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Subject: Latest fig tree rescue story! Replies: 85
Posted By: donpaid Views: 2,878
 
Very cool! I hope it turns out to be something good :)

Subject: My Depressing Fig Notebook Replies: 12
Posted By: donpaid Views: 685
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ampersand
not put all your eggs in one rooting method


Haha I see where your going with this! Don't put all your cuttings in one bag :)

Subject: My Depressing Fig Notebook Replies: 12
Posted By: donpaid Views: 685
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lifigs
There should almost be a mandatory self imposed one year apprentice period where you only play with inexpensive local unknown cuttings. During this period you can try various rooting techniques and find out what works best for you.


Amen. When I started my fig hobby, I took about 150 brown turkey cuttings that I harvested myself off a big tree, and I went crazy on them; I tried different rooting methods, different potting soils, different amounts of water, etc. I think it's very useful to do that initially. FYI, I was unable to root a single stick the first year LOL, but the second year, I had like a 95% success rate. You get to learn a lot about rooting by trial and error and all sorts of experimentation. It's fun too.

Subject: Another newbie to the forum Replies: 29
Posted By: donpaid Views: 769
 
Great story Kevin! Just warning you, it ain't gonna stop; it's only going to get worse, but since we're talking about figs, it's only going to get better :)

And next August when you are stuffing your face with delicious figs, you're realize the addiction is IN FACT a blessing. Welcome!

Subject: Cuttings - All done for now Replies: 53
Posted By: donpaid Views: 3,074
 
The cuttings arrived today! They're already in my "rooting chamber". Yeehaw!!! Thanks Frank

Subject: Your first name at least... Replies: 52
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,680
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by COGardener
First name, City, State and USDA zone seem to be the norm for a lot of us, just need to get others to follow suit.


I agree 100%

Subject: Your first name at least... Replies: 52
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,680
 
Dan here!

1 for all the derivations of Daniel

Subject: Anjeer Kohi Mountain Fig Replies: 21
Posted By: donpaid Views: 2,584
 
-40F does seem a little far fetched. But there's no doubt that it gets pretty dang cold in those mountains. In the photo, the trees seem to be thriving in dry, hot summer/cold winter conditions. The thing I wonder is if a "wet" -40F is different for them (figs) than a "dry" -40F. Maybe not, I'm just speculating.

Subject: Out of control fig cuttings and trees Replies: 48
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,586
 
rcantor,

1,947 is an extraordinary number of plants...wow...I applaud you sir

And yes schaplin, we're essentially all fig junkies on this forum, and Jon's the dealer :P It get's out of hand quick. But there's nothing wrong with that! No intervention needed! Keep rooting those cuttings! :)

Subject: Cheap buckets... Replies: 8
Posted By: donpaid Views: 438
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GRamaley
Donpaid, it is better to get the foodgrade ones, don't  know what might be left in there from detergent..


Now that you mention it, my figs DID taste a little soapy this past year...:P

Subject: Cheap buckets... Replies: 8
Posted By: donpaid Views: 438
 
That's awesome! Thanks for letting us know. I gotta go check with the donut place and supermarket down the street to see what they got.

Up until now, I had collected buckets from specifically buying detergent that came in buckets. Essentially, you're getting detergent and a free bucket! Score!

Subject: Sal's Figs Replies: 14
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,093
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron4USA
I don't meant to sound redundant but... can someone post pics and different Sal's xxxs info please. I has become somehow confusing for me. So, is there Sal's, Sal's C, Sal's S, Sal's G , Sal's L...how many are there and what do they look like exactly?


And who is or was Sal?  What's the story?


Woah I had no idea those figs were named after a guy. I always wondered why they all had "Sal's" in their names, but I guess it's starting to make sense for the first time to me right now lol I'd love to hear his story too.

Subject: Single node cuttings experiment Replies: 244
Posted By: donpaid Views: 11,935
 
It looks like they respond very well to that soil mix. They all look so vigorous! Awesome job Charlie!

Subject: Jon's unknown pastiliere pics? Replies: 11
Posted By: donpaid Views: 729
 
Xenil,

I think there are some people growing the "unknown pastiliere" on this forum, try using the search function. If nothing comes up, try to go to the "figs 4 fun varieties" page and it'll be under "unknown pastiliere". I'm not sure about the fruit drop though, I think Jon said in a post somewhere that it might be a San Pedro type fig.

Here is the link to the exact page: http://figs4fun.com/Thumbnail_Unknown_Pastiliere.html

Hope this helps! Good luck!


Subject: Cuttings - All done for now Replies: 53
Posted By: donpaid Views: 3,074
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cis4elk
There is nothing wrong with rock'n the socks and sandals. It's the perfect foot wear for the transitional seasons.


Preach it Cal! I get teased pretty bad by my friends and family, it's all good though lol, but there's no doubt they're comfortable and convenient

and it reminds me of pre-game when I played high school football *walking off the bus, helmet and pads in hand, sandals off - cleats on, it's game time* ...so they're nostalgic too...

Subject: Cuttings - All done for now Replies: 53
Posted By: donpaid Views: 3,074
 
Thanks for your generosity Frank. I can't wait for them to arrive!

Subject: Coffee Grinds! Vote 2014, Replies: 59
Posted By: donpaid Views: 2,234
 
I've always heard used coffee grinds and ash are good for plants. I never personally tried it myself.

I wonder if mixing used coffee grounds with the growing medium for cuttings will be beneficial at all...they're about the right size for a good growing medium...hmmmm..I'm curious now...

Subject: Hello! Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 711
 
You've come to the right place! Welcome Linda!

Subject: So you think it's hard putting your potted trees away for the winter? Replies: 17
Posted By: donpaid Views: 721
 
"Alleluia! Another year! 19....uh....2012!" LOL classic

That's amazing. I feel so spoiled here in So Cal. 

I tip my hat to all those who go to these lengths for figs. 

Subject: --- Black Mission TJ seedling airlayers Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,352
 
Speedmaster,

You're correct. If you don't have the wasp in your area and you want to manually pollinate your figs, you need persistent caprifigs.

And you're very welcome! You aught to thank rcantor and greenfig too :) also, there are many other posts with great information on this subject by lampo and a few other forum users.

best of luck!

Subject: Fun Thing to do while figs are dormant Replies: 49
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,220
 
Hahahaha the image of your wife walking into the garage, only to find you blasting slugs away into oblivion with a pellet gun is pure comedy!!!

I very much needed that laugh today. Thanks Dennis!

Subject: --- Black Mission TJ seedling airlayers Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,352
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by greenfig
If you need a caprifig only for pollination, you do not care what it is.


greenfig, that is a very good point you made!

waynea, it sure is interesting stuff!

Phew...I'm so glad I'm not the only fig nerd :)

Subject: Propagation Setup Replies: 16
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,398
 
Justin, those cuttings look awesome. Well done! What varieties are you rooting?

Subject: --- Black Mission TJ seedling airlayers Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,352
 
Speedmaster,

A persistent caprifig will produce "ripe" figs even if it is not pollinated by the fig wasp (think of it as a common caprifig: persistent = common).

A non-persistent caprifig will produce NO "ripe" figs, UNLESS it's pollinated by the fig wasp (think of it as a smyrna caprifig: non-persistent = smyrna).

It's important to find out if it is persistent or non-persistent because the persistence gene is only carried by the caprifig, NOT THE FEMALE FIG. Therefore, a non-persistent caprifig will have no persistent (common) offspring. Persistence (common fig) is important for every fig cultivator (the fig wasp is not around all the time to pollinate figs), but especially for those in areas without the fig wasp, who will need to grow common varieties in order to produce a crop. 


Persistent Caprifig + Persistent Fig = 1/2 persistent offspring + 1/2 non-persistent offspring

Persistent Caprifig + Non-Persistent Fig = 1/2 persistent offspring + 1/2 non-persistent offspring

Non-Persistent Caprifig + Non-Persistent Fig OR Persistent Fig = 1/1 non-persistent offspring


Here is a very good online resource that explains all of this in great detail: http://waynesword.palomar.edu/arbimg10.htm#persistent

In a way, I'm happy I was never required to learn about "Ficus Culture" in high school biology. Saying it's complicated is an understatement. But I hope I helped to answer your question. 

Subject: --- Black Mission TJ seedling airlayers Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,352
 
If the fig is too small for a bag to fit over it, it might be easier to put a piece of tape over the eye, or maybe to even seal it with some type of adhesive/glue. I really hope it turns out to be a persistent caprifig.

Subject: --- Black Mission TJ seedling airlayers Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,352
 
Very cool greenfig! Are you going to keep the caprifig around to help pollinate your other fig trees?

Subject: Please help ID this fig. Replies: 4
Posted By: donpaid Views: 414
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfarach
Anyways, for now it's a keeper...


Yep...that's all that really matters. If it's good, then propagate it, grow it, eat it; don't be losing sleep over it's identity (I'm not saying you are, I'm just exaggerating a bit to make the point). But I'm glad that you found a winner Simon! Best of luck to you!

Subject: Beetles on figs Replies: 34
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,509
 
Bass, I'm never going to comfortably eat dried figs ever again...imagining myself innocently eating dried figs and biting into a beetle is traumatizing...

Subject: Please help ID this fig. Replies: 4
Posted By: donpaid Views: 414
 
Elfarach,

IMO it seems to resemble "Chico Strawberry", or "Saratoga". I also have a tree that has similar fruit, similar leaves, and similar growth and fruiting habits. There are a few pictures of "Saratoga" on the figs 4 fun varieties page.

Subject: Fig fruits with ribs and ripening time Replies: 18
Posted By: donpaid Views: 825
 
I found this post from 2011 that shows one of the most unusual figs I have ever seen...yellowish skin with red-striped ribs...

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/check-out-my-red-fig-5426662?pid=1269832191#post1269832191

Also, "unknown pastiliere" on the figs 4 fun varietal page shows a lot of rib

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Subject: Does anyone interplant / companion plant their potted figs? Replies: 17
Posted By: donpaid Views: 742
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by aphahn
Don, Any idea why mint?


I'm not exactly sure...I've come to understand that it supposedly keeps the worst of the bugs away. However, I'd ambitiously like to think that planting sweet mint around my fig trees maybe makes the fruit sweeter? Lol...I know, it's a stretch...but five years later, my fig trees and their little mint plant colonies still seem to be close allies.

Subject: a cutting is moving from a box to a cup! Replies: 20
Posted By: donpaid Views: 780
 
Interesting results! That cutting looks extremely healthy. I saw your post on the "El Molino" fig and it looks very promising...the pictures of the interior makes my mouth water!

I'd like to know how your new mix works out! Thanks for sharing

Subject: Does anyone interplant / companion plant their potted figs? Replies: 17
Posted By: donpaid Views: 742
 
I'm not sure about potted plants. As mentioned in Andy's post, figs like to take over everything with their roots. But my grandma has always planted mint with her figs that are in-ground. I've done the same and it seems to be working just fine!

Subject: Beall Cuttings Enjoying a Sunbath Replies: 14
Posted By: donpaid Views: 620
 
Looking good there Speedmaster. They look very healthy! Do you use any fertilizer at this point?

And thank you! I have started rooting a few cuttings myself...I honestly forgot how long it takes to show any real progress. But the patience will pay off.

Take care!

Subject: What's in those muffins??? Replies: 3
Posted By: donpaid Views: 377
 
Hahaha I can see this being shown on Jay Leno's "Headlines" bit.

Make sure to always read the ingredients people...

lol thanks for sharing ADelmanto...

Subject: Chris K Ukn! Replies: 40
Posted By: donpaid Views: 961
 
I was just as surprised as you to learn (from this forum) that fig trees are growing ALL OVER the South.

Great story Chris! Take care!

Subject: OT: Persimmons Replies: 119
Posted By: donpaid Views: 3,539
 
Haha I know exactly what you mean. Unripe hachiya persimmons are extremely unpleasnt...but when they're fully ripe, they're so delicious and unique in flavor. I guess when they're unripe, they're "unique" in flavor too lol

I had no idea about the freezer method. Thanks for sharing Aaron.

Subject: New figgie Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 986
 
Haha awesome story!! Soft cheeses and prosciutto and fresh figs go really well together. Figs go well with pretty much everything.

And I know exactly what you're talking about with that fig tree smell. Especially when they start to bloom in the spring, the sweet aroma is intoxicating!

Welcome to the forum Katie.

Subject: My Awesome 2014 Breba Fig. Whats yours Replies: 25
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,705
 
Grrantam's royal seems like an awesome fig. Nice reddish color, big and productive. The fact that it's grown in ground and never protected in Canada is pretty astonishing too. Best of luck paully22!

Subject: Thanksgiving Replies: 50
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,078
 
Grazie Vito. Happy thanksgiving to everyone and their families!

Subject: intro and short fig story w/ pictures of "Filacciano" Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,299
 
Kerry and Rewton,

I think there is enough evidence in the pictures to conclude that we grow the same variety. My Filacciano appears to be the same as your Filacciano Bianco (Fil B). The shape is identical, but I think the most striking similarity is the elongated shape of the top portion of the fig and the woody neck, which is short and stubby.

How has Fil B performed in your area/climate? Is it cold hardy at all?

And Rewton, how did you come across Fil B cuttings?? I don't think it's in the F4F collection.

Subject: intro and short fig story w/ pictures of "Filacciano" Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,299
 
Thanks everyone! 

Steve, that's very interesting. It looks like my grandma was right. It seems to all add up: San Pedro variety, from Lazio, green skin, pink/red/amber flesh. I wonder why they'd call it Filacciano Bianco though. Is there a Filacciano Nero out there somewhere? 

Kerry, awesome! Looks like the fruit that my trees produce. 

schaplin, I agree with you 100%. Yellow, green, emerald, purple, violet, brown, black, red...they're all delicious! Why not have them all?? :) 

Rafael, Haha I suppose it's a lucky circumstance. In SoCal, you stick a fig tree in the ground, give it some water and it takes off. I tip my hat to all those who do the "fig shuffle" and who grow figs in pots in colder climates and persevere through the hours spent on fertilizing and watering and root pruning and transplanting. Ohh I've heard about the Figo Preto and Black Madeira...those sure look and sound good....maybe in a few years after I earn my stripes. 

Bob, I appreciate the offer! It's awesome to know there are so many generous members on this forum. Before I get any cuttings, I need to get all dialed in with my propagation techniques and I need to find the space. Room for the trees is my issue right now.

Subject: intro and short fig story w/ pictures of "Filacciano" Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,299
 
sorry the pictures are kinda huge, I have to work on my file re-sizing skills 

Subject: intro and short fig story w/ pictures of "Filacciano" Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,299
 
Pollinated main crop

Attached Images
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Subject: intro and short fig story w/ pictures of "Filacciano" Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,299
 
Brebas

Attached Images
jpeg danpics3_312.JPG (1004927, 123 views)
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Subject: intro and short fig story w/ pictures of "Filacciano" Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,299
 
I'm pleasantly surprised by the friendly responses! Thank you all! 

Greg, I akin the flavor of the brebas to be a sweet honey with light stwawberry. The best way I can describe the main crops flavor is sweet raspberry with some acid. I suspect the difference in taste between the crops has to do with the main crop being pollinated. (Again, the main crop needs to be pollinated to produce edible fruits.)

Ed, The family fig comes from Ciociaria, an old region in the Apennines between Rome and Naples. This doesn't necessarily mean that it originated there. It could have been brought in from another part of Italy and possibly even another part of Europe hundreds of years ago. I don't know for sure. But I believe the trees from which my grandparents got the original cuttings are still alive and fruitful. And yes, I do live in an area with the wasp. And as far as the breba/main crop comparison, I'll refer you to the response I gave to Greg.

Ciao Rafael, I just did a quick "Filacciano" word search...and wow, I recognize the fruit and leaf patterns. They are very similar if not identical to what I see on my trees. And yes, it could very well be DK! 

Rui, It's already on my to-do list. I know there is a little rivalry between dark and light fig eaters. I gotta say I'm on the light side due to inexperience with dark figs, but I'd love to hear the dark side's "argument" :) 

Hershell, It's about as hardy as a brown turkey fig. The brebas are pretty huge. My grandparents brought it to Los Angeles in 1973 in the form of 1 cutting in the carry-on lol. Now we have about 10 full sized trees. I'll try to find some pictures of the Filacciano fig. 

Subject: intro and short fig story w/ pictures of "Filacciano" Replies: 36
Posted By: donpaid Views: 1,299
 
Hi Forum. I have been a member of the forum for about 10 months, but I have yet to introduce my self officially. My name's Dan and I am from and currently live in Northern San Diego County.

Short Fig Story: My family is of Italian descent, so figs have been a huge part of my diet. One confession though: other than a brown turkey fig and not including dried figs, I have never had a fresh purple, violet, black, or dark fig. It's always been green figs: more specifically, a large, green skinned, red/pink/amber fleshed, intermediate variety (parthenocarpic breba, caducous main crop) that my grandparents "smuggled" over from Italy in the 70s. My grandma tells me that the variety is known as "Filacciano" in Italy.

I have learned a lot in the past few months by this forum's members, especially regarding fig pollination, fig reproduction, and propagation techniques. I thank you all for your input, documentation, photos, and observations you've shared, and especially Jon from Encanto Farms for his work. I hope to add what I can to the forum from my own observations. I see wild fig trees growing all over the place in SoCal, so I'll definitely be sharing pictures with you all.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone.

Subject: How do you plant your fig trees in the ground?? Replies: 14
Posted By: donpaid Views: 772
 
Henry,

I was always tought to plant fig trees when they are fully dormant, and to bury the rootball and part of the stem, and it's been successful for me so far. When they are fully dormant, there's a much lower chance of transplant shock. I think planting a fig tree is a lot like surgery; it's easier if the patient is asleep (dormant) lol.

For me, backfilling with a half and half mix of native dirt and mulch/manure has been pretty successful. I'm in Oceanside and the dirt around my house is clay-ish backfill. Not sure what it's like in Brawley, but I think the intense sun would be more of a worry.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Subject: Semi-Pollinated Figs (Pics!) Replies: 6
Posted By: donpaid Views: 679
 
Hi Chivas and rcantor. I apologize for the late response. 

Chivas, I meant to do that this season, but it got too late and consequently, when I went to check on some caprifig trees I have been scoping out for the past few months (about 3 miles from my house), all the pollen-carrying fruits were already on the ground. I'll make sure to be on top of it next season and try the "string-pollination". Thanks for the advice! 

rcantor, Yes, I am located in Northern San Diego County. 

Subject: There is Satisfaction in Watching the Eyes of a Guest taste your Figs Replies: 7
Posted By: donpaid Views: 337
 
Agreed!