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Subject: Durio Nursery Current Availability List Replies: 6
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 244
 
Nice selection of figs there. I envy the abundance of varieties available to US members. However, saying that a flat shipping fee of $50-75 is the result of 'keeping cost down' is a bit ironic.

Subject: Cold spell in Houston Replies: 19
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 220
 
There should be no damage to your trees at 27F, taking them into the garage is more than enough.
Our cold spell is currently -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20C)... Most of my potted figs are 1 year old and in an unheated shed. I am afraid they will be severely damaged or killed :(

Subject: Penachee Replies: 8
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 146
 
Nice. I am rooting a cutting and looking forward to some nice decorative fruit.

Subject: Herman2 Replies: 30
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 961
 
Off: Why are veteran members removing their posts and accounts? Newbies like me come for the knowledge and his posts were useful.

Subject: Remember figs4fun?Time to turn this bus around! Replies: 55
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 464
 
Dang, US only, again.. you guys are lucky. Very generous offer.

Subject: Hi. I live in South Korea. Replies: 12
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 187
 
Bella,
Welcome to the forum, what is too difficult?
There are other members here from South Korea, you could contact them and exchange cuttings or buy together from ebay and share the cost.
For example I know user benny1127 is from S. Korea here is his profile page.
You could try sending him an email or message.

Subject: New year resolution Replies: 8
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 154
 
I will eat fresh figs from my own trees. I will stop chasing exotics and focus on reliable proven varieties.

Subject: Hydrogen Peroxide v Gnats Replies: 34
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 428
 
I don't measure ratios, I just make sure it is very dilute. I pour about 0.5cm of 3% peroxide to the bottom of an Ikea spray bottle, then fill up with tap water. I sprayed the top of the soil on cuttings that have gnats buzzing around them, or all cups when I wasn't sure which one was the source. Make sure not to spray too much or don't forget about it when watering. I hunted and killed all gnats in about 2 weeks, so I can confirm that the method works. In turn I just managed to overwater one and the roots rotted, now trying to revive it.

Subject: How's everyones cuttings coming along? Replies: 84
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 1,031
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladis
How many days on the road were cuttings from the Ukraine?


Vladis, Serge was nice and sent me cuttings from Ukraine to Hungary and it took over 3 weeks to get here. The cuttings had mold from being packaged with a wet rag into multiple layers of plastic and I think they also got some frost damage on the way. Unfortunately Randino and White Marseilles (=Blanche) were weak, but 2 of the 3 cuttings of Violette de Bordeaux rooted successfully. One has only roots, the other has roots and leaves. I have a single node Randino left that is planted hotizontally and now has some small roots but I don't see a bud swelling yet. All others rotted and died.

Subject: How's everyones cuttings coming along? Replies: 84
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 1,031
 
I got cuttings of Randino, White Marseilles, VdB from a forum member in Ukraine at the end of November. Only VdB rooted, all others got moldy, rotted and had to discard them. I just up-potted one VdB today to a 2L pot and cut back to first bud, hoping it will push some green. Another VdB is well rooted and growing leaves.
Got some Panache, Michurinska10 and Kutfej Black from fellow Hungarian collector, all 3 are rooted and doing fine.
Here is a pic I took a few days ago of the cuttings in cups.

Subject: I Probably Just Killed My First Cuttings Replies: 5
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 127
 
If you have roots they will be probably fine. They rot when there are no roots yet. The light mix helps with drainage, so I guess you will be ok. Dont worry and keep an eye on them. Good luck and happy holidays.

Subject: a palau fig USDA zone? Replies: 7
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 198
 
Benny,
Hardy Chicago, RdB, Bornholm are said to be hardy from your list.
You could look for LaRadek BT, Florea (Michurinska-10), Randino, Dalmatie they also have a good reputation among members.
Also remember that resistance to cold improves with age. A well established 5 year plant will survive better.
Hope this helps,
G.

Subject: a palau fig USDA zone? Replies: 7
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 198
 
Hi Benny,
If you want to grow figs in CZ, you should try to get LaRadek's English Brown Turkey or other European variety that is OK with our cold. Also you should read a lot here on the forum. In your native language try the figs area of kiwiforum.cz
Welcome, Happy Holidays and good luck with your fig.

Edit: I was under the impression you are from Czech Republic, your profile says you are in S. Korea, so I dont know.. where are you?

Subject: Cuttings Replies: 7
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 383
 
Here is what I would do for longer term storage. Cut to 6-8 inches, wash in diluted bleach+water, let them air dry. Then close both cut ends with candle wax or wood sealent. Roll cuttings in a moist paper towel, Put them in a zip lock bag and into crisper drawer in fridge.

Subject: PA Figs Cuttings Packs Replies: 19
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 943
 
I can't order from outside of US but wanted to say i really enjoy your youtube videos and i am subscribed to your channel :) nice collection.

Subject: Saint- Martin Replies: 31
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 588
 
Pencho, how much time did it take to ship the cuttings from BUlgaria to Sweden? I got some cuttings from Ukraine to neighboring Hungary and it took over 3 weeks. I am now struggling to keep them alive. I am searching for cold hardy varieties.

Subject: Request for Free Fig Cuttings for a Newbie Replies: 19
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 2,147
 
Just a thought, don't mean to be negative, just sharing my own point of view on the matter. I am a newbie too but I would never expect others to provide free cuttings just because I just started collecting. I actively search for members near me who may have something I want, offer to pay at least for shipping, drive there if offered cuttings or rooted plants, and in general try to put some effort into it. The generosity of forum members should not be exploited.

Subject: Rooting question Replies: 5
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 159
 
I don't think you need to. Roots and buds are powerful enough to push through the wax.

Subject: My European Fig Adventure Replies: 23
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 409
 
Devin, if you used a smartphone like an iphone or recent android to take those pictures, the exact location is saved with the photo and can be later extracted and displayed on a map.

Subject: How diffarent beetawen Panache & Bordisot Blanca Rimada ? Replies: 3
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 163
 
See here.
https://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/panache-and-bordissot-blanca-rimada-8154525

Subject: Randino Replies: 54
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 2,622
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jveri
What did you use to write on the cuttings? White out pen?


It's a permanent paint white marker that doesn't have the super fine point. I saw several people using it and it helps make the text really visible on the brown bark. Search for 'white Sharpie' at stationery / office supplies stores or online, it may also be available at creative hobby places depending on where you are.

The one I am using is called 'Snowman White made in Japan' and it wasn't cheap, so I hope it won't dry up quickly and I can use it for a few years.

Subject: Randino Replies: 54
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 2,622
 
Serge, thank you again for the cuttings and extra gifts you sent me, they finally arrived after 3 weeks in shipping limbo. I managed to clean the mold, label again, place them into coconut coir with rooting hormone and put them on the heat mat. If I get them to root, I will be able to share cuttings with members within Europe, starting next season.

[IMG_2780] 

Subject: My European Fig Adventure Replies: 23
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 409
 
Thanks for sharing your adventures.

Subject: Figs from Israel Replies: 14
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 500
 
I think Dennis (snaglpus) has Khurtmani, I remember him mentioning the taste recently in one of the topics. Not sure though, maybe send him a message and ask.

Subject: CLEANING AND STORING FIG CUTTINGS Replies: 4
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 267
 
I've seen a few youtube videos where they dip the cut ends into hot wax before putting to storage or shipping. I will try with regular candle wax instead of the sealant to see how that works.

Subject: HELP...Fig Varieties that do not require the fig wasp Replies: 9
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 174
 
Welcome Ozarka31. There are hundreds of named varieties and there are many books and articles about them.

For example a Hungarian site has one here. If you scroll down the page you will find the list.

Additionally, Ira Condit's Fig Varieties: A monograph shows an extensive list of varieties sorted and grouped by various criteria.

The 'mother website' of this very forum has a database of varieties here.

You can also find a bunch of information here ;)

Subject: Hoping to find figs abroad... Replies: 17
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 305
 
Devin, good luck and be careful. Maybe ask for cuttings if it's on private land and the owner is at home, that way you can also ask for the name of the variety. You'll end up with a bunch of unknowns otherwise :)

Subject: New cuttings - question Replies: 7
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 277
 
Zebulun, many people recommend rooting in clear plastic cups so you can actually see what's going on. Light does affect root development so when you see good root length and feel comfortable, it is recommended to move the cutting into a normal pot.

I just moved one of my rooted cuttings yesterday from the clear cup into a black pot - like the one behind it in the photo - to spend the winter season. These new roots are soft and you may break off a few in the process, but don't worry if it has plenty of roots it should be OK.

[IMG_2721a]

Subject: New cuttings - question Replies: 7
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 277
 
Hi Zebulun.
You may get leaves but no roots, exhausting the cutting. You may also get roots but no leaves. You may get both and the cutting will establish and grow. It's 'random' at least thats how I understand. Somone said: top heat encourages leaf growth, bottom heat increases your chances to get roots. I just got a heat mat for my own experiments. Good luck with your cuttings.
Forgot to add: potting media is crucial. Soilless mixes are recommended by experienced growers. Coconut coir, perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss are good, provide aeration and keep moisture. Overwatering is the most common reason that kills rooting cuttings.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Short update.

I have a second cutting showing some small roots. The first one is growing roots nicely and the bud opened this morning and pushed out a tiny leaf. The Della Signora cutting in the background on the right also shows signs of growth with that small leaf at the top.

One of the LED grow lights was bad, I am now using a 20W/1200lm compact bulb instead.

[IMG_2721a] 

I just got the larger heat mat I ordered from ebay. It is quite large, I am happy to fit my current cuttings onto it and some room for the wife's Hibiscus seed experiments. I placed a layer of foam to insulate from the furniture and refract heat towards the cuttings. The mat is giving out nice heat after a few minutes of warming up. I had to dial it down a bit, it is at around 75%.

[IMG_2723a] 

[IMG_2724a] 
[IMG_2726a] 

I managed to send some money to forum member Serge in Ukraine, he will be sending me some cuttings of Randino from his tree. I will try to root some using this setup and keep this thread updated.

And the first seedling leaf that is not single lobe.

[IMG_2722a] 

Subject: The Do's & Don'ts of Fig Cutting Season Replies: 27
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 828
 
As a newbie with the fig fever, thank you for the advice. Buying cuttings and rooting all year long is extremely tempting and easy to fall for ebay scams.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Day 3. The bud at the top of the cutting is swelling, 1-2 days and I get to see some leaves.

One of the LED grow lights is defective, after warming up it keeps turning off and back on every 2 seconds :(

[IMG_2714] 

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Compared to pic above, it is scary how just 24 hours laters the same cup shows even more roots. Impressive growth, I didn't know they can extend so fast.

[IMG_2710a] 

Subject: Your Winter Grow Room Setup Replies: 32
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 689
 
My wife loves IKEA so 99% of our stuff comes from them. My winter setup consists of an IKEA IVAR shelf combination that holds my seedlings / cuttings on long trays for easy watering and old IKEA desk lamps from the kids with full spectrum LED grow lights.

The entire shelf is in front of a window and I have of 2 shelves placed at proper distance for propagation and experiments.

I also ordered some heat pads from ebay and banggood.com to put under the clear rooting cups for bottom heat.

[IMG_2703] 
Hope this helps.-g

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Success.. one of the unknown cuttings just pushed some roots to the side of the plastic cup. This was the only one not resting below the lamp that provides heat.

[IMG_2705]

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Woodville, these grow lights supposedly provide all wavelengths for growth, including uv and infrared. I chose LEDs because of their low consumption, i know there are massive hydroponic systems with HID lights but those produce a lot more heat and require planning and complete ventilation. I just want my seedlings and rooted cuttings to survive winter indoors. The cuttings don't know they have an LED above them, but they get extra light during short and often overcast winter days.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
The grow light bulbs arrived, I installed one of them into an old IKEA desk lamp and placed it above the seedlings and smaller cuttings I rooted over summer.

The bulbs are rated 10W but I suspect they are a lot weaker maybe 5W, hopefully the window and the grow lights will be OK for them to survive the winter.

I am still waiting for the heat mat to arrive, then the lamp on the right will also become a grow light for another shelf and the cuttings go onto the mat.

[IMG_2703] 
All the lights are connected to an IKEA TANDA mechanical timer set to about 16 hours.
[tnda-dygnstimer-101-331-32-1454947336] 


Subject: Photo Posting Issues Replies: 11
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 172
 
I am using https://postimage.org and use the resize feature as well, then paste the direct links into the 'add image' dialog here.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodville
Thanks for getting back to me Pverdes3. Thanks for the links, I'm looking into heat pads. Thanks again!


Woodville, just found this on ebay supposedly made for seeds and germination, I guess it's waterproof and also bigger than the one I ordered. You may want to take a look.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262456161244

[s-l500] 


Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
First version with added heat was this one, with two plastic buckets.

[IMG_2671] 

Then when I turned off the lights for the night and checked in the morning, they had mold from the low temp and humid environment. Worst was the short cutting with the terminal bud on the original branch.

So I removed the top and now this is how I am trying to root them. The 5th cutting is in a separate location, close to the exhause fan on my PC.

[IMG_2673] 

Have some buds swelling, hopefully they will put out some roots into the mix.

[IMG_2672] 

Pics are from yesterday.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Hi Steve, thanks for stopping by.

I ordered a cheap heat pad from China to put under the cuttings and full spectrum LED bulbs for the winter season.

This is the heat pad
http://www.banggood.com/7W-Adjustable-Temperature-Reptile-Heating-Heater-p-915262.html

And the bulbs for my EU sockets
http://www.banggood.com/10W-Full-Spectrum-SMD5730-LED-Grow-Bulb-Greenhouse-Hydroponics-Plant-Seedling-Lamp-p-1051507.html

I found some mold on 3 of the 5 cuttings so I had to remove the cups to aerate. It is probably because of the rooting media I used. I tried putting another transparent bucket over the cuttings to give them more air but that didn't help, got fresh mold overnight. I am waiting for the heat pad to arrive and hopefully help with mold. Until then, I added a lamp with a halogen bulb to provide some heat.

I also have a bunch of seedlings and cuttings rooted over this summer that are too small to go into dormancy, they will benefit from the grow lights.

Subject: winter cutting project Replies: 14
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 388
 
I have read on another thread that a very diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide kills the eggs or somehow breaks their breeding cycle. The kind of peroxide you put into cuts to clean them out and disinfect. May be worth trying as its cheap.

Subject: figs Replies: 20
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 422
 
I also had issues posting pics here. In the end I used https://postimage.org/ it lets you upload your pics, have it resize them for you and at the end it will give you the list of direct links to the pictures. Copy those to the clipboard and add them to this forum using the 'Insert picture' thing.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Thank you Devin for chiming in, next time I will cut off the leaves as soon as I get home. I will keep this topic updated throughout the winter with photos as time allows. I still have to produce a tasty fig to convince my wife that this new hobby is worth the effort :) Maybe next year..

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
This is the effect of the window glass heating up in the sun. I guess this is good?
Thanks
[IMG_2664a] 

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Here are the pictures as promised. I hope someone could also help me identify the variety.
[IMG_2655a] 
Branch as received. It spent a night in a bucket of water

[IMG_2654a] 
Leaf size and pattern next to my hand. These are pretty large leaves compared to my other figs.

[IMG_2656a] 
Leaf pattern 1

[IMG_2657a] 
Leaf pattern 2

[IMG_2658a] 
Cuttings, 3-4 nodes each

[IMG_2660a] 
Cut off leaves, planted into mix and covered. Melted holes into cups with soldering iron.

[IMG_2662a] 
Winter storage in front of the window.

Also visible my seedling experiment with what were supposedly Panache seeds from Ebay.

Thanks for looking.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Thanks Steve,
I work from home and the shelf I have for cuttings and seedlings is in my 'office' room right behind me, so i can check, water and move them daily if needed. The shelf is in front of a window that gets sunlight in the morning, from sunrise until noon. I am not sure whether they will need extra light or heating.
I potted the cuttings into clear plastic cups as described elsewhere on the forum.
The medium is a mix of coconut coir, pumice and regular potting soil, not packed. I don't have easy access to perlite so I use what I have.
Will post pictures soon.

Subject: Root now or induce dormancy in fridge? Replies: 29
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 581
 
Hello everyone, I am new to the forum, mostly lurker until now, as this was my first year collecting figs. Yesterday I asked and got a branch from a tree in our city, the owner didn't remember the name of the variety, it has medium large brown fruit. The branch is this year's growth, partly lignified, the tip is green. Should I root it now or should I put the cuttings in a zip loc bag in the fridge and try to induce dormancy, then attempt rooting in december or later? I will post pictures of the leaf and cuttings in another comment. Thanks, G.

Subject: dormancy or grow lights??? Replies: 38
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 520
 
JMRTSUS, whats wrong with the red-blue LED lights? Was just preparing to order some. Thanks

Subject: Heavy flowering fertilizer anyone experimented? Replies: 1
Posted By: pverdes3 Views: 68
 
Baud mentions that fig need mainly potassium. Adding nitrogen will encourage vegetative growth and slow down or even completely prevent ripening. I am also looking for high P-K ratio fertilizers for next season, as on my in ground unknown this year i had one single fig get close to ripening, while the bush has 7ft branches and many green figs that will not make it. I was feeding it a 14:7:21 ratio water soluble since it had severe frost damage last winter, but now I think that nitrogen was too much.
My potted plants are too small to produce fruit so i gave thrm the same fertilizer to grow leaf.