Register  |   | 
 
 
 


The search returned 1000 posts

Only find topics started by BronxFigs
   
Topics  |  Posts
Subject: My Little Olympian Fig Tree Replies: 12
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,317
 
Last year, I ordered the same variety, "Olympian", from Wellspring Gardens.  I also got some shrimpy looking trees.  Within a few months, growing in full sun, the trees took off and grew so tall that they had to be nipped back constantly.  A few of the trees even set a few main-crop figs...which were also nipped off.  I'm sure that I will get some figs off my T-C "Olympian" and "Black Mission" trees in the coming, fig season.

In Zone 9B/California, I'm sure your small little trees will do just fine once they become acclimated to your growing conditions.  Good luck.


Frank

Subject: Chiistmas Replies: 60
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,553
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS, TO ALL....AND A PEACEFUL, HEALTHY NEW YEAR.


F
R
A
N
K

Subject: New to the forum Replies: 25
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 702
 
Hello Dave-

Don't worry....you'll be growing your own fig trees, shortly.  It just takes a little planning to keep your trees alive and well over our unpredictable winters.

I live in Da Bronx and have been growing containerized fig trees since 2007 without any problems.  Then the "Winter of 2013-2014" came along, and killed all my trees.  Why?  I was too lazy to get the trees under cover before the bitter cold and blustery winds massacred my trees.  Your best bet is to grow your trees in large containers, and to store them in a cool garage for the dormancy period.  You will have a higher success rate using this routine.  In ground trees are a bit risky in your climate, but it can be done.

Try contacting Robert Harper.  He is also growing fig trees in Connecticut (Zone 5-6) and he might be able to recommend just what varieties will do well in your area.  As mentioned in earlier postings, if you containerize your trees, you will be able to almost any fig variety that will ripen figs in short growing seasons.  You should be able to grow your "Brown Turkey" without problems-containerized.

Also, go to the Italian Fig Trees.net site.  Joe Morle has/grows varieties that will do well in your climate, and he's located around the Boston area.  He'll get your head straight when it comes to figs.

Don't fret too much about what to grow.  With some precautions, you will be astonished by the number of varieties that will do well for you, in your climate.  Do not be daunted by failures, and don't ever give up.  You won't be sorry.

E-Mail me if you need more information or run into problems.    fdvpiano@yahoo.com  

Good luck with your collection.  This forum, and it's members will have all the answers to your questions.

Frank
Bronx,NYC

Subject: Sal's Figs Replies: 14
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,093
 
I read that "Sal's Corleone" is also known as "Schar Italian".  I tried "SI" (from Durio Nursery) here in Zone 7/NYC.  It died over the 1st winter (potted).  I've also read that "SC" can be prone to splitting in rainy weather....but, all figs have some quirks.  It is what it is.

Good luck and happy growing.

Frank


Subject: Atreano from Richter's Herbs Replies: 17
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 713
 
That's "Atreano".....?????????????????


Frank

Subject: Plants lost this past winter Replies: 44
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,543
 
Nelson-

Just read through your Litany of Fig Losses.  Sorry to read about your frigid massacre.  Having lost all my fig trees, I'll say.... biting the lower lip, a la Bill Clinton..."I feel your pain".  However, my version is without guile, and given with sincerity.


Frank

Subject: Olympian Replies: 139
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 9,882
 
Dennis-

I do appreciate the added information.  Hope the Olympians start to do good things when you give them the Dennis' Deluxe Treatment and Tonic.  I have hopes of picking some figs off my trees, next season, but I'll wait until at least 4 years before I give them the yeah, or nay.  That's if they live that long.  After last winter, my fingers will be crossed each year.

Your right about the waning summer.  I went by quickly.  The freezing cold spring didn't help either.  Up here in NYC, the nights already have that nip in the air. Back in my Salad Days, that night-chill meant school, homework and girl-hunting....now, it means dormancy....both mine, and the figs.  I become more, and more fossilized each year! : ))

Be well.  (Your "BD" tree will be mailed as soon as it goes dormant).



Frank

Subject: paint filter to protect the figs Replies: 2
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 283
 
Grasa-

Thanks for the alternative source for bags...especially since they are easily found in the big box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, and hardware stores.  Nice too that they come in different sizes.

Frank


Subject: Hope y'all enjoy these Fig cuttings and Tree Photos... : ) Replies: 18
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 727
 
Hi Frank...

Nice, plot of dirt.
Nice, group of fig trees of all ages.
Nice, grouping of larger trees.
Nice, seeing attached labels on all your pots.
Nice work.  You graduated from the fig classroom very quickly, and entered fig college...all in one year!  Bravo!

Best regards,
Frank

Subject: Succulent Advice Needed - South African and other Replies: 3
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 319
 
Jacques-

You got an e-mail.

Frank

Subject: OT - A special thought Replies: 4
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 362
 
Every year on Sept. 11th, my blood pressure hits stroke levels.  It's been this way for thirteen years.  I have yet to visit the site of the old World Trade Center, even though I've lived in NYC all my life.  I doubt if I ever will.  It's hallowed ground, a sacred, cemetery... and yet the site is continually desecrated by politics, souvenir-vendors, and crass, commercialism.  I cannot come to grips with the fact that thousands of poor innocent, souls were pulverized into ash and dust.  Families were torn to shreds and lives, permanently ruined.  Kids were forced to grow up without fathers and mothers.  I watched the videos of those inhuman, Mid-East fascists, as they danced and celebrated in the streets....while we mourned our dead.  As far as I'm concerned, the Middle-East has yet to answer for this atrocity against humanity.

Mark my words...we Americans, for generations to come, will be at war with those in the Middle East who want to destroy our way of life, our values, our religious beliefs.  They will never be stopped through compromise and negotiations.  They are not interested in peace.  They should be identified, engaged, and exterminated like the human-vermin that they are.  We were forced to do it to the Nazis, and we should do it again.  But, since WWII -(the last war that this country has won)- we just keep asking thousands of our young to sacrifice everything, and die for nothing... This is the ultimate symbol of a country that has lost its very foundations, its core values.  A country that no longer leads, but a country that appeases.  Yet, this sacrifice of our best, is exactly what we do, and we are still doing it again in the Middle-East.  Remember Benghazi?  Has anyone been hunted down and brought to justice, by America?  Our grand, high, exalted, smartest-women-in-the-whole-world... Sec'ty-of-State Hillary Clinton screamed..."What difference does it make now"?...when asked why no one was held accountable for the death of an Ambassador and 3 other American citizens.  Is this not despicable and contemptible indifference?   With hubristic zeal, she'll try running for President in 2016.  Hell...she may even win! 

Yes, Freedom is never free.  Nor should Freedom ever be held in contempt and be pimped away by emotionally-driven, ignorant voters, or by the craven politicians we have continually elected. There's far too much of both in this country. 

What kind of America will our kids inherit?   The final will is being written, right now...and attached, is a codicil that says...."cannot be contested".


Frank

Subject: Olympian Replies: 139
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 9,882
 
Dennis-

Re: reply #94....Can you expand upon your opinion?   Are your Olympians not performing well?  Why did you state that it will ..."take years for this fig to develop"?  Are your trees stuck in some juvenile state?   I think I remember (in another thread) your observation that your Olympian fig trees are developing slowly, which seems to be in direct contrast to most of the comments made by other growers.  My trees have already set figs only after just a few months, and I'm pretty sure I'll get a small crop of figs, next season.

You, and others are far more experienced growers than I, so I'm curious about your opinions and comments, especially about this newer variety.  Are your trees grounded, or containerized...etc?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this variety will turn out to be a decent, if not great, fig.


Frank

Subject: Olympian Replies: 139
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 9,882
 
Thanks, Dennis....    : ((



Frank

Subject: Olympian Replies: 139
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 9,882
 
Thanks for posting some photos of ripe figs.   Even though the initial critiques are less than glowing - as far the flavor and fig-size is concerned - I am hopeful that these figs will get better as the trees start to mature, and hit their stride after 2-3 years.

Frank

Subject: Intro (Beginner) Replies: 22
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 641
 
York29-

Welcome to the forum and to the best grouping of teachers that available.  Members on this forum will guide you through every step of the way, and you'll have trees by next year.  Seriously think about attending the upcoming fig events at Tim Drag's house in New Jersey and the fig even hosted by a fig grower named Bill of Bill's Figs.  Both places are about 1 hour away from the NYC area.

Forget cuttings for now....go for the trees.  You'll have plenty of time to play around with trying to root cuttings.  If you are as impatient as I was, you'll want to get the oldest trees possible so that you get figs, fast!  The two events that I just mentioned will get around the right people and the right trees.

NYC is loaded with good fig trees, and many neighborhoods have dozens of trees growing in yards.  Got a friend/relative with a fig tree?  Learn how to do some air-layering and root yourself a branch that will bear figs next season.  Trees are sold all over the place, and through mail-order, but be selective, and try to buy varieties that will perform well in your area.

Good luck and have fun with figs!  By the way....tell us if you are going to grow containerized trees, and how you plan to over-winter your trees.


Frank
Throggs Neck-Pelham Bay

Subject: Wasps from Hell. Suggestions? Replies: 19
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 591
 
Raf-

Depending the size of the canopy...you could bag the whole canopy portion of your tree by making a giant-size "bag" out of Organza or, Tulle-(bridal veiling) that's sold in fabric stores.  The Tulle veiling has very tiny holes and can easily be sewn by anyone that's handy with a sewing machine.  Throw the bag over the tree and drawstring it around the main stem.  Then the entire canopy will be under a net made from bridal veiling.  When you need to pick figs, just loosen the drawstring and pick your figs....then re-tie the drawstring so wasps can't enter.  You could bag the whole tree only at ripening time.

Just a thought.


Frank

Subject: Sucker Protocol Replies: 10
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 537
 
Steven...

Look up information about "stooling" for rooting and propagating suckers rising from around the base of a tree.  If the suckers are developing on the trunk or cut branches, look up air-layering techniques.  Either technique or a combo of both, will give you new trees.  You still have a good month in which to do this, and still grow roots, but it needs to be done now.

After the stems root, continue to let them grow under your high intensity lights.  If they go into quiescence, or go dormant, don't let them freeze.  Roots can still continue to grow if soil temps are kept in the 40s and 50s.  If the trees have leaves, gradually, very gradually, introduce them to full sun when the small trees are brought out next spring, and they will continue to grow quickly when weather conditions are favorable to support new growth.  If warm spring weather arrives and the newly-rooted trees have no leaves, they can be put into full sun, and Nature will take over.  Keep them watered at this point.  I'd give then the "kid-glove" treatment for the first couple of years, when cold weather returns.

Good luck.


Frank

Subject: Fig Salami cut open Replies: 5
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,115
 
Very similar to the Spanish, "Pan de Higo".



Frank

Subject: French variety "Ballona"? Replies: 10
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 621
 
Geoff-

Thanks for posting the findings of your further research.  All, and any information is helpful.


Frank

Subject: French variety "Ballona"? Replies: 10
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 621
 
Bill's Figs, in New Jersey lists "SULTANE".  Just posting a notice in case Sultane = Bellone = Ballona


Frank

Subject: OT: Chestnut Harvest question Replies: 26
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 736
 
Once again, thanks for the added information.

I most probably have never eaten a Chestnut when it was in prime condition.  The store-bought Chestnuts that are sold in NYC are probably the inferior, "castagna" sort, and probably stale also.  We always roasted them in the oven and then let them cool before we ate them....and it's always difficult to peel off the brown shell and inner skin.  Half the roasted Chestnuts would wind up in the garbage because they can't be peeled, and sometimes the nuts aren't even sweet...but, just starchy.

Why have I never seen large, good quality Chestnuts being sold in NYC?  Are they difficult to ship?  I can only imagine what a good, Chestnut must taste like.  Oh well....



Frank

Subject: Hot Weather equals #RipeFigs Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 760
 
Dennis-Thanks.

Frank

Subject: Genovese Nero Replies: 203
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 10,822
 
Thanks guys...so it's the breba figs that can grow to be quite large, and the main-crop figs are typically smaller, and variable in size due to climate, culture, etc.

Photos in posting #112 are breba figs, and posting #117 shows some main-crop figs?   It should have been obvious to me, but I had to ask.  I don't think any variety would have main-crop figs as large as the figs in photo #112 and the fig shown in the Adriano photo of "GN" in posting #121.

Thanks for the information.


Frank

Subject: OT: Anyody know what this tree is? Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 755
 
Be careful....the kernel inside the boney pits, and, the  leaves, are toxic.  All parts of the plant EXCEPT THE FRUITY PULP, contain Cyanogenic Glycocides.  So....spit the pits out.  Keep your eye on dogs, live-stock, horses, etc.


Frank

Subject: Hot Weather equals #RipeFigs Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 760
 
Dennis-

Thanks for the photos of your ripening figs and critique comments.

Question:  Do you expect any ripe figs from your "Olympian" this season?  You may be one of the few growers who had this variety long enough to get some ripened figs.


Frank

Subject: Genovese Nero Replies: 203
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 10,822
 
Nice to see Dan E. posting again.

Are the large figs from this variety an exception, or, typical?  I see widely varying fig sizes from the "GN" in most of the postings regarding this variety....ranging from smaller figs, to very large-size figs.  So what's "normal" for "GN"?  Is it climate, season length, and culture that makes such big differences?  Are some photos of breba?....or, main-crop?  A notation accompanying photo would always be helpful.

Interesting thread and postings.  Good information too.  Thanks to all.


Frank

Subject: OT: Chestnut Harvest question Replies: 26
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 736
 
Harvey, Pino...

In general, can you venture a guess as to what kind of Chestnuts are shipped into the NYC area?   When I see stores stocking chestnuts, it's always around Thanksgiving and Christmas, along with loose, Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Filberts and Brazil Nuts.

The Chestnuts usually have one convex side and a flat side.  I have no idea just what kind of Chestnuts that I'm buying....the signs just says:.... "Chestnuts".


Frank

Subject: OT: Chestnut Harvest question Replies: 26
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 736
 
Pino-

Thanks for the explanation.  I suspected that the chestnuts offered in the stores were not in prime condition, and God knows how long they are laying around after they were picked.  Sometimes, even the outer skins seem a little wrinkled, and when pressed with a thumb, feel slightly hollow.  I'm sure, this is a sign of dehydrated chestnuts.

I wish I could taste a good chestnut, and not have to deal with that annoying, astringent, inner skin.  So...fresh is best.  Although, eating hot, roasted chestnuts while walking through Central Park in October, is hard to beat.


Frank

Subject: Most Vigorous Cutting 2014 Replies: 23
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,055
 
"BRYANT DARK" -unidentified variety.... (sucker)

From 0" to 6 feet tall, May-August 2014.
  Also produced main-crop figs...which I pinched off. Healthy vigorous, growth, clean, thick, leaves...and no signs of FMV.  A keeper-workhorse variety....two crops will ripen in Zone-7.



Frank

Subject: OT: Chestnut Harvest question Replies: 26
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 736
 
Love chestnuts raw, or roasted....but how do you get the brown papery covering off the nut?  It's a major PITA to peel that paper off the roasted kernels.  I can only find, and then eat chestnuts bought from a store (usually around Thanksgiving), and they are probably stale, and dried out compared to those fresh chestnuts that are harvested from a tree.  I have never tasted a "fresh" chestnut....only store-bought.  Is there a big difference?

I cut/score a shallow cross into the outer shell, then soak the nuts in hot water for about a hour.  Drain, put them in a baking dish, and roast them in the oven until lightly toasted.  When cool, the nuts can be broken apart by hand, but the brown paper clings to the kernel, and it's difficult to remove.  It's annoying!  What am I doing wrong?

Expert, chestnut-eaters....please advise.


Frank


Subject: Bryant Dark Replies: 3
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 427
 
Hello Art-

Nice that you got to taste "Bryant Dark" figs.  I predict better days will be coming for your tree, as it ages. 

It's a good, solid, producer, and will set figs on green wood that's only one season old, so if it dies to the ground you might still get some figs off newly sprouted stems.  I just grew a 5 ft. tree from a sucker that started back in April-May-'14...and I had to pinch off all the figs.  The sucker started from the base of an older section of a rooted chuck of wood, and very quickly outgrew the original plant.  I separated, and potted up the rooted sucker and had to up-pot twice within a few months.  It now is planted in a 20 gallon nursery pot, and the tree at least 5 ft tall, and has a 1" +  diameter trunk.  It produced baby figs at every leaf node.  Next season I will be chowing down on some good figs.  Maybe some breba, also. Figs will be about the size of a "Black Mission" when the tree starts to settle down.

I love the apricoty-berry, flavor, with the slightly acidic, tongue-buzz at the finish.  It is one fig that I can eat until I get sick.  Just sweet enough, and not cloying, like some other figs.

Good luck with your trees.

Frank

Subject: AIR PROPAGATOR / AIR LAYERING...UNIQUE SYSTEM Replies: 33
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 6,110
 
Hi Pete-

Thanks for the added information.  Your split bottles are very similar in concept...and basically work the same way. 

I've used the original "A-P" with great success and when tied with two nylon adjustable ties along one side, the "A-P" can open just like a clam shell, or, book.  Very convenient when both halves are filled with damp medium, as you noted.  All you need to do is close them around a good stem/branch.

The "A-P" and your hinged bottles are both good, convenient, systems to use when you have to slap on some quick air-layers.  Also, it's good to keep a "kit" in the car trunk, just  in case.

The modified "A-P" should be even better when checking rooting progress.


Frank

Subject: OT Time to head down to the Pawpaw patch Replies: 38
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,048
 
I tasted a Paw Paw for the first time, last year.  If I had the land, besides figs, Paw Paws are the only other fruit trees that I would bother to grow.  The exotic flavor of the creamy pulp was a combination of banana, mango, and pineapple.


Frank

Subject: My Black Mision Replies: 7
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 484
 
It has been observed (Dan/Cajun Figs) that "Black Mission" is usually not as hardy as other varieties because it almost always shows symptoms, and is weakened by, FMV/D.  Infected trees are more susceptible to winter damages, die-back and/or death.  Therefore the variety is reputed to be "not too cold-hardy".  That makes sense to me, but who knows?  How can "hardiness" be measured, especially under our varied growing conditions and climates?

It is precisely for the FMV problems associated with this particular variety that I am trialing tissue-cultured, virus-free, "Black Misson" just to see if it will do well in NYC/Z-7b.  I am also growing it because the figs are delicious.  So far, the t-c trees I ordered from Wellspring Gdns. remain "clean", are vigorously growing, and show no visible symptoms of FMV/D.  None of the carefully selected trees in my small collection, show any signs of FMV.  No boast, but I just can't spend time and valuable, growing space, nursing under-performing, infected, trees.

I will have more information regarding the hardiness of "BM" after the winter of '14-'15.  Hopefully, my "BM"trees will survive the cold storage period in my unheated shed....although I will use a supplemental heat-source (light bulbs) to keep the roots from freezing solid.  Time will tell.


Frank

Subject: Olympian Green Cuttings Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 828
 
John C.

Nice tree!  Bet that tree will get to be three-four times bigger next season.  Good results for a few month's worth of growth.  Hoping for your continued success with growing, and the ripening of that lone fig.  Next year, we'll get many more figs off these trees.  I can't wait!

Thanks for the pics.


Frank

Subject: Olympian Green Cuttings Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 828
 
John C.

Thanks for the added information.  It sounds like your tiny trees grew like weeds.  Congratulations!  We will both get to taste some figs next year.  As I mentioned, I regretfully pinched out all the new main-crop figs off my Olympian trees.  I'm glad that you let a fig or two develop.  I think Dennis/snaglpus has some older Olympian trees.  Maybe he will show us his figs when the time comes.

Oh, Dennis.....


Frank


Subject: Olympian Green Cuttings Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 828
 
Bob C.

No magic involved.  I'm just lucky, I guess.

I just select a 8" long, pencil diameter, semi-lignified, (never a succulent, juicy, green), terminal branch, with an almost hardened heel.  In NYC, the new growth usually is ready for propagation in June-July.  I fill a large, green-plastic, soda bottle -(cut the screw top off, evenly, right above the label)- with a quick-draining mix, and plug in the semi-green cutting.  I also remove most of the lower leaves and retain a few of the terminal leaves and bud.  The cutting should have at least 5 inches buried into the growing medium and a few more inches above the growing medium.  I cut another clear soda bottle, at the cap end and just above the label, but this time, I include some of the larger tapered diameter above the label.  I cut where the straight sides just begin to curve into the neck of the bottle.  When the clear bottle is inverted, the curved tapered section will lock into the lower soda bottle.  This creates a little individual "greenhouse" for each cutting, and retains heat and humidity.  I should mention that I melt some drainage holes into the bottom bottle, and some air holes into the top bottle for ventilation.  I place the bottles holding the cuttings in a sunny window, and keep them warm.  The medium is damp, but NOT wet.

I usually see roots after a month, and I wait for the bottle to fill with a good amount of roots.  When ready, I just take a sharp scissor and cut through the bottle (at/around the bottom? and cut off the whole bottom of the bottle.  Now you are left with a root ball inside a plastic "sleeve".  I just push the rooted cutting down and out of the bottle and plant the little fig tree into a waiting, larger container for further training.

Hope this method brings success to those who may try it.  I like it because you can keep the individual, newly rooted cuttings growing through the winter if those cuttings are taken late in the season.  When spring and warmer weather arrives, you just slip the new trees into a waiting hole in the ground, or into a larger container, with very little root disturbance.

Good luck.


Frank


EDIT:  I think I am successful because I am careful about selecting the cuttings at the right stage of development.  Again, I never select a soft, juicy, succulent, green twig, but I select only semi-lignified wood, and always include a small section of semi-hard heel.

Subject: My Black Mision Replies: 7
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 484
 
A root bound tree, in a 3-gallon pot is most probably very young.   I'm sure it will improve with some age, and re-potted into a much larger container.  "Black Mission" is one of the best, and the real party will start in a few years.


Frank

Subject: Pruning and Trimming Replies: 5
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 407
 
Very nice video tutorial and demonstration of pruning the Desert King fig tree.  That gent sure has a beautiful, and productive tree.

(It broke my heart to see all that pruned wood going to waste, instead of being air-layered).

Thanks for sharing the video.


Frank

Subject: Luckiest kids on the block Replies: 25
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 722
 
Frank, the Figgy-

Children are so innocent and so adorable.  Truly, precious gifts from God.  Enjoy both figs and your kids....but the kids more....they grow fast.

Thanks for sharing the pics.



Frank, The Bronxy

Subject: Olympian Green Cuttings Replies: 20
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 828
 
John C.

Just asking out of curiosity....what was the source of your 'Olympian' fig tree?  Has your original 'Olympian' fig tree grown so vigorously that you were able to take suckers from it?

I ask because I bought some Olympian, tissue-cultured, trees from Wellspring Gardens earlier in the season and the trees grew so vigorously that they were starting to set main-crop figs about 1-1/2 months ago.  I nipped the baby figs off, but still, that's a fantastic amount of growth in a few short months.  The plants started off as tiny, wiry, 6" treelets, and grew into 4 ft. trees, with 3/4"+  diameter trunks in less than 4 months.  I will harvest some figs, by next season.

Good luck with your green cuttings.  Almost all of my green cuttings strike roots, while cuttings using older wood usually fail under the same conditions.  The bark rots and then slips off.  Same temps. same mix, same lighting/sun, etc.  Go figure.

Frank

Subject: Fig trees in Poland. Replies: 35
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 1,931
 
Hello Mariusz-

You are probably one of the youngest members of the forum.  Welcome, and good luck with the growing of your figs.

If you ever visit New York City, make sure you go to Greenpoint, Brooklyn, for the excellent Polish food, beautiful neighborhood, and friendly people.


Frank

Subject: End-of Season Fertilizers, Tonics....etc. Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 722
 
That disclaimer was too funny!


Frank

Subject: End-of Season Fertilizers, Tonics....etc. Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 722
 
Thanks James-

Another of my "senior moments" ....
I had bought a bottle of "Pro-Tekt" earlier in the season....then, left it in the closet. Totally forgot I had the stuff until you mentioned it.

I'm fallin' apart at the seams!



Frank

Subject: End-of Season Fertilizers, Tonics....etc. Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 722
 
Thanks, one and all, for the interesting suggestions.


Frank

Subject: 8-21-14 A Blessed day Replies: 21
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 711
 
Now...that's a display !!!!


Frank

Subject: End-of Season Fertilizers, Tonics....etc. Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 722
 
Kelby-

Thanks. 

The Joe Morle top-dressing is a mixture/compound of three ingredients, each having an individual, application rate.  So with no recommended application rate for the mixture, I wondered about just how much to use.  I suppose a phone call to Joe will give me a quick answer.

Thanks for the interest, and suggestions.  I was leaning to your way of thinking, but, I figured I'd ask anyway.

Frank

Subject: End-of Season Fertilizers, Tonics....etc. Replies: 13
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 722
 
It's just about over for the growing season in the cooler-climate areas.  Figs are ripening, trees are starting to wind down, days are getting shorter, and nights are much cooler.  Fig trees will soon be preparing for dormancy.  I would like to give my trees a little "fortification" before they go into the quiescence/dormancy period...but with what?

Joe Morle of Italian Fig Trees.net recommends...a top dressing of super-phosphate/bone meal/garden lime: 1 part of each....but, he gives no application recommendations.  So, how much for each tree?  My guess...1/2 cup/tree?????

Is there a complete product out there, that I can use as a top dressing/tonic that's good for the roots and for hardening off new wood?  I have already stopped fertilizing, and give my trees only plain water.  (N.B.   I grow containerized trees).  I know if I give my trees nothing, they'll do just fine....but, maybe they'll do better with a pre-winter, "nightcap".

Your thoughts, please.


Frank

Subject: pinch crazy Replies: 69
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 2,960
 
Thanks Pete-

The products shown in your links seem very interesting.  Any ideas as to the correct pH range needed around the roots, for figs?  Raising the pH is great, but what pH number(s) do I shoot for?

Watering my small collection of containerized fig trees with a pH adjusted, water-tonic, would pose no problem.  I'd also like to try that CalMag. 

Thanks.  You always seem to have some interesting products up your sleeve.


Frank

Subject: pinch crazy Replies: 69
Posted By: BronxFigs Views: 2,960
 
Just asking....is there an equivalent treatment that can be used for figs to raise the pH level when watering?  You guys use very diluted H2SO4 when watering your Blueberries.  Is there an over-the-counter product that I can add to my water bucket that will do the same thing, but in reverse?  Granular limestone takes a while to break down....or, should I just use POWDERED LIMESTONE in lieu of the granular version?

I don't need to have a 40 lb. bag of limestone in my storage shed.  I only have a few trees, and keeping that much limestone around in a PITA.  I'd rather use a few drops of product "X" in my 5-gallon water bucket, and be done with it.

Thanks for the chemistry lesson on "basic" solutions.  Good thread.  Pinching = more figs, and more branches for propagation.  It works!


Frank