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Subject: Fig Tree From Godfather Movie Update Cuttings Available Replies: 12
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 327
 
Coop my tree grew nicely last year. It is an easy rooter. I'm really hoping that it produces this year so that I can get a taste first hand. Eventually I'll clone a tree from it to trial its in ground winter hardiness.
A big Thank You for letting me partake in growing this tree.

Subject: OT - Look what Santa brought me! Replies: 15
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 285
 
Dennis, I'm sure you'll devise something to do the job. No moss grows under your feet. You always got something going on.
If, or what I should say is "When" you make it, post your plans on here. : )

Subject: OT - Look what Santa brought me! Replies: 15
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 285
 
Dennis, Nice heavy duty cart Santa got you. It will definitely make it easier on your back.
I bet you'll design a lift to put the big trees onto and off the cart.
A new project for ya this winter.

Subject: "pennsylvania " fig people Replies: 39
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 487
 
Bill I'm assuming the tree in Dubois isn't covered in winter. Do you know if the tree dies to ground level every year or do some of the branches make it thru the winter unscathed?

There's a fig tree growing in Pittsburgh that has taken over the guys backyard. It suckers a lot sending sprouts up everywhere. In a mild winter the main tree doesn't die back and on occasions it reaches his second floor. He said they're dark figs.
I had a couple of cuttings but they didn't root. I need to go see him and get a few more to try.

Subject: "pennsylvania " fig people Replies: 39
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 487
 
Chuck, there's dozens of other people who grow fig trees around here. Some don't know about the forums and others know but have no interest in joining.

Subject: Something is gnawing my Fig trees :( Replies: 10
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 267
 
If there was damage on low branches I would say it could be from rabbits, voles or mice but since it's on the upper branches my guess would be deer.
Put some fencing around your trees or they might keep coming back until there's nothing left to eat.

Subject: Fig leaf tea and Diabetes. Replies: 12
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 230
 
A member did an experiment with his friend with good results. I don't know all the the details but apparently drinking fig leaf tea is helping to lower his numbers. Whatever amount it is, even if it is only ten points lower I'm sure that is a great benefit. Maybe he will chime in with the details.

Subject: Atreano VS Conadria: Which Do You Prefer?! Replies: 6
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 264
 
Ross, I have both. While Atreano can be watery it seems to have more flavor and sweetness to it than Conadria. Not much though but just enough for me to keep it over Conadria. It could just be my strain so others may choose differently.

Subject: Brogiotto Nero Replies: 31
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 495
 
Vito that's a beautiful looking fig.
I bet it was delicious.
It looks like another to add to my Wishlist.

Subject: i'm back.. sort of.. Replies: 42
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 688
 
Glad to hear your back and feeling better. I bet you'll have everything you want in no time.
Good luck!

Subject: Top figs of 2016 Replies: 21
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 734
 
Black Madeira
Negretta
Valle Negra
Longue d'Aout
RDB

Subject: Need Recommendation - Overgrown Fig Replies: 8
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 162
 
My opinion would be to wait until Spring to do any pruning. If you plan on rooting some cuttings this winter then cut them after tree is dormant, otherwise wait and shape your tree right before growth begins in 6 months.

Subject: I have never seen a fig like this Replies: 14
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 516
 
My Negretta had a couple figs shaped like that.

Attached Images
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Subject: Saint- Martin Replies: 31
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 588
 
Looks like a delicious fig.
Since its been in an area that has been below 0 then I'm assuming it's a common fig that doesn't need the wasp.
Next thing to do is to get it into the U.S.

Subject: !*#$%&^%$ yellow jackets Replies: 11
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 233
 
Steve I had the same problem a few years ago. I put up a couple of jar traps with a special lid that lets them in but they can't get out. The attractant was grape juice. They love the smell and taste. I also used a shop vac with soapy water in the bottom of the tank so as they got sucked up they would drown. Actually I think I got more yellow jackets with the shop vac than the traps.

Subject: Laradek EBT 2016 Replies: 19
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 407
 
Looks good. This is the first year for mine to produce. I had only one breba on mine so far. Not sure if the main will ripen this year. I'm hoping next year it will be earlier.

Subject: Vole extermination Replies: 4
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 81
 
I've posted this a few times. You can repel rodents with mint and garlic. They don't like the smell or taste. Rub it on the tree trunks when you put them to bed for winter. I've done it with excellent results. If I don't do that then the voles dine on the bark, branches and even the roots.
You might want to even try covering with metal window screen or hardware cloth. There's no such thing as too much protection.

Subject: Carpenter bees and New Growth Replies: 4
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 99
 
I have no experience with a fig tree that size but it might benefit from a severe pruning. I would cut it to about 4 feet tall and reshape it as it grows to keep the canopy lower to make picking easier.

Subject: Florea Fig Replies: 2
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 92
 
Looks good Frank. I had a small one but it didn't make it through the polar vortex. Just did a trade this spring and got a new one to look forward to.

Subject: Buying eBay Figs Replies: 16
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 376
 
Buying and selling trees this time of the year is risky for both parties.
I've had some trades going when it was very hot but we both agreed to just wait until the temps moderated a bit. Less stress for the tree and all involved.

I would keep it well hydrated and shaded and I bet in no time it will sprout new leaves and look good before you know it.
Good luck.

Subject: Air layer question Replies: 8
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 168
 
Barry if you didn't cut the leaves yet, try putting the potted up air layer in a plastic bag with a quarter size opening at the top. You'll also need to keep it out of direct sun. The bag will keep the moisture level up preventing the leaves from getting crispy. After a week make the opening bigger doing this every 5 to7 days until the leaves remain hydrated until the bag becomes fully opened. Give it a shot. It can't hurt.

Subject: Fig trees and heat stroke Replies: 31
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 422
 
Jeff I wouldn't worry too much about the FMV, it goes along with growing figs. Try to keep it as simple as possible.
just make sure your trees have some fertilizer,
keep the soil moist,
give your trees as much sun as they can take without wilting.
With some practice you'll get the hang of it.
One thing you might want to consider is the shape of the pot. The top of the pot should be wider than the bottom or at least the same size. The reason for this is when you need to repot or root prune your tree it will be easier to slide it out if the top is wider than the bottom. The shape of the pots you have in the picture looks like it will be hard to remove the trees to do any maintenance on them.

Subject: Pinching to get a branch to fruit: What varieties does this work for and what varieties don't respond with fruits. Replies: 12
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 356
 
Just my opinion on pinching but I think pinching works on all fig trees. There is probably something else which causes a tree to not form figs when pinched. Last year I pinched my Hardy Chicago and it produced a lot of figs, this year I pinched it and the tree produced more branching and less figs. It could be growing conditions, fertilizing, or just a growing cycle the tree goes through. In any case, it may work one year but not always the next.

Subject: Annual Wish List 2016-17 of 6 most desirable cuttings Replies: 54
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 2,314
 
I'm slowing down this year and limiting myself to only 3 varieties.

Colonel Littman's Black Cross
Colonel Littman's Black Cross
Ponte Tresa
Ponte Tresa
Genovese Nero (Rafed's /AF)
Genovese Nero (Rafed's A/F)

Subject: Could you please help me ID these figs? Replies: 10
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 216
 
Picture is of a Ronde de Bordeaux for comparison.

Attached Images
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Subject: Could you please help me ID these figs? Replies: 10
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 216
 
It's not a Ronde de Bordeaux. The leaves don't match and would be long fingered type.

Subject: Birds, squirrels and possums, oh my Replies: 22
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 347
 
I had a problem with chipmunks this year. I tried using organza bags but it turned out to be a waste of time and money. Figs and bags were taken off the tree and ripped open with partially eaten figs still in the bag. Out of 4 dozen breba on one tree and only got to eat 8 figs. I used a live trap and caught the theives and released them about 2.5 miles away. So far so good. For protection against birds I use netting with good results. You may get an occasional bird in through a gap but overall it really does the trick. So far I haven't had too much trouble with ants. If there is a few ants in the fig I just flick them off and eat it. If they become a major problem then I'll try tanglefoot. It's a sticky paste you spread around the base of the tree to keep ants from climbing up to get the figs.

Subject: Differences in appearance Replies: 6
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 198
 
Figs will change in appearance under different growing conditions. Depending on the weather my Hardy Chicago figs can vary in color. If the temps are warm when ripening it has a purple exterior with a red interior. If it's cool when ripening they are more of a dark green with purple striping almost like a LSU Tiger fig. The inside becomes a lighter red and the flavor is not as sweet.
I always hope for a warm fall.

Subject: My first ripe figs Replies: 13
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 315
 
Brenda. Congrats on your first figs. I would think you shouldn't have too many problems growing them in Tennessee other than squirrels or birds stealing them.

Subject: drinking figs Replies: 10
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 316
 
Gene, the Fig Liqueur sounds good. I'm sure it will turn out to be delicious.
I hope you have enough to share with the rest of the class.

Subject: Fig varieties, advice please Replies: 5
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 188
 
Not sure about the others but Sultane is suppose to be a small but early fig.

Subject: Tree growing on telephone poll Replies: 18
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 353
 
That's a first. I've seen trees growing in gutters but never on top a telephone pole. If it gets any bigger the wind will probably take it down.

Subject: major problem?? Replies: 8
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 200
 
It's hard to really say what the problem is. It could be multiple things.
Too wet.
Too dry.
Rust.
In need of fertilizer.
The top two leaves look like they got sun burnt from having water on them.
If you're watering the tree correctly then try some fertilizer or Epsom salt.
Epsom salt will give the leaves a nice green color.

Subject: Found rare black fig Replies: 58
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 1,196
 
The tree reminds me of Maggie's Negretta. The leaf shape and the black figs with the white specks and also the color of the interior. Only Dennis can compare the taste test though.

Subject: First fruit unripe and dry Replies: 6
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 143
 
No it's not normal but it can happen.
First thing to check would to make sure it is the tree you think it is. Look on line for pictures of leaves of the same variety and pictures of ripe fruit.
There is the possibility that you purchased a tree that needs pollination by the fig wasp. If that's the case and you don't have the fig wasp in your area
then you'll never get a ripe fig. If all checks out ok then it could be the tree is young and isn't ready to ripen a fig quite yet. It could be a number of things
like an under developed root system, fertilizer, the tree is just way to small to support fruit, the weather conditions or any number of things. Concentrate of letting the tree put on some good growth this year and it should set you up with a crop of figs next year.
I hope it turns out good for you in the long run.

Subject: Burnt leaves Replies: 3
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 87
 
It should make a comeback.
I would water it well and put it in a somewhat shady place for now.
When you notice new buds forming introduce it back slowly to full sun.

Subject: Burnt leaves Replies: 3
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 87
 
It should make a comeback.
I would water it well and put it in a somewhat shady place for now but then when you notice new buds forming introduce it back slowly to full sun.

Subject: Colour to the figs Replies: 8
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 223
 
Everyone has their own version of when to pick a fig. Some like to pick them as soon as they droop while others like to leave them on until they start to shrivel on the tree.
When I notice a fig starting to droop I try to leave it on the tree for 3 to 5 more days.
The longer it stays on the tree the higher the sugar content.
If we are going to have a lot of rain I'll pick it sooner because the rain will lessen the flavor and cause it to split.
If it splits then it get infested with bugs making it a total loss.
Some figs do form a drop of honey at the eye sealing it from bugs entering but it doesn't always mean it's ready to be picked.
I've had some form a drop days to almost a week before it was ripe.
When it comes down to it there are way too many variables to say for sure when is the prime time to pick that fig.
The best thing I can tell you is to let it droop for at least a few days and to make sure it is soft and to have some patience.
If you do pick it too early it will ooze latex from the stem and it won't be at its prime, although still edible.
Experience will teach you when to pick a fig.

Subject: Softened Water ACK! Replies: 7
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 183
 
If possible I would by-pass the water softener and flush out the salt water from all the pots.

Subject: New Jersey area fig guys trees for sale Replies: 9
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 953
 
Moeslem this post is almost 4 years old.

Subject: Sealing Cuts With Super Glue Replies: 6
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 186
 
When I make any cuts on my trees I just let the sap drip. It'll stop quickly so there's no need to seal the cut. Your tree won't bleed out and die. As for the super glue, who knows what, if anything, it would do to your trees. I'm guessing that it won't hurt them.

Subject: Cuttings Of The Tree From The Godfather Movie Available Replies: 43
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 1,264
 
Two out of three have rooted and are potted up and growing good. The 3rd cutting is still looking good but is stuck in fig limbo.
I'm going to give it another week then if nothing starts then I'll recut it to see if it will trigger it into sending out some roots.

Subject: Covering drainage holes Replies: 43
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 1,537
 
Eli, I've never used gravel so I can't say anything good or bad about it. When I pot up my figs I always line the bottom with medium size pine bark nuggets. You can't go wrong with it as its natural and won't harm your trees. Once the soil settles in all the gaps it stays in place until I have to repot in a couple of years. It also allows for drainage. I don't get too elaborate and just keep things simple. Pine bark on the bottom, add soil, then a layer of pine bark on top to keep pots from drying out too fast when it gets too hot.
If you're still having trouble with ants you can put some Borax or ant traps near the opening to kill them.

Subject: Pruning suggestions for VERRRRY LEGGY fig Replies: 14
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 433
 
I would have to agree with Frank and Barnhardt. Do some severe pruning and cut them way back to good wood. If they were mine I think I would cut them to about 6-8 inches and let them regrow. All the leggy growth will be weak and unable to support any fruit. After you prune them keep them in good sunlight and the new growth will be thicker and stronger.

Subject: vdb: rooting but no leaf Replies: 16
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 316
 
Do you see a visible bud? If so is it green and plump?
If there is a bud below the soil level then it's probably swelling and getting ready to grow.
Give it some time. You did the hard part by getting roots. Leaves will follow.
Since there are no leaves yet it won't be using as much water so just keep it moist but not soggy or you'll rot the roots.

Subject: Newbie to forum & fig propagation. Replies: 12
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 244
 
Smaller pots are better than larger. The larger the pot the longer it takes to dry out. With a large pot you may think it needs watered but in reality it's still damp in the center then you water it too much resulting in rotted roots. With a smaller pot you can control it much better until the root system is well developed. I usually start with 3 or 4 inch plastic pots with drain holes. (No solid pots that can hold water, it must be able to drain excess water) Once they're growing good and look like it is out growing the container I then up pot them to gallon size. Just remember that on the drier side is better than too wet. Too much attention can sometimes be a bad thing.

Subject: Newbie to forum & fig propagation. Replies: 12
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 244
 
Sairahrm if the cuttings have roots, even at 1/4 inch long, you can pot them up. They will grow.
I never use cups, once a cutting has roots it goes into a small pot and after you see that it's growing good
its time to up pot it to a gallon size container.
You can mix some peat moss in the potting mix but I wouldn't use it exclusively.
It's hard to get wet but once it's wet it's hard to dry out. (Not good for figs)
I use ProMix and sometimes add potting soil, mini pine bark nuggets, perlite and composted manure.
I have no set ratio, just mix it in til it looks good to me and have no problems with it.
What works for me might not work for you. That is something that you'll need to experiment with.

Subject: Newbie to forum & fig propagation. Replies: 12
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 244
 
Sairahrm, from your pictures it looks like you are using peat moss instead of long fiber sphagnum moss. Sphagnum moss let's more air to the cuttings for better success and to keep them from getting moldy and rotting. Since you were successful in getting roots, Congratulations! Your next step would be to pot them up in a small container. Use a potting medium that drains well. When you add it to the pot make sure it's moist but not soggy. Plant the rooted cutting in the pot and cover with a empty pop bottle or put it in a clear plastic container. Keep it in bright light but out of direct sun so it does bake the cuttings. Open the container daily for fresh air for a few minutes and check that the soil is moist but not too wet and not too dry. If all goes well you should see growth on average within 1 to 3 weeks.
Good Luck!

Subject: Rodent Protection Replies: 11
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 329
 
Everyone has their own way to protect their trees.
You'll have to experiment to see what works for you.
For me I use a combination of things.
Rodents do not like garlic so I grind it up and rub it on the trunks.
I use hardware cloth on some on the trunks and also use mothballs in shallow containers.
And lastly I use a lot of mouse traps in the garage where potted trees are stored for winter
and put at least two at the base of every in ground tree.
After having a few trees completely disappear, it's been all out war to all chewing rodents.


Subject: A tree for sale on Craiglist Replies: 43
Posted By: Tonycm Views: 736
 
I would guess that it's 5 years old.