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Subject: 2014 NJ Red Replies: 13
Posted By: FMD Views: 840
 
photo 2.JPG  photo 4.JPG  photo 3.JPG 

It doesn't get any better....

Subject: Figs in a Black Pail Replies: 16
Posted By: FMD Views: 586
 
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Partial take for the evening.Artistic composition?  

Subject: F4FF Auction- Easton Vasilika Replies: 67
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,710
 
$
2
7
0

Subject: F4FF Auction- Easton Vasilika Replies: 67
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,710
 
I am trying to configure ebay's Auction Sniper app on this but not working so far. :(

Subject: Atreano Replies: 52
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,702
 
Jimmie, I netted the tree last year, but the ##%€£}$ birds still got in. So this year the Atreano will have to fend for itself.

Gregg, I too would be interested in the difference between Atreanos.

Subject: F4FF Auction- Easton Vasilika Replies: 67
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,710
 
Let me sleep on that. Tomorrow is a new day. And a new bid?

Subject: F4FF Auction- Easton Vasilika Replies: 67
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,710
 
$240. Go Noles!!

Subject: Atreano Replies: 52
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,702
 
I know Jimmie, it is inevitable. I just don't have the heart to chop this tree down. Those huge yellow orbs have me mesmerized into keeping it for another year. James Brown, keep out of my orchard!

Subject: Atreano Replies: 52
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,702
 
Rob, I'd like to see pictures of your ripe Belleclair Atreano when available. Mine appears to have a rounder shape. I received mine from a forum member a few years ago simply labeled Atreano. 

Subject: F4FF Auction- Easton Vasilika Replies: 67
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,710
 
$160 for a good cause and to honor Rafed.

Subject: Atreano Replies: 52
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,702
 
Bronx Frank,

Unfortunately, that is indeed a problem! Timing is everything. Prolonged periods of rain during ripening times does produce splitting. Same goes for LSU Gold and several others.

BTW, the last picture is of LSU Gold figs.

Subject: Atreano Replies: 52
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,702
 
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Subject: Introduction Replies: 21
Posted By: FMD Views: 577
 
Welcome to the madness, Brian

"Relax, " said the fig man,
"We are programmed to receive.
You can check-out any time you like,
But you can never leave! "

Subject: Atreano Replies: 52
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,702
 
Right on time for 2014. First ripe fig. Knocked down by a bird so it could have used another day or two on the tree.

The huge size always surprises me.


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Subject: Making dried figs Replies: 27
Posted By: FMD Views: 837
 
Charlie, how long does it usually take to get good results using your dehydrator?

Subject: "Blue" Ischia my ass... Replies: 53
Posted By: FMD Views: 3,011
 
Thanks for following that up for us, Wayne. 

How about some corporate responsibility,Matt? Now that your supplier "claims" to have the correct Blue Ischia, I'll be sure to order half a dozen more plants and wait two years to confirm the "claim".

 It appears that "Hirt-ing Our Customers Since 1985" would be an apt company logo. Go ahead and use it, Matt. No charge.

Subject: Stallion Unknown 2013 Replies: 28
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,154
 
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I wanted to bump/update Jimmie's thread for the 2014 season. They may look like celestes but they taste like celestes on steroids. It is amazing the wallop these little things carry.

Subject: It's over Replies: 15
Posted By: FMD Views: 701
 
For a moment, I thought you were referring to having reached your ebay limit. LOL.

Hershell, congrats and good luck on the drying experiment. Be aware that drying small light figs like Celeste will reduce them to the size of berries. 

Subject: "Blue" Ischia my ass... Replies: 53
Posted By: FMD Views: 3,011
 
I don't know Mike. Leaves can have such variability depending on age of plant, sun exposure, time of the year etc. For example, the leaves in the top picture could easily look like mine if they were a little older. The one thing that has always stood out, to me, was the deep dark green color or the plant.
Regardless, once more people start posting pictures of the ripe fruit, we will have an answer. Should they all tuen out to be green figs, I strongly suggest inundating Hirt's with complaints. They should at a minimum change the name of the fig.

Subject: "Blue" Ischia my ass... Replies: 53
Posted By: FMD Views: 3,011
 
Perhaps they sent me the wrong fig, perhaps not. As previously noted, there was a such run on this fig from members of this forum that it forced Hirt's to place it on back order for over 6 months. So, soon there will be many more people posting pictures of their ripened figs and we shall see. BTW, Hirt's is not known for its friendly customer service.

Subject: "Blue" Ischia my ass... Replies: 53
Posted By: FMD Views: 3,011
 
I hope mine was mis-labeled for everyone's sake.
Here is a picture of the mother plant:

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/blue-ischia-root-riot-air-layer-6401669?highlight=blue&pid=1278515510#post1278515510

Subject: "Blue" Ischia my ass... Replies: 53
Posted By: FMD Views: 3,011
 
I am saddened to report that the much anticipated unveiling of the first ripe Blue Ischia is neither Blue, Black nor an Ischia.

See the initial post on this fig several from two years ago:
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/blue-ischia-5617317?highlight=blue&pid=1271364591#post1271364591

Hirt's is still selling it on ebay and amazon with a picture of a beautiful black fig that looks a lot like Ischia Black.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ischia-Edible-Fig-Plant/dp/B003WZ0HEY/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1404914522&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+ischia


 Last year, many of us got into such a frenzy convincing ourselves that it could be the mythical virus free Ischia Black that Hirt's sold out all of it's plants in a matter of weeks. Well, unless mine was mis-labeled we can all scratch that one. Looking forward to others confirming or denying these results.



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The fig was pecked at by birds and it could have stayed on the tree a few more days





 

Subject: Anticipation...... Replies: 14
Posted By: FMD Views: 556
 
Nice healthy plant, Wills. Mine is about the same size but will ripen its many figs later than yours because due to die back from a late freeze earlier this year.

Subject: Guess The Pretty Fig Replies: 47
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,418
 
Wayne, this has been one of my most vigorous and productive trees. Glad to see yours is headed in the same direction.

Hershell, you will be inundated with figs before you know it.

Subject: Newbie’s First Fig Replies: 13
Posted By: FMD Views: 381
 
Thanks for the great photos and taste description, Jack. Looking forward to tasting this cultivar. I understand it is more famous for quantity than quality, but what the hay.

Subject: Guess The Pretty Fig Replies: 47
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,418
 
Update: This fig was picked dead ripe. It had a fresh fruity aroma on cutting it in half. Taste? Jackpot! Strong, concentrated, dense, substantial, fig taste with a lingering subtle berry flavor.Sweet but not cloying. It was one serious fig. I hope the rest are as good.
I had this one after a couple of dozen hit or miss Celestes so it was a real pleasure to separate the men from the boys. Um!

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Subject: OT Heirloom Tomatoes Replies: 56
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,335
 
Malcolm, nice setup, indeed!

You are correct about the Kumatos. I researched various tomato forums to see if anyone had any luck with seeds from this exclusive variety despite being labeled a hybrid by Syngeta,  the owners. The consensus was that the seeds produced true to F1 as has been my experience. Some believe that Syngeta put out the hybrid bit as a ruse to keep gardeners from growing and saving the seed. Protecting their investment.
There are reports of having it grown for up to 4 seasons still true to the F1 every year without variations. I am personally up to 3 years.

Subject: Guess The Pretty Fig Replies: 47
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,418
 
Ding Ding Ding....Winner Winner,  Chicken Dinner!!!

Mike, too bad you negated your third choice but you win anyway. MBVS. First fig of the season. I am not 100% sure if it is a breba but none of the other figs on the tree  are close to ripening.

Fist runner up: Jerry Lewis

Second runner up: Green Ischia

Thank you all for participating!

Subject: Guess The Pretty Fig Replies: 47
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,418
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by james
Green Ischia :P


Pretty close, James except for the color, shape and size. :))

Subject: Guess The Pretty Fig Replies: 47
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,418
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by figgary
Vista?


I wish.
My Vista is on strike. 


Hint # 2: French.

Subject: OT Heirloom Tomatoes Replies: 56
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,335
 


"he stated that the tomato was poisonous, even while acknowledging that French and Italians ate the thing. Presumably they weren't quite human"  LOL

What blatant claptrap! Spot on about the French, but Italians?? Come on!

Subject: Guess The Pretty Fig Replies: 47
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,418
 
All excellent guesses, but no cigar.  Just a few more and then it shall be revealed. Hint: it is not rare.

Rafed, I just noticed your wish list.  Oh no, tell me it ain't so!

Subject: OT Heirloom Tomatoes Replies: 56
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,335
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoniSoni

 @ Frank is there anyway you can ID that bowl of mixed tomatoes?

@Eatmoreyeah  That set up is  wonderful.  I"d like to know what all you did to make it stable, and how to you maintain the plants. do ypu prune them or picch or anything to keep them like that?  



Hi Soni,

I will try and put names to faces:

Kumato- smallish black
Campari - large cherry
Japanese Black - medium black
Black from Tula (Russian)  - large black
Italian Tree Tomato - large pink
Rumana Rustica - oval shaped
Cuore di Bue and- pinkish pointy
Family heirloom from Calabria - large oblong red

Subject: Guess The Pretty Fig Replies: 47
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,418
 
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Subject: OT Heirloom Tomatoes Replies: 56
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,335
 
That is one awesome setup, Charles. My mind's eye sees fig trees instead of heirloom tomatoes in a project like that. But back to tomatoes...do you have the same problems with the summer heat, stopping fruit production?

Grasa, the tree tomato can grow to 20 feet or more under perfect condition, but usually grows like any other type of indeterminate variety. I think it is the same as Trip-L climbing tomato.

Subject: Feeding the obsession Replies: 24
Posted By: FMD Views: 741
 
As the acting judge and jury of this case....I find the defendant, Rafed, guilty as charged! A repeat offender, no less.

Subject: OT Heirloom Tomatoes Replies: 56
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,335
 
The vast number of soil pathogens, air borne diseases and constant high temperatures with high humidity are not conducive to growing tomatoes. There are short growing windows in the spring to early summer and in the late fall that if threaded will lead to success. A lot of us have eliminated the soil problems by growing tomatoes in containers.

Subject: OT Heirloom Tomatoes Replies: 56
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,335
 
photo.JPG  photog.JPG


Growing tomatoes in Florida (without drenching them in pesticides) is actually harder than most non-Floridians think. 
So, I am especially happy to have produced  these beauties organically using earth boxes.

Pictured:
Kumato, Campari, Japanese Black, Black from Tula (Russian), Italian Tree Tomato, Rumana Rustica, Cuore di Bue and a family heirloom from Calabria.

Subject: Angry Birds Replies: 21
Posted By: FMD Views: 779
 
LOL...That's us alright, except I'm always on the losing end.

What would happen if I finally won? 
Hopefully not this!

Subject: Angry Birds Replies: 21
Posted By: FMD Views: 779
 
Yeah, foil only attracts the little bastards even more.
Update: Yesterday I re-applied the air layer using a plastic cup covered with foil and then camouflaged it with a thick layer of mulch. This morning I found the mulch gone, the foil torn to bits and the cup half empty of soil
I redid the air layer once more and placed half a cider block on top of it. Let's see how the little vermin react to that.
Why do I feel like I'm in a Roadrunner cartoon?

Subject: Angry Birds Replies: 21
Posted By: FMD Views: 779
 
Yup, those are the ones, Rafed, except meaner and angrier.

Good theories, everyone but I personally believe I have the orneriest birds in the country.
JD, I've seen them destroy plastic tree tags and plastic easter eggs to smithereens just for fun.
The irony is that they are the luckiest birds in the world living in an oasis of seeds, berries, and fruits (including an all you can eat buffet of figs) provided to them on a silver platter by yours truly. 

Subject: Angry Birds Replies: 21
Posted By: FMD Views: 779
 
Could someone tell me what they're so pissed off at?


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Subject: World's Hottest Pepper - OT Replies: 76
Posted By: FMD Views: 2,638
 
Update on the reaper. I think this is the real thing. With it's leathery skin and single horn, it looks like it will be devilishly hot.


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Subject: Vista, another first Replies: 23
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,043
 
photo 3.JPG 

Here's a picture of my recalcitrant Vista. The diameter of the mulched area is 7,5 feet, for proportion. Bill, thanks. I may take you up on the offer if mine continues to lounge around taking up space.

Subject: Stooling question Replies: 11
Posted By: FMD Views: 618
 
Stooling...
Cool word for rooting or layering. 
Welcome aboard, Larry. Where do you live?

If you cover that low lying branch branch with potting soil, mulch it and keep it damp throughout the summer, I am sure it will stool for you, no problema. If you live in the desert and have problems keeping the stool damp, then I would suggest air layering using a plastic container which will retain moisture for longer periods of time.

Good luck.

Subject: Vista, another first Replies: 23
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,043
 
KK, that picture is pure poetry.
Geography might be the reason why yours is producing so well but terribly in our southern zones.
I am not giving up on it just yet. The tree is too vigorous and too pretty for that. Hope springs eternal for fig-addicts like myself, I suppose.

Subject: Vista, another first Replies: 23
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,043
 
Gene, Vista has been a frustratingly difficult fig for me. It is a 4 year old, beautifully branched 7 foot classic looking fig tree with nary a fig. This year, for the first time, it produced hundreds of brebas....that subsequently dropped. Every single one! So far there are no new main crop embryos. I am perplexed.

Btw, I have no idea what is going on this year with the lateness of my figs. One ripe alma so far is ridiculous for July. And I thought you and I lived in similar zones.

Thanks for posting your early successes.

Subject: LSU Tiger Replies: 16
Posted By: FMD Views: 843
 
Very nice, Brian. Thanks for posting the picture. Now I know what to look forward to.

Subject: Rust Replies: 7
Posted By: FMD Views: 509
 
Rust and birds are two immutable forces of nature that I have come to grudgingly accept as part of growing figs in this part of the country.

Subject: Spanish Fig Festival (Mallorca, 35 mins) Replies: 32
Posted By: FMD Views: 1,588
 
Jibbigo