if not monitoring frequently. The medium sounds just right. Too damp, and the cuttings won't like it and will be more prone to rot. If you feel the medium needs more moisture, use a misting spray bottle. Experience is the best teacher and you'll figure out what works best for you. Hope that helps. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

elin

Registered:1360863025
Posts: 1,272

Posted 1389211858	Reply with quote #9

havnt been long time in this hobby and already got black maderia's? a good way to start.... welcome and waiting for summer pictures.. __________________ Eli ,Israel ,Zone 10? Too humid and hot, yada yada yada https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1298814119 Growing: Sbayi, Hmadi, Black Portugal, Black Brazil,Excell, Flanders, Hmari , RDB, Niagra Black,Natalina, CDDN,Maya, Preto Torres, Preto Arge

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1389213836	Reply with quote #10

You're starting off with some great varieties! Best of luck and welcome to the forum! __________________ 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.

recomer20

Registered:1378013757
Posts: 402

Posted 1389235689	Reply with quote #11

Welcome! As for heat, you might try placing a thermometer up on high shelves and spaces near the ceiling to seek out warmer areas. In my basement shop, the upper shelves stay about 5-6 degrees warmer than the floor. Best of luck! __________________ Rick C. Birmingham, AL z7b --- INGROUND: S.C.Lemon ("Dr.Welch"), LSUpurple, Celeste (Std) POTTED 3rd Yr: Alma, Atreano, BattGreen, GrnGreek, HardyChicago, ItalianBlack (Becnel), LSUGold?, MBvs, Sal's EL, Southern BT?, St.Jean, Jackie'sUnk POTTED 2nd Yr: SunbirdUnkJP, BourjNoire, JHAdriatic, ValleNegra ROOTING: RdB, ScottsBlk, BlkGreek-MN,Preto

GRamaley

Registered:1357742252
Posts: 791

Posted 1389236266	Reply with quote #12

Welcome to the beginning of a fruitful journey!! __________________ Gloria --------------- 7a, maybe 8

cis4elk

Registered:1347840383
Posts: 1,719

Posted 1389250220	Reply with quote #13

Welcome. __________________ Calvin Littleton,CO z5/6 Wants List: For everyone to clean-up after themselves and co-exist peacefully. Let's think more about the future of our planet and less about ourselves. :)

gings

Registered:1372854422
Posts: 12

Posted 1389287030	Reply with quote #14

Thanks for the temperature tips (Frank and Rick C.). As it turns out I was worried for nothing. When I checked my cuttings this morning for their daily airing, I discovered the temperature has risen to 74 degrees! One of them has a little fuzz on it, which I assume is mold. I dusted it with cinnamon and will follow up with a treatment of diluted hydrogen peroxide if I don't see signs of improvement by tomorrow.

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