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Subject: Fertilize rooting cuttings? Replies: 27
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 334
 
MG=Miracle Gro fertilizer

Subject: Best LARGE containers for figs Replies: 29
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,066
 
I use cow "lick" tubs that I get from my local Feed Store for $5.  They are about 30-35 gallon size and have UV protection (carbon black). 

Subject: fig tree sales from home:prices ?? Replies: 21
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 484
 
@SAS - No, I also sell over in Louisiana and has not been an issue over there.....yet.  I only have to certify that I grow the trees and plants on my property.  I think the certification is a Farmer's Market thing as opposed to statute/regulation.

Subject: Reputable Ebay Seller Replies: 10
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 312
 
There have been a couple of lists on good sellers, use the search function.

Subject: dormancy or grow lights??? Replies: 38
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 520
 
I use a combination of standard 40w fluorescent for light and 500w heat lamps for heat when needed.  I have 2 4 ft fluorscents 6 inches above cuttings with leaves, when they get too close to the bulbs I replace them with the next batch.  You still have to acclimate the trees to direct sunlight but the process is somewhat shorter.

Subject: dormancy or grow lights??? Replies: 38
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 520
 
My first year I kept lights on all winter, gained a whole season in growth, second year put lights on a 7 day/12 hr timer, gained a whole season in growth.  For the last 3 years I put them in my unlighted, unheated barn and they grew accordingly, went dormant, no growth above ground over the winter.  This year I intend to keep my small trees and cuttings in my new greenhouse and keep the lights on a 7 day/12 hr timer.  We will see.

Subject: fig tree sales from home:prices ?? Replies: 21
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 484
 
I agree, most consumers don't know or care about cultivars but if they have had bad experiences such as splitting, dropping figs, frost damage, late crop not ripening it pays to point them to a different cultivar, ie, Hardy Chicago for frost locations.

I do not sell cuttings.  I pot air layers in 1 gallon, wait a season, up pot to 3 gallon and sell as well rooted 3 gallon trees.

There are two different Farmer's Markets, the true wholesale market and the "boutique" retail market.  The wholesale market is exactly that, wholesale and you have to discount prices.  I sell at the "boutique" retail markets, less discussions on price, more profit.

As I said in my prior post, I am going to sell wholesale next Spring but only FOB at my location and a minimum of ten trees.  I will deliver but it is an additional cost, $1.00 per mile from my location.

Subject: fig tree sales from home:prices ?? Replies: 21
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 484
 
I sell common Fig trees (Celeste and Brown Turkey) $10.00 for 1 gallon and 3 gallon for $20.00.  I sell the LSU Gold, LSU Purple, LSU Hollier, English Brown Turkey, Alma, and Kadota for $15.00 and $30.00.  The Texas Blue Giant, Jack's Quarter Pounder, and Brunswick sell for $25.00 and $40.00.  I have a 2x6ft sign on my front fence from March to August and I also sell at 3 Farmer's Markets at the same prices.  The sign cost $17.00 on ebay and has been paid for many times over.

For my pricing, I don't care what Walmart or the Box stores prices are, I have never had anyone say "I can get it cheaper at XXXXX".  They typically sell 1 gallon for $9.95 and 3 gallon "whips" at $21.95.

I am going to sell 1 gallon well rooted trees wholesale next Spring at reduced prices.

I live on a State road and have a lot of traffic, which is why we picked this property.

Hope this helps.

Subject: Walmart Celeste NOT...any ideas? Replies: 17
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 345
 
Definitely, without a doubt, not Magnolia.

Subject: Celeste vs. Improved Celeste Replies: 22
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 581
 
@Chapman - I agree, that fits with what Dr Johnson has said in the past, primarily there never was a fig released named "Improved Celeste".

Is it safe to assume that the O'Rourke and the "Improved Celeste" are the same?  I really don't care because the O'Rourke is way down the list compared to the other great LSU figs, in my opinion.  I was curious as to where the term "Improved Celeste" came from.

My Celeste trees are all taken from really old (heirloom) trees and are decent performing, good tasting figs.  Many of these trees are well over 75 yrs old and as large as small houses.  I have never had any tree drop figs.

Subject: Celeste vs. Improved Celeste Replies: 22
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 581
 
Herman2 says "Improved Celeste is exactly that:Improved,it makes bigger fruit and drop less."

which still leads to my question....Where did it come from and who improved it?

Not arguing anything just asking the question.

Subject: Celeste vs. Improved Celeste Replies: 22
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 581
 
If the Improved Celeste is in fact a different fig, where did it originate?  Dr Johnson said that LSU never released a fig named "Improved Celeste" so where did it come from?  It has been said that it may have come from Dr O'Rourke giving it out to testers.  I am not sure it is real.  As to the "Southern Celeste", there is no such cultivar, many Celeste trees located in the South are so old that they have not evolved and are true to original type.

There is another whole discussion on why Celeste drops figs. 

My opinions(may be uninformed) ,all.

Subject: Figs in Newsweek and the New Yorker Replies: 7
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 171
 
As usual, incorrect on the wasp issue concerning each type fig having it's own wasp.

Subject: Potted fig leaf drop. What's causing it? Replies: 4
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 72
 
It is kinda what figs do, LOL

Subject: baby fig in the sun? Replies: 5
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 119
 
Same temps here in East Texas.  You have to be careful not to over water, which means you have to be careful not to underwater, LOL.  The sun is vicious on the leaves and will dry them out but the roots maybe okay.  Make sure the pots are draining okay and I would keep them out of direct sun.

Subject: What's this about fig coffee? Replies: 24
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 348
 
I had gone to the web site and requested a sample, never got it, tried the web site all day today, could not get there, email was returned.

Subject: OT-Ever wonder what our members look like? Replies: 313
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 22,854
 
BUMP
We need some pictures of the newer members.

Subject: Looking for 4f4 member go4broek Replies: 9
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 221
 
Jerry
He is retired military.  Don't know if Ruben is his first or last name.

King
The fig get together in Lafayette was only held one time.  We had the Big Fig Gig here in Marshall the following year, had 200+ people come through.

Subject: Looking for 4f4 member go4broek Replies: 9
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 221
 
Ruben was real active and then went away, he was coming to the fig get together in Lafayette La (3 yrs ago) and for some reason did not show.  I seem to remember that he was somehow connected (maybe as a frequent customer) to Fannicks in San Antonio.  You might check with the "Landscape Witch" (Alexis) in Austin/Manor area. Her company (The Landscape Witch) does landscaping.  I know she had some contact information for Ruben as he was going to ride with her to Lafayette.  She also dropped off forum later on.

Good luck.

Subject: $7 fig trees for spring/summer delivery, around 150+ varieties Replies: 775
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 28,721
 
I did not participate in the feeding frenzy on the $7 trees, I do not participate in buying any type of futures.  What needs to be remembered here is that any thread or contribution to a thread is public to all forum members and implies consent for comment.  One does not have to be a member of the feeding frenzy to comment on what is offered to the public (our forum community), nor does longevity of membership restrict comment.  Anyone going into this adventure had to know there were risks and participation is an acknowledgement of those risks.

I am curious if the seller is a commercial entity with the appropriate licenses and permits to engage in selling agricultural products across state lines.  The sheer volume of this deal exceeds the scope of "Hobbyist".

With all that said, if this were an eBay transaction the seller would surely be crucified on this forum, and would probably lose privileges on eBay.

All parties involved have entered into a contract with a deliverable, the instant a deliverable is violated,  the contract is breached.  The lack of remedy is disturbing.  

Hope, promises, and understanding, is not a remedy.

Subject: Ground Layering Replies: 7
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 192
 
Just finished a Tx Blue Giant layer, 1/2" horizontal branch.  I loosened the soil beneath the branch and covered the top with peat moss and used a piece of broken granite counter top to hold it down.  Takes about 4 weeks.  I have done several Hardy Chicago layers as well.

I think it is easier than air layers and I use it whenever I can.  I have not tried anything smaller than 1/2" caliber.

Subject: Fig ID Replies: 3
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 84
 
Celeste

Subject: New and happy to be here Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 134
 
Welcome to the forum, what part of NY are you located?

Subject: Hello from Indiana Replies: 16
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 129
 
Welcome to the forum.

Subject: Looking for free cuttings Replies: 27
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 685
 
Courtney,
Welcome to the forum.

I am somewhat perplexed that you just jump in and ask for cuttings.  It is a fact that there a lot of generous members here but it is somewhat bad form to ask for cuttings in your first posting.  Good manners would dictate that you would at least offer some form of introduction with basic information about yourself prior to asking for free cuttings, at a minimum.

Again, welcome to the forum.

Subject: Texas Blue Giant Fig Replies: 6
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 208
 
Up pot, root prune as Dennis said, then do a minimal tip prune on half of the tips, next year do the other half.  My original tree was almost 4 yrs old before I saw my first fig.

The TBG is a real under rated fig, it does very well in my environment.

Subject: Wellspring gardens Replies: 22
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 292
 
Lukie - in less than 30 seconds I found 88 threads about Wellspring, using the search function.  This is a wonderful feature of this forum.

Subject: MMMMMM Brown Turkey! Replies: 13
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 374
 
Looks like my Eastern (some say English) BT, great fig here.

Subject: Weird figs Replies: 22
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 338
 
????????????????

I know you are serious, but really, this is without a doubt the strangest question I have ever seen on this forum.  

Subject: Multi grafted figs? Replies: 6
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 190
 
You would be amazed at the amount of info you can find using the forum Search feature.  Start by reading the thread posted below "Frankenfig"

Subject: Playing around (rooting) Replies: 45
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 2,173
 
Bump

Subject: Yellow leaves brown spots Replies: 5
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 65
 
Use the search function, lots of info there.

Subject: New Find - Canal Unknown Replies: 4
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 176
 
I root in sphagnum, in cups, in a warm, high humidity environment.  I have experimented with different methods, this works best for me.

Subject: New Find - Canal Unknown Replies: 4
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 176
 
More picts

Attached Images
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Subject: New Find - Canal Unknown Replies: 4
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 176
 
My local fig buddy called and said "A guy over in Shreveport is taking down two fig trees, do you want cuttings?"  I said "What are they?" He said "Celeste and Genovase Nero (GN)"  Of course I wanted them.  Went today got a truckload, going back this afternoon for another truck load.

They are not GN but I don't know what they are, good fig, HUGE!  Good tasting fig.

Any input as to what they are would be appreciated.  I may put some up for sale to members.

Not the greatest pictures, I will post leaf pictures later today.

Attached Images
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Subject: Is mmonicaherteg2012 on ebay legit? Replies: 31
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 894
 
@Devisgro


Your statement;
 
"It would make no sense for fig cuttings to be confiscated, they carry no diseases or parasites and FMV isn't a problem"

That is a very bold statement and I would welcome any research or anecdotal data to substantiate that statement.

I agree that there is little risk with cuttings but who knows, I do know the risk of "the knock on the door" is not worth it.

Subject: Is this a brown turkey fig? Replies: 10
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 179
 
The white flecks, I have never seen them on BT.

Subject: Is this a brown turkey fig? Replies: 10
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 179
 
I don't think it is Brown Turkey

Subject: Farmer's Almanac Tip Replies: 2
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 72
 
From the Farmer's Almanac
  • "To help tomatoes through periods of drought, find some flat rocks and place one next to each plant. The rocks pull up water from under the ground and keep it from evaporating into the atmosphere".
Anyone tried this? might help in these dry times. I am going to put some broken counter granite around a few trees and see what happens.

Subject: Why bother? Replies: 23
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 539
 
Mocking birds, Squirrels, 99 deg days, too much rain, blistering sunshine, leaves turning crispy.

All the above, makes me wonder, why bother.  This started out as the best production year I have had, when the temps got above 95f, it started going bad.  You have to water to save the trees but regardless of what you do, the sun really beats up the trees.

Starting erection of the greenhouse which will be used primarily as a shade house this time of year.  Hopefully it will help.

Why bother?
Because I still love to see the first fig leaves in Spring, the first figs ripening, and the satisfaction of seeing it all come together in the good years.

I really do HATE Mocking birds and squirrels.  I have never killed any in my yard, YET!

Subject: LOWE'S Mislabel - again! Replies: 10
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 380
 
The closeouts are pretty much a sorry lot and most generally the Garden Dept Manager can make a deal.  The discount price is generally 50% and what is left is negotiable but you always should make a deal which includes all of them.  I did this at two stores.  All of the trees were pruned and up potted and kept as inventory for one year.  I get $15-20 for 3 gal trees.

Subject: LOWE'S Mislabel - again! Replies: 10
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 380
 
I have bought a lot of fig trees from Lowe's with the majority being Celeste, Brown Turkey, and Texas Everbearing.  When these are mislabeled it isn't a big deal as they are generally one of the three and I generally buy all they have when they are discounted.  Two years ago I bought three LSU Purple trees for $21.99 each at a Lowe's located in Henderson Texas.  I know there is always the chance for mislabeling but I really wanted the LSU Purples.  Long story longer, LOL

I don't know what these are but all three are the same and the figs are definitely not LSU Purple.  I think they may be Blue Giant because of the size and the leaves.  I will keep them as the Blue Giant is my wife's favorite fig.

Any guesses on what they may be?

I also bought 10-12 "Ischia Fig" trees that had the Green Ischia/Verte pictures shown, so far all the figs are a dark purple fig so who knows what they may be, for $3-3.50 each, who cares.

Attached Images
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Subject: First post. How do my trees look? Replies: 5
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 131
 
Welcome to the forum.  You have a great start.

A few suggestions:

Take Grandpas advice
Make no tree decisions based on assumptions
Use the search function here on the forum
Ask plenty of questions if you need to clarify your findings

Good luck

Subject: Texas Blue Giant maybe Replies: 3
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 174
 
Looks like my TBG.  Great fig.

My tree has been a slow grower but the figs are real nice and the cuttings root very well.  This is my wife's favorite fig.

I had a large one in a 35 gallon pot that was stolen last year from my yard.

Subject: BLACK ITALIAN RUSSO Replies: 8
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 249
 
Nice looking fig, is it known or unknown?

Subject: Banana Fig Replies: 11
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 389
 
I really appreciate it but I simply do not have room for any additions right now.  LSU Red, different story, I would toss some to make room for that one, LOL.

Subject: Banana Fig Replies: 11
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 389
 
OBTW - I am not looking for that fig.  Didn't want it to sound like I was fishing.

Subject: Banana Fig Replies: 11
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 389
 
I used to Live in Seabrook, when it was very small and I did not see any fig trees there.  I have been back several times and have looked for any older trees, I have not found one.  We had a member that promised me one but he didn't stay around very long.

Hope it is a Banana.

Subject: summer setup Replies: 11
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 251
 
Nice set up.

I have a Nonnie's Green that I got from Gene down in Houma Louisiana.  He got it from a lady in Ohio (through GardenWeb) but had no other information about it.  I got my first figs after 3 yrs.  Very large and a decent fig.  if you find out anything else please copy me.

Subject: Where have all the flowers gone? Replies: 32
Posted By: dkirtexas Views: 1,014
 
Thanks for all the contributions to this thread.  It is revealing a lot of different perspectives.

I am not going to try to comment on the comments as that was not my intention to start with.

Here are a couple of observations

We have been through some really rocky times and have lost membership for a couple of different reasons, some of which I believe are inherent to the nature of the discussion.

I am not sure how long a "newbie" is a newbie but there are certainly a few that got real smart on figs real quick and are quick to respond to every question.

Most probably, there has not been an original question asked in several years.

One of the most over asked questions is "What is your favorite________?" (fill in the blank)

My definition of what qualifies as a "flower" is a lot longer than most "budding blooms"

There are a lot of people that came through here and stayed a very short time, weeks/months, hardly long enough to be a flower.  To Doug's point, long enough to get cuttings/trees.

The Search function is really under utilized by many.

We have to have new blood in our gene pool.  It is very important that we treat newcomers with respect.  "Use the search function" is a respectful answer.

I continue to learn and I will never be an "expert"

To Doug, Thanks.