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Subject: completely off topic Replies: 10
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 304
 
Not much of a drinker, but I do love to take a stiff shot of a blood-warming liqueur now and then. You know, just to take the chill off, after shoveling snow. 

Recently read a recipe for a grapefruit liqueur, which was very similar to Limoncello.  You just sub some grapefruit peels for the lemons, wait a few months, then invent some excuses for getting cold.  Winter will soon be here.

Frank

Subject: Only one fig Replies: 14
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 610
 
Mario:

Really!  Do I have to choose?  Oh well.....

....With my somewhat limited repetoire of varietal experiences, and given the difficulty of trying to grow fig trees under less-than-optimum growing conditions, i.e. short growing season; lousy, freezing winters; growing in large containers, etc.... I would have to choose "BRYANT DARK" an unknown fig, that grows in The Bronx, NYC.  A couple of years ago, a former, F4F forum-member named Pete S. (ascpete) found this variety growing in a local Bronx, backyard.  The original tree has been there for decades.  He has distributed many cuttings and a few forum members have grown this variety, in various climates.  I too have grown this variety, but lost my containerized trees due to the freezing winter of 2014-'15...and, I am not happy about it, at all.

"BRYANT DARK" is a Mt Etna type of fig, and has survived NYC winters, but the original, grounded, mother tree, has died back to the roots over the last few, brutally, cold winters.  However, the original tree usually sends up new wood (suckers) from around the base of the roots.

The tree is disease free, "hardy", very productive.   And, oh yeah, the figs are to die for!  Black Mission size figs with the taste of very ripe apricots, peaches, and raspberries, with a slightly acidic finish that sizzles on the tongue.  Just the right blast of sweetness makes you want to eat, and then, eat some more.  The figs are never cloying.

It's a "work horse" fig variety, and if I sadly had to pick just one fig to cling to, this variety would be it.  Even fat Clemenza, (right after poor Pauly sprung a leak), would have said: ..."Leave the gun, leave the cannolis, take the "BD" fig tree"....  

After doing this fig-growing for the last 10 years, I decided that I'm done with trying to grow pricey, temperamental, gourmet-type fig varieties, and sick of waiting years for most of these diseasy, hoity-toity, highfalutin, figs to start sprouting, growing, and maybe eventually, ripening some figs that may, or may not, taste great.  But, if my climate was better for growing these long-season, figs...well, it's not, so, I'm not.

For whatever it's worth, since the question was raised, that's my two cents worth.  So, "BRYANT DARK" = my choice.


Frank

Subject: Aldo's Fig Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,632
 
"Schar Italian" = Sal's Corleone


Frank

Subject: Tonight's Plate Replies: 21
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 808
 
Hi Danny...

Great looking fig feast!  Like your flavor descriptions, and critiques.  Continued good luck with the ongoing fig production. 

A happy harvest to all.

Frank

Subject: New fig advice Replies: 4
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 246
 
You have many options.  Since your tall tree will require some pruning why not stake the first side branch vertically, and train this branch as your new main stem.... start multiple air-layers on the tallest stem... and make some new trees.  Establish the basic main-stem and branch structure of your tree, first.  The fig harvest will come later.  However, depending on your climate zone, it might be better to do this kind of work next season.   Basic pinching techniques will then keep your reshaped tree within bounds.  More branches = more leaves = more figs. 

Pruning and shaping a tree will take a few seasons, and is really a work-in-progress.  But it's easy and rewarding.... you'll also get many more figs at the end.  Read everything about pruning, pinching, air-layering, rooting cuttings: (green and dormant wood), staking, etc. 

Caveats!  I believe Desert King is a "breba producer" which means edible figs will grow only on older wood.  There is a great video that explains and shows how your DK fig tree should be pruned for fig production.  Maybe a forum member can link you to the video, which has been posted on this forum.

Good luck...you can and will do it.

Frank

Subject: OT- prayer request Replies: 59
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,367
 
Pattee-

Just got back from a 3 month working vacation down in Florida.  Just read your thread.

My prayers for a quick solution for your problems, and for better health in your future.  God Bless.

Sincerely,
Frank

Subject: Olympian Replies: 139
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 9,882
 
My containerized, Tissue-Cultured, OLYMPIAN trees, bought from Wellspring Gardens back in April-2014, have survived the bitterly cold 2014-2015 Winter season.  These containerized trees were over-wintered in an unheated storage shed, from January-March, 2015, and are now breaking bud. 
Container size: approximately 18 gallons. 
Fertilizers: "ESPOMA, IRON-TONE" ...supplemented with very diluted Miracle-Grow tonics, with each watering. 
Mix: 5-1-1-1 with added granular limestone.
Full Sun/back deck, southern exposure, plenty of heat.

Last season the tiny, 6"-8", wire-like trees, from April through October 2014,  put on at least 4-5 feet of growth.  I even had to pinch back terminal buds and pick off dozens of tiny figlets.  This season, I am sure I will get some figs to ripen.  Last year there was no evidence of any diseases showing on the leaves, and the leaves remained clean and healthy throughout the growing season.  I think the added iron in the organic, Espoma, helped the robust leaves, to fend off rust infections also.

More to follow as season progresses.  So far, so good.


Frank

Subject: Organic Fertilizer Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 602
 
Organic, "Espoma, Iron-Tone" 2X per growing season (follow directions) supplemented with very diluted "Miracle-Grow All-Purpose Plant Food" (24-8-16) with each watering. Dilute the MG 1-tbs/5 gallons water.  Add a top dressing of some granulated limestone if you soil is too acidic....i.e. loaded with peat moss.  All plant "foods" will eventually break down into their chemical components.

Every fig grower will have their own favorite fertilizers.

Frank

Subject: Hearty Chicago vs Hardy Chicago Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 529
 
Rafael...touche!

You're welcome ChrisK.  "Mongibello"/"Bensonhurst Purple" is one of the best. Grow it well, and taste heaven.


Frank

Subject: Hearty Chicago vs Hardy Chicago Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 529
 
Use the original name: "BENSONHURST PURPLE"...and eliminate all the controversy.  : ))))


Frank

Subject: Fig heaven, South Florida? Replies: 18
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,061
 
OK....after reading all the above I guess even a containerized tree will eventually become infested?  Yech!!  Not good news.

Are there any nematicides that will work, and stop/reverse infestations?  There is a product called "NEMASTOP" that is on the market.  Anyone ever try this?


Frank

Subject: Newby Questions from NY Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 476
 
Hello, Josh.  Welcome to this forum.  You will be getting plenty of help with your fig growing endeavors, and the members on this forum will not allow you to fail when it comes to growing figs.

Realizing that you are new to fig growing, I personally think that you are correct.... you should go to a garden center, and buy yourself a named variety fig tree, that's at/near bearing-age, plant it into a large container, and then grow it out doors, in a sunny location.  Feed it and keep it watered.  This will be your "default" fig tree.  Later in this season, it will very likely produce some delicious figs, and Josh will be thrilled.  In the meantime, read everything that's been posted about the growing of containerized, fig trees.

Many of the above suggestions are fine, but some of the techniques are really not for a beginner, are experimental, and may take years to show results.  You will not be sorry if you start by growing an fig tree at bearing age.  You'll pay a little more for an older tree, but you will also get more in return, and, in a shorter amount of time.  The rest is downhill.

Ask often.  We will help.  Good luck.


Frank

Subject: Fig heaven, South Florida? Replies: 18
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,061
 
Enjoyed reading through all the information.  Very interesting.

So, a fig tree from The Bronx, will be planted by BronxFigs down in Florida.  I hope it grows well, and does what a fig trees supposed to do.  My friends love figs, but they never knew that fig trees can be grown in large containers.  In the past, my friends have tried growing vegetables and various other trees on their sandy land, but nothing grows except pathetic, crappy-looking weeds. 

That's where I come in.  It's been decided.  A fig tree is going into a 25+ gallon container, filled with a good mix.  When the time comes to plant the tree, I will direct my friend's son on just how I want the tree to be planted, and he will listen, and do as directed.  I will sit back, supervise, sip on a cool drink, and watch a young man do all the sweaty, grunt work. 

It's nice to be the King.....  : ))))


Frank

Subject: Fig heaven, South Florida? Replies: 18
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,061
 
Bill...

Can't answer your questions about growing figs in the humid, South-Florida area.  I have friends who live in the Stuart/Palm City, area (East-Coast) of Florida.  I recently payed them a visit.  While driving around, seeing all the sights, etc, I didn't see one fig tree growing in any of the yards.  Ummmm....I wondered why.  I asked a few questions at the local garden centers and nurseries, and was told that fig trees can suffer from terrible nematode infestations, and from rust/mildew problems.  The sandy soils = nematodes,  and humid air after the frequent rains = rust and mildew.

I will be going back down to Florida, for another visit in a few weeks, and I am bringing a dormant fig tree along with me.  My friends love figs.  I will plant the tree in a very large, 25-gallon container.  I will NOT plant the fig tree in the ground, which is nothing but sand.   My friends will continue to grow this fig tree in the large container, near their pool.  BTW, the containerized tree will rest on a dolly, and prevent hernias.  This will allow the tree to be rolled around.  This, I think, will control/eliminate the nematode infestations....as nematodes will not be able to migrate into the container. 

However, the rust and mildew infections, if any, will have to be controlled.  Just a guess on my part, but I would try blowing a stream of fast-moving air from a fan, over, and around, the leaves.  This might be helpful, and this fast-moving, continuous stream of cooler air, will evaporate any water droplets that cling to the leaves from rain and morning dews.  Hopefully, by doing this, it will eliminate/control rust and mildew without the use of chemicals.  Who wants chemicals, and insecticides on what they will eat?

I am sure that those forum members who grow figs in Florida will help out, and answer your questions.  My suggestions are just speculations.


Frank

Subject: Flavorless fig tree Replies: 22
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,044
 
I read your "Have" list.  I agree with Gene Daniels.  Why would you waste your time and money trying to make a crappy tree perform better?  Rip that worthless tree out and plant a tree that will give you great figs in less than 2 years.  You already spent too much time on it.  Life is short.

Caveats to fig growers: 
Don't know where you live, or what your growing conditions are, or your climate zone, or if you grow in containers or in ground, sunny or shady..... but make damn sure that whatever figs you choose can properly ripen in your climate, or you may never taste a good, decent, fig.


Frank

Subject: Just received my 2nd Fig tree Replies: 7
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 442
 
Sal:

Do a quick search: "5-1-1 Growing Mix" on this forum....you'll get many postings a wealth of information to chose from.  Also, on You-Tube, and Google.


Frank

Subject: Just received my 2nd Fig tree Replies: 7
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 442
 
For me....

I'd use a 5-gallon bucket w/drainage holes....5-1-1 or, "Modified 5-1-1-1" quick-draining mix, and I would shy away from those mixes that are loaded with fine peat moss.  Water should pour right through a good mix and not turn it into a swampy soup.  Given the correct culture, a fig tree can grow very quickly, and the roots will fill smaller containers, making it necessary to keep doing up-potting, often.

For the stem with the bend:  Use a tall and stiff, bamboo stake, and tie the stem first at both the top and middle, and then start tying the stem at the top drawing it closer to the bamboo stake.  Do this by small degrees if necessary.  That bent stem will straighten out over time. Use some foamy padding to protect the bark if its gonna get rubbed by the stake.  Keep tying the new growth to the stake as it elongates.  You'll have a straight tree in no time at all.

Frank

Subject: seeds Replies: 28
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 722
 
You're welcome.  That's what our Figs4Fun Forum is for....chiming in, sharing experiences, ideas, failures, and our success.  Without this continual, "conversation", we stagnate.

So good luck with the seeds, plants, and NEW fig varieties that are yet to be discovered.


Frank

Subject: Video: Grafting tomatoes and eggplants on a tree Replies: 9
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 698
 
Love watching the videos, and especially enjoy watching someone else climbing a ladder to harvest fruit growing 10 feet off the ground.  If I tried doing what the guy in the video is doing, I'd wind up in some rehab unit. Men, "of a certain age" should not be on a ladder, picking eggplants. : )



F
R
A
N
K

Subject: Rooting in Coir Replies: 93
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 5,460
 
Harv-

Thanks for providing the link.  (Actually, I can't wait to try this "burlap bag" method for fig cuttings, Plumeria, etc.).  This method looks easy, and fool-proof... which is right up my alley.



Frank

Subject: seeds Replies: 28
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 722
 
I'm not too sure about the ultimate goal...that is, growing fig trees from seeds, or growing fig trees that bear edible figs like the named, parent tree?

You could try germinating seeds from dried figs, or seeds bought from e-bay, and if you are successful, you will get small fig trees.  However, these figs will probably not be edible, nor will they be like the named variety.  Named, common figs are most often propagated by rooting cuttings, etc....not by planting seeds.

A quick web search, and also, thread searches on this forum will give you a better idea about what to expect when planting fig seeds. 

Good luck.


Frank

Subject: buy fig tree in Queens or Long Island in NY Replies: 7
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 742
 
Ditto/Rafael- 

Try:
"Zaino's Garden Center"
1038 Brush Hollow Rd.
Westbury, NY
516-333-7097

They usually stock bearing-age fig trees: Atreano, Brown Turkey, Petite Negri, Black Mission, etc.  Call ahead....stock varies from year to year, and they are probably moving in new plants now.

Search;  "Flatbush Fig Farm" might be another source....
"Keil Bros. Nursery"/Queens

You should have no troubles finding common variety fig trees on Long Island.
Try: Forum Member "ejp" for the more exotic/less common varieties.

Happy hunting!

Frank

Subject: Video: Grafting tomatoes and eggplants on a tree Replies: 9
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 698
 
Gordenia-

Thanks for identifying the plant used as the under-stock....Solanum torvum.

All very interesting.



Frank

Subject: Rooting in Coir Replies: 93
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 5,460
 
Check out the photo montage at this web-site:

"Plumeria Care/Burlap Bag Rooting"... 

This method should work for fig cuttings, also.  It's easy, and tender roots do not get disturbed when the newly-rooted cuttings are potted up. 


Frank
Bronx/NYC
Zone-7

Subject: Video: Grafting tomatoes and eggplants on a tree Replies: 9
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 698
 
Very interesting to see this man's grafting skills.  Novel idea, and God knows what else this man can grow in that kind of climate!  Figs must grow like weeds.

Can't understand Italian, so I have no idea exactly what species of tree he was using as an understock....my two guesses: "Angel's Trumpet" (Brugmansia)....or, "Tree Tomato" (Cyphomandra betaceae).....but....??????

I will wait for the translations/explanations.

Thanks,
Frank

Subject: ROOT KNOT NEMATODE....PREVENTION AND CURE/CONTROL Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 712
 
Thanks for all the interesting responses.  I feel encouraged enough to try growing a containerized fig tree when I get down to Florida. 

I just recently spent six weeks in Palm City, and when I looked around, I didn't see one fig tree growing in any of the yards.  I thought...."that's strange"...then, I asked a nursery owner why.  He said..."Nematodes and rust"....  These two problems ruin most fig trees.  In addition, I saw plenty of ratty looking "Turkey" figs in the few nurseries that I visited.  Not a good sign.

I will be staying with friends, for a few months.  I want to give them a fig tree.  Nothing grows in my friend's yard, and the "soil" is nothing but beach sand.  Weeds, grow, palm trees, and "Brazilian Pepper" trees grow....but little else.  So....I will plant a fig tree, in a large container, and see what happens.  Now I know, that Nematodes will not be a problem if the fig tree gets the containerized treatment.  Rusts/Mildews....who knows?

Some of your suggestions are very interesting....the fire ant remedy is really novel.  Who knew?  I'm from The Bronx.  I know where to buy the best Mozzarella....but, fire ants...I know nothing.

I'll let you know about my Floridian, figgy endeavors, and the subsequent results, in the future.


Frank

Subject: ROOT KNOT NEMATODE....PREVENTION AND CURE/CONTROL Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 712
 
Thanks, Dave....good information.  Also interesting to check out all the other videos at Hawkins Corner Nursery.


Frank

Subject: ROOT KNOT NEMATODE....PREVENTION AND CURE/CONTROL Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 712
 
Thanks for the interest, and for the suggestions. 

My choices for nematode control, if needed, so far seem to be either the hot-water soak, or, using a commercially available Nematicide.  I am looking into an organic product called "NEMASTOP".

I would like to think that the nurseries and garden centers down in Florida would sell disease-free, uninfected trees....but who knows?

I may just bring down a clean, FMV/nematode-free, Bronx, NYC fig tree, and start from scratch.  Since I will plant the tree into a large container using bagged, fresh mix, I guess the fig tree will stay uncontaminated...hopefully.



Frank

Subject: ROOT KNOT NEMATODE....PREVENTION AND CURE/CONTROL Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 712
 
Please give me the latest information regarding the control and elimination of RKN.

I will be growing a containerized fig tree in Palm City, Florida area.  I will either buy the fig tree locally, or, mail-order a fig tree. 

*************************************************************************

Consider two scenarios:

A)  tree is already infected, and RKN will have to be eliminated/killed... (If possible, I will not buy an infected tree).

B)  root system of tree shows no symptoms of having a RKN infection, and after containerizing the tree, I want to prevent infection of RKN.   

In either case, the tree will be planted into a 25 gallon container,  using a fresh batch of a quick-draining mix.

So....I want to know how to cure RKN if the tree already is infected.  I have searched this forum and have read postings describing the submersion treatment of the roots into 120 degree F water-bath for 20-25 minutes. Is this treatment effective?  Are there any organic soil drenches, e.g. Neem Oil solutions, Marigold decoctions, etc, that are effective?  There is an organic drench called: "NEMASTOP"...has anyone used this product?  What about the more powerful, systemic insecticides, like BONIDE-SYSTEMIC GRANULES? 

My wish is to purchase, and begin growing a RKN-free fig tree, in a container.  However, I am not sure I will be able to find a "clean" tree for sale in the local nurseries in the Stuart/Palm City area.  Will locally purchased trees come with any guarantees?  I am asking because I have never purchased any nursery stock in Florida.

This containerized fig tree will be grown above ground.  The container will be more or less, isolated, and will rest on a "pad" made from cement blocks, so that RKN cannot migrate into the container's drainage holes from the surrounding, very sandy, local soil.  (I want to play it safe, so I am just assuming the surrounding soils are infected, but I really don't know for sure).

Comments and suggestions....please.   Floridian fig-growers....Help!

Thanks
Frank

Subject: New to Growing Fig Trees in Containers Replies: 8
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 617
 
Ditto, the "do-it-now" advice, with this added proviso: re-pot but use a quick-draining mix like a 5-1-1/modified 5-1-1-1.  Search this forum for mix formulations, and recommendations.  Containerized figs need special mixes and a regular care schedule re: watering, fertilizing, etc.  Use a large container - minimum of 10 gallons - and keep the root-zone cool.  Roots can quickly cook in broiling hot, full-sun exposures, especially in small pots.  Guess how I know this.

************************************************************************************************************* 

(Did you mention a "seedling" fig tree, or did you really mean.... a "cutting".... re: Post #1)?


Frank

Subject: BACK AGAIN Replies: 18
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 704
 
Good to see your name in print, once again.  Hope all is well.

You answered many of my questions, and helped me in the past -on many different plant/gardening forums- with my plant growing problems.  Good that you are back.


Frank

Subject: How to graft figs Replies: 8
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 611
 
Thread: "My Frankenfig"....a tutorial, that shows what's possible, and also the results of grafting many different fig varieties.



Frank

Subject: Ficus Auriculata Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 489
 
Wasps needed for pollination and ripening?????


Frank

Subject: My Frankenfig Replies: 141
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 10,268
 
Truly an amazing montage of photos showing the progression of this unique fig tree.  This whole thread, from start to present, has been a perfect way to show other growers just what can be done, by using some simple grafting techniques, to produce many varieties of figs in a small space.  It was a great idea to photograph this project, starting right from the very beginning.

Best of luck with this unique tree.  May it continue to bring you happiness and delicious figs.  I hope the small children shown in the opening photos, can one day bring their own grandchildren to harvest figs from your tree.


Frank

Subject: Fig Flavor Categories Replies: 18
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,237
 
Hello Richard-

A quick forum search for : "Fig Flavor" will bring you to many prior-postings regarding this very subject.  Happy reading....it's all interesting.

Frank

Subject: Plumeria Replies: 75
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 3,434
 
I would urge anyone contemplating the purchase of cuttings/rooted cuttings, to patronize "A Piece of Paradise".  Derrick could not be more pleasant, accommodating, and totally willing to please.  First-Class service.


Frank

Subject: Plumeria Replies: 75
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 3,434
 
I was wondering just what method I would use to root my new Plumeria cuttings.  A quick search led me to the "PLUMERIAS FOREVER" website (plumeriasforever.com).  Check out the "Burlap Bag Rooting" photo montage on this site.  The process makes a lot of sense to me and I will try it. I will use natural burlap, and cotton string to hold the burlap around the bottom of the cuttings.  Eventually, after the root ball is planted, the burlap and string will rot away.   I also like the way the Styrofoam blocks are jammed into the pot to help support the newly planted/rooted cutting. 

(Sorry I could not link the photos to this thread.  I don't know how to do this).

N. B.   This "Burlap Bag Method" method might work for rooting Fig cuttings, also.


Frank

Subject: Plumeria Replies: 75
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 3,434
 
Now, after reading through all these postings, I decided that I needed some more excitement in my life.   So on an impulse, I ordered 5 cuttings from: "A PIECE OF PARADISE" nursery, in Hawaii.  Can't beat the prices, the colors, and especially, the cutting deals that this nursery offers.

Anyway, I decided that my first experience with Plumerias would be with the incendiary, "Kaleinani" ....which should produce red hot, orange-gold-red, blossoms.  What I love about this cultivar is that as the individual flowers age at different rates, the umbel will display all different color flowers, i.e. some orange, gold, yellow, and combinations of all the colors.  I was told that in the hotter temperatures, the color of the orange flowers will become deeper.  That will work for me, as I am partial to the blends of oranges, golds, yellows, creams.  The pinks, mauves, magentas, violets....not so much.

Hopefully, by the end of the week I will have my cuttings delivered.  Then, the new saga begins.  Will they root?...will they rot?...will they bloom?...will I curse and swear?...will I smile when I sniff my first flowers?

While searching around for cuttings I found a few nurseries that sell Plumeria:
1-  A Piece of Paradise
2.  Exotic Plumeria
3.  BNJ Exotics
4.  Florida Colors
5.  Brad's Buds and Blooms
6.  Jungle Jack's Plumeria
7.  Maui Plumeria Gardens
8.  Durham Botanicals
9.  Upland Nursery

Happy hunting.


Frank

**************************************************************************************************************************

BTW:  Anyone have any cuttings for sale?  Looking for cuttings/rooted cuttings:

"Sunsplash"-Jungle Jack's
"Core D'Or"-Jungle Jack's
"Shaka"- A Piece of Paradise
"Embers" and "Kapalua" - Exotic Plumeria
"Sparkle"- Jungle Jack's
"Cathay Pearl" -Jungle Jack's
"J-105"- Jungle Jack's
"Eternity"- BNJ Exotics
"Orange Punch"

Please e-mail me at:   fdvpiano@yahoo.com

Subject: Treasure trove of fig trees from Italy Replies: 12
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 745
 
Location, location, location.....nice to see older trees that haven't been cut down to the root-line each year from freezing weather.

Thanks for the pics, R. Cantor.


Frank

Subject: My Thoughts on Container Watering Replies: 27
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,127
 
FiggyFrank-

All is well...but I'm frozen.  NYC: too cold, too frozen, too much yellow snow...too much of everything! :)

Subject: peach flavor figs. Replies: 56
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 2,321
 
Wayne-

The "BRYANT DARK"-unknown, is indeed a tight-eyed fig that holds up very well in excessive rain, and seems to do fairly well with handling excessive humidity also.  The Bronx gets hit with plenty of hot, steamy, and rainy Summers, and from what I've seen, this variety isn't split prone like some other locally grown trees  "White" figs growing in The Bronx don't seem to hold up as well as the "black" figs.   But I grow in containers and control water at the roots when figs are ripening.  Just as a point of information, I happened to taste a few dozen "BD" figs right after they were harvested off the mother "BRYANT DARK" tree, and after three hot days of constant rain.  The figs weren't split, or waterlogged, and the thick, jammy, flavor of these large-ish figs was still concentrated with the taste of very ripe peaches/apricots. 

The large, very dark-green leaves seem to be thick, leathery, and remain pretty much rust-free, right up until they start to fade and drop as the weather turns chilly.  It's a good workhorse fig and produces and ripens two crops.  It also roots very easily.  I think it's worth growing and trialing in different climates. 

EDIT:  "BRYANT DARK"...No signs of any FMV/D

Frank

Subject: peach flavor figs. Replies: 56
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 2,321
 
Pete-

Back on topic....beg, borrow, steal a rooted cutting of "BRYANT DARK" -(unknown)...locally grown in The Bronx,NYC.  Properly ripened, it buzzes the tongue with ripe peach and apricot flavors, and just a hint of acid to make you want more, and more. 

A former member, "ascpete" found this unknown variety growing in a backyard, here in The Bronx.  Good luck with your flavor quest.  Hope you find your peachy, Nirvana.


Frank

Subject: My Thoughts on Container Watering Replies: 27
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,127
 
When growing containerized fig trees in the quick draining, gritty mixtures you have to be diligent about your watering schedules.  There were many times that I had to water at least twice/day when the temps. became broiling hot.  No vacations, etc. unless you get a good fig sitter to take over the watering chores.  Containerized trees can cook very quickly.  I try to keep the roots as cool as possible.  Sinking pots halfway into the ground and heavily mulching will cut down on watering frequency, and will keep those roots cool.  It's a win, win.

Adding some additional TURFACE MVP and coarse peat, will help with the water retention, but the peat can break down into a soggy mess, and hold too much water.  Be careful with the additional peat moss....which is also acidic.  I always opted to add more TURFACE MVP rather than peat.  It's better to just water more frequently in the hotter months.  It can become a real PITA, though.  I have deliberately downsized my fig collection because of the watering.  Some growers may have no problems with the extra watering.  But hey...what ever spins your wheels.

The gritty mixes and the modified 5-1-1-1 mixes, produce and encourage very fine feeder roots, and root-pruning evey couple of years is a must.  My trees grew root systems that were so thick, that I had to use a bonsai root-hook to loosen up the compacted root balls before any trimming could begin.  I did all my root-pruning in early Spring, as the buds just start swelling and showing some fresh green color....usually around mid/late March, depending on the temps. 

Hope this helps.


Frank

Subject: My Thoughts on Container Watering Replies: 27
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,127
 
Thanks for the offers, Danny. 

I have my 5 ft. "Olympian" living in my sunny kitchen.  My other few other trees are comatose, in my shed.  My fingers are crossed.  The outcome is uncertain. 

What's with these last Winters?  Not good at all, for us fig growers. 

Good luck to all.
Frank

Subject: how to extend main branches Replies: 8
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 418
 
Hello Jez-

A  forum member: "ascpete", and a few others,  have done some training using this Japanese method.  A search for his past-postings should yield some more information on this subject.  You'll spend a few years establishing the basic framework of trunk and branches, and then once this is over, you'll have plenty of figs.

By the way, fig trees are some of the most adaptable-to-training fruit trees that can be grown.  Can't speak about the growing conditions in the UK, but I have been growing containerized fig trees since 2007, and training a fig tree is really easy once you establish the basic shape of your tree, be it a Japanese style, many stemmed bush, or, a simple, standard, tree-form.  The first 2-4 years should be spent establishing the style and branch structure.   Then in the following years, concentrate your efforts on the growing of the branchlets that will bear figs.  The more  branchlets, and leaves....the more figs.  There are past-threads that more thoroughly cover and discuss in detail the pruning methods for production.  Training methods used for establishing a basic framework of branches and training for fig production are two different things.  Different fertilizers, and different pruning methods.

Go for it.  You will do it!  Good luck.


Frank

Subject: My Thoughts on Container Watering Replies: 27
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,127
 

: ))  Danny....Thanks.

Still visit the forum from time to time.  Lots of new kids on the block.  That's good.  

So far, this Winter has been just as bad as the Winter of '13-'14.  Not good.

Light and airy mixes = tasty figs. Boggy, heavy, peat-based mixes + too much water = root rot.


Frank

Subject: My Thoughts on Container Watering Replies: 27
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,127
 
Containerized fig trees need a very airy, inert, growing medium. The best mediums just act as a support for the root system and for the tree.   Nutrition, provided by the growers, comes from watering with correct and balanced fertilizers. The classic 5-1-1 potting mix, or Al's Gritty Mix will work far better than the waterlogged, peaty, mixes sold in bags at the garden centers.

The figs in the video look waterlogged and most have split.  A sure sign of too much water at the wrong time during the ripening cycle.  Just saying.

Past-postings on this forum regarding growing mediums for containerized trees can be found.  When the mix and culture is correct, water will pour right through the mix, and the medium will be evenly moistened, and as it drains away, will pull in a fresh charge of oxygen into the root zone.  Roots will fill the containers within a few seasons.  Then time to root prune and repot with fresh growing mix.  Larger containers (18-30 gallons) can be used for years.  Just repot the root-pruned trees back into the same container.

Frank

Subject: OT... I would like to thank Jon and the forum members. Replies: 51
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 2,124
 
Sorry to see Pete going.  Can't add to any of the above sentiments.

It's a real shame.


Frank

Subject: "The Big Kill"....Winter of 2013 - 2014 Replies: 137
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 6,600
 
Hi Dale-

Thanks for the interest. 

To answer your question....the baby figs on the young "Olympian" trees were nipped off, to divert available energy into making vegetation, and to strengthen the growth.  The "Olympian" tissue cultured trees were only a few months old when they started to set figlets...way too young to allow the figs to develop.  I think for the first 2-3 years, a grower should concentrate on strengthening the root system, encourage as much growth as possible, and establish the basic framework of branches...which was my goal with the "Olympian".  The figs will come in subsequent years.  Waiting is the hard part.

If these "Olympian" trees, which are now in cold storage, live, and re-sprout with the coming Spring, I will again, concentrate on growing as much vegetation as possible.  Big, lush leaves, means good roots.   The figs will again, be nipped when they sprout from the leaf/stem juncture.  I may allow one of two figs to reach maturity, just to see how they might taste.  It's hard to resist.  The rest of the baby figs will be pinched out, continuously, throughout the growing season.

I always try to follow the 3-year rule: ...The first year, it sleeps...the second year, it creeps... the third year, it leaps.  Roots first, roots and branches, second...then in year three, fruit/figs.

Happy growing.  Hope this helps.


Frank

Subject: "The Big Kill"....Winter of 2013 - 2014 Replies: 137
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 6,600
 
Just a slight update....

So far, the recent weather has been just as bad as last winter's, even though December was not as bad as it was last year.  The deep freeze has started again here in The Bronx, NYC, and once again, the possibility of fig trees being severely damaged are very real.  Containerized trees are at the greatest risk.  Any trees stored in temps. between 35* and 45* F will probably do just fine, and will live to sprout yet another day.

My "Black Mission" that survived last year's winter, lived on, only to display a very bad case of FMV/D...and thepurchased replacement "BM" was just as badly infected.  Both were thrown in the garbage, where they belonged.  The tissue-cultured "Olympian" -Wellspring Gardens, grew rampantly, had no disease, and pushed figs, which were nipped off.  In addition to the "Olympian", I was able to get a few replacement unknowns,  from local sources.  All the trees are resting in my unheated shed, and the jury is still out as to their survival.   

If the current weather patterns are any indication of what can be expected in the future winters, it will be very difficult to keep grounded trees from being killed back in the colder climate zones.  Bronx winters were not as severely cold as the last winters, and I never had to contend with so much cold damage.   From my direct observation, many of the older, established, grounded fig trees growing in The Bronx, DID NOT survive from The Winter of 2013-2014.  Many re-sprouted, but just as many died.  Not a good sign.

So once again, I will wait out the remainder of this winter with crossed fingers. 

Good luck.

Frank