Ice Crystal air layer progress

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rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1407697578	Reply with quote #1

I started some air layers for some friends several weeks ago. Just didn't like the way tree was growing so I made three of them. Two for a couple of friends and one for myself as back up. I offered the 3rd one today to another friend so I started another one (4th) for myself. The first three are rooting well using Franks method so to speak. Works real well btw. Only issue I was having was the branches I am air layering were growing far to quick and too long for the size of the root ball I was producing. So the safest bet (IMO) was to shorten the branches a bit. So I did. I cut off the tips at approx. 8" long each. I also removed some of the older leaves too. This way in a couple of weeks when I remove the layers they will be just right and get potted up and prep for shipping in a couple weeks there after. I also used the tips and started them as summer cuttings. Those are to stay in a shade or medium sun while rooting and the soil is to remain moist. Not wet, but moist. Summer cuttings work well for me btw. FYI, So far so good on the fruit. Non dropping at the moment. Could the laws of physics be in my yard? Fingers crossed;) Please enjoy the pictures, Attached Images ice_crystal.JPG (179.97 KB, 100 views) ice_crystal2.JPG (170.40 KB, 98 views) ice_crystal3.JPG (139.24 KB, 104 views) ice_crystal4.JPG (129.80 KB, 102 views) ice_crystal5.JPG (128.25 KB, 82 views) ice_crystal6.JPG (137.29 KB, 85 views) ice_crystal7.JPG (128.27 KB, 74 views)

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1407698196	Reply with quote #2

Very nice, thanks for sharing

Otmani007

Registered:1404531079
Posts: 573

Posted 1407703150	Reply with quote #3

Thanks for sharing and good luck! Would you mind sharing Frank's method you've referred to. __________________ Dallas, TX - Zone 8a Wish List: Col de Dame Blanche, Brogiotto Bianco, Sicilian White, Panache Otmani

coop951

Registered:1217167527
Posts: 596

Posted 1407703262	Reply with quote #4

Very nice work Rafed. Enjoy seeing them. I know there is much talk and mystery and interest around the Ice Crystal, but how do they taste?? __________________ Coop Northern NJ Zone 7a

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1407703738	Reply with quote #5

Quote: Originally Posted by Otmani007 Thanks for sharing and good luck! Would you mind sharing Frank's method you've referred to. Here you go Otmani, But you can use beverage cups or any other type of container that will hold the soil. Like the cups I have pictured. http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/worlds-smallest-air-propagator-diy-tutorial-6915668?pid=1282946953#post1282946953

Otmani007

Registered:1404531079
Posts: 573

Posted 1407705508	Reply with quote #6

Quote: Originally Posted by rafed >Here you go Otmani, But you can use beverage cups or any other type of container that will hold the soil. Like the cups I have pictured. http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/worlds-smallest-air-propagator-diy-tutorial-6915668?pid=1282946953#post1282946953 Greatly appreciated, Rafed. __________________ Dallas, TX - Zone 8a Wish List: Col de Dame Blanche, Brogiotto Bianco, Sicilian White, Panache Otmani

farowyn

Registered:1369012438
Posts: 175

Posted 1407707468	Reply with quote #7

Gorgeous plant. That variety certainly has some long stems on the figs. __________________ Jeff Central OH- Zone 6a Wish list-anything that will ripen in zone 6a.Souadi(obsessed with this one), Takoma Violet, Col de Dame anything -currently rooting: MBVS, DK, RdB, VdB. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead

brianm

Registered:1389664758
Posts: 971

Posted 1407710949	Reply with quote #8

Just shows how creative you can be with airlayers. It's not about how you get there but the finished product. Very nice I have a ice crystal i will be airlayering also. __________________ Wish list: Galicia Negra,UC Davis Black Ischia, Maltese Raven

Hoosierguy86

Registered:1375830122
Posts: 246

Posted 1407711347	Reply with quote #9

Fingers crossed they fully ripen for you! Thanks for posting the pics! __________________ Scott N. Indiana 5b/6a

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1407714777	Reply with quote #10

Nice work Rafed. Such a unique leaf pattern! __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

Tam

Registered:1365478628
Posts: 1,084

Posted 1407721324	Reply with quote #11

Rafed: Very nice, thanks for sharing. Best, Tam

KCMarie

Registered:1372945291
Posts: 92

Posted 1407757346	Reply with quote #12

Is the Ice Crystal fig available for sale anywhere in the US? I've not found it here - only in Europe. Kansas City needs to have one tried in my location. I am a dreamer, but I am a fig growing dreamer. __________________ Marie in Kansas City area Zone 5b or close to it

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1407762458	Reply with quote #13

Hi KCMarie, If you're looking for fruit production, I would advise you to wait a bit as you're in Zone5 (and me in Zone7) ... But if it is for the beauty of the foliage, just go ahead ... Mine still has 2 bigger figs hanging on, and some new popping out after dropping most of the "first" crop. Ice Crystal could possibly be a smyrna type ... I wish I had known before I bought mine ! I had a Brunswick at hand at the same time that I bought my IC ... And I would have gone out with the "Brunswick" instead ! After almost stalling since January, mine just started putting more growth since end of July - with no reason ... Except that I told her that I was upset about her ... :) __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1407764017	Reply with quote #14

KCMarie I got mine as a gift from a friend here in the forum. There are a couple members that offer it for sale through eBay from time to time. No worries, these sellers are right here in the states. Like jdsfrance says Don't expect the fruit to do anything for you. I have mine for its' beauty. If the fruit ripens then it's a bonus. Good luck

Rewton

Registered:1291943117
Posts: 1,946

Posted 1407764504	Reply with quote #15

Rafed, it looks like the airlayers are working well. I noticed you have drainage/air holes in the side of the cup. Are these to add water to the mix or do you have them for gas exchange, or both? I've never introduced holes in the airlayer container and wonder if it would be an improvement. __________________ Steve MD zone 7a

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1407765162	Reply with quote #16

Steve This method I'm using is just like the standard cuttings rooting method but with the twist of having the cutting still attached to the mother tree. Hence, air layer. So yes, I have the holes for drainage so they can get watered. I will repost the method when I return home in a few days. I left this morning. You should try it. But keep in mind, try to keep the cups out of direct sun. Good luck

WillsC

Registered:1348087628
Posts: 1,698

Posted 1407765974	Reply with quote #17

Looks great Rafed:)

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1407769418	Reply with quote #18

Rafed, you really have it growing on! Very kind of you to be giving those to people when they'd sell for a lot on ebay. __________________ 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.

Quackmaster

Registered:1370361410
Posts: 769

Posted 1407775404	Reply with quote #19

It sure is a beauty Rafed, but I am also interested in how it taste. If I had unlimited space to plant I would try to grow ice crystal just for its beauty but with my limited yard space it has to tasted really good also, lol. __________________ Ryan Zone 9a SeLa, wish list:

Feigenbaum

Registered:1377643723
Posts: 382

Posted 1407775517	Reply with quote #20

Good job on that airlayers Rafed! Thanks for sharing. __________________ Hi from Germany! (Zone 7b) Christian

psilva8

Registered:1399311099
Posts: 67

Posted 1407785550	Reply with quote #21

That's sweet Rafed. I just finished my first ever air layer on one of my unknowns as a back-up. During the process, the branch loaded up with figs, so I thought I would lose them when I cut it off the mother tree, but so far they have stayed on there. __________________ Ontario, Canada Zone 6a

GRamaley

Registered:1357742252
Posts: 791

Posted 1407803789	Reply with quote #22

Looking good!! I don't have any figs on mine but it is it's first year, I was told recently that it would need pollination, but not sure of that because I know people are getting fruit in England and as far as I know they do not have the wasp. __________________ Gloria --------------- 7a, maybe 8

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1407804162	Reply with quote #23

Gloria One can hope. Fingers crossed.

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1407806748	Reply with quote #24

Quote: Originally Posted by rcantor Rafed, you really have it growing on! Very kind of you to be giving those to people when they'd sell for a lot on ebay. Bob Between the Jolly Tiger, three Ice Crystals, a couple Genovese and several other plants waiting to go I could have made $1500 easy. That's not counting what a have sent in the last month or so. I get more satisfaction by helping my friends. I'm going to leave the earth the same way I came. Broke. But I might put a couple things on eBay just to offset my expenses.

KCMarie

Registered:1372945291
Posts: 92

Posted 1407806856	Reply with quote #25

Thanks guys, I'll keep my eyes open for a US Ice Crystal. It is such a beauty that if I didn't get figs, it would still be ok. It could surprise me too and that would be welcome! __________________ Marie in Kansas City area Zone 5b or close to it

brianm

Registered:1389664758
Posts: 971

Posted 1407808011	Reply with quote #26

Just confirmed from a major grower of figs in London that ice crystal indeed needs the wasp. __________________ Wish list: Galicia Negra,UC Davis Black Ischia, Maltese Raven

FiggieFive_0

Registered:1392277468
Posts: 259

Posted 1407808683	Reply with quote #27

Quote: Originally Posted by rafed Quote: Originally Posted by rcantor Rafed, you really have it growing on! Very kind of you to be giving those to people when they'd sell for a lot on ebay. Bob Between the Jolly Tiger, three Ice Crystals, a couple Genovese and several other plants waiting to go I could have made $1500 easy. That's not counting what a have sent in the last month or so. I get more satisfaction by helping my friends. I'm going to leave the earth the same way I came. Broke. But I might put a couple things on eBay just to offset my expenses. Just proves the depth of your passion. I know it's been said many times before from many other members, but man, I'm glad you're gonna be sticking around. __________________ Nate Faith, Family, Friends, and Figs (not necessarily in that order).

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1407836362	Reply with quote #28

Hi GRamaley, Without a photo it didn't happen :) ... Where is your camera ? Set mark go for a photo :) . But I'm still hoping or I'll be :°°°( __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

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