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Subject: Neveralla 2015 Replies: 29
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,314
 
IMO, this is what Grasa's unkown Seattle purple fig is.

Subject: Malta Black,best producer after Winter die back Replies: 16
Posted By: m5allen Views: 640
 

Herman,

How did your MB taste early on?  I have a 2 year old tree that produced some really bland fruit this year.  They looked great, but just had no taste.  But I am holding on to this one because many people say it is really good. 

Subject: Rooting in water vs over watering ? Replies: 29
Posted By: m5allen Views: 630
 
This year, for the first time, I am rooting cuttings in water, just to try it out.  I am anxious to see how it goes. 

Subject: OT: Fruits of Kauai Replies: 21
Posted By: m5allen Views: 834
 
Awesome, we went to Kauai a few years ago for our honeymoon.  By far the best island in the chain.

Subject: OT: Blueberries & Buttermilk Bread Replies: 20
Posted By: m5allen Views: 504
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Figaro
Quote:
Originally Posted by m5allen
Nice.  How did it taste?  I tried Springwide a few years ago and wasn't wild about the taste.  My blueberries are really early this year as well, we had a really cool fall up here, so I think they got their chill hours early.  I grow Sweetcrisp, Springhigh, Emerald, Sunshine Blue and Snowchaser. 


Mike, it tasted fine.  I only picked the one and at it real quick, so didn't pay much attention to be honest, but I wouldn't complain if I had a whole bunch of them!  How do you like the sweetcrisps?


Love the Sweetrcrisp.  Taste wise, it is far and above any other variety.  And it is a very vigorous grower.  I just wish it was a little more productive.  The new Indigocrisp is supposed to solve that problem, but they are almost impossible to get. 

Subject: OT: Blueberries & Buttermilk Bread Replies: 20
Posted By: m5allen Views: 504
 
Nice.  How did it taste?  I tried Springwide a few years ago and wasn't wild about the taste.  My blueberries are really early this year as well, we had a really cool fall up here, so I think they got their chill hours early.  I grow Sweetcrisp, Springhigh, Emerald, Sunshine Blue and Snowchaser. 

Subject: Banned members Replies: 112
Posted By: m5allen Views: 6,356
 
Dang.  Wills is my gardening mentor, he got me started with blueberries and then on figs.  He is not too far from me, so I have been to his place a few times.  That is a shame. 

Subject: How to promote stronger root growth? Replies: 17
Posted By: m5allen Views: 783
 
If one didn't have access to getting coarse perlite, would adding pine bark fines to the rooting mix help to increase aeration? 

Subject: 2014 Cuttings Update & First Ripe Fig of 2015 Replies: 13
Posted By: m5allen Views: 631
 
Wow, really nice.  Definitely a huge difference between south and central Florida - most of my figs are still dormant. 

Subject: Anyone Interested in Alma Cuttings? Replies: 4
Posted By: m5allen Views: 596
 
Looks great, prune away.  Thanks for the offer. 

Subject: What else do you grow? Replies: 106
Posted By: m5allen Views: 9,031
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by COGardener
Let's see, what else do I grow?

I'm upto 9 potted fig cultivars  (with several more curantly rooting)
Apples (8 cultivars)
Pears (2 European, 4 Asian)
Nectarine (4 cultivars)
Apricot (1 cultivar)
Plum (5 European, 7 Japanese)
Peach (3 cultivars)
Goji Berry (1 cultivar)
Strawberry (6 cultivars including Pine Berry)
Raspberry (6 cultivars)
Aroina Berry (1 cultivar)
Honey Berry (2 cultivars)
Grapes (2 cultivars)
Banana (1 cultivar)
Pineapple (1 cultivar)
Aspirigrass (1 cultivar)
And whatever I can stuff into my 2500 and 1600 sq ft gardens and anywhere else that there is space. 

I also have an addition 13 trees ordered that will be in sometime this spring, a mix of Cherry, Pear, Apple, Nectarine, Peach, Apricot and couple of interspecific cultivars.



You are in Colorado and you don't grow their famous "medicinal" herb?  :)

Subject: Available cuttings 1/26 Replies: 85
Posted By: m5allen Views: 4,174
 

Wills, can you ship some of that duck poop along with the cuttings?...ok, maybe not a good idea. 

What a great offer.  Despite his huge inventory, Uncle Wills is very organized, so buy with confidence. 

Subject: UPDATE: Cuttings offer Replies: 32
Posted By: m5allen Views: 2,306
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by WillsC


I can't believe it either :)


Wills, that is because you have amassed such a large inventory that nobody can even pronounce what is left on your wish list.

Subject: 'Tis The Season Replies: 27
Posted By: m5allen Views: 874
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Figaro

Quote:
Originally Posted by m5allen
Nice, looks good.  Why do you grow in pots - nematodes? 

Where are you at in Florida?


Mike,

I'm about 10 minutes south of West Palm Beach and 10 minutes north of Boca Raton in one of those "zero-lot-line" communities.  You can see from the second picture in my post how they build the houses right on top of each other down here, so it doesn't leave much space for growing.  I do end up squeezing a lot into a relatively small area!

My reason for growing in containers is to better be able to control the environment.  The soil is a BIG part of that.  There is no good soil down here since, when they build these developments, the fist thing the developer does is strips off the good layer of topsoil, sells it, and replaces it with a mixture of sand and crushed seashells.  Nematodes and other soil pests can also be an issue.


It also allows me to re-position the plants at-will.  So, if I think one needs more or less sun, I can just move it to another location.

Also, dealing with the limited space, I'm trying to maintain small trees and, when possible, have mostly dwarf varieties.  The containers also allow me to more easily control the size of the plants, including root pruning, than I'd be able to if they were in-ground.

I hope that helps!



Gotcha.  

I live in Tampa Bay and recently moved to a house with a large lot.  I just planted my figs in the ground this fall, so I am looking forward to that.  

I used to grow in pots and found the summer heat really took a beating on my plants.  But of course then you can pretty much guarantee that you won't have to deal with the nematode problem and you are right, you can move plants around.  There are pros and cons to both.  

I still grow my olives in large pots though, because I don't want them to get massive. 

Looks like you have a lot of good things growing in your yard.  

Subject: 'Tis The Season Replies: 27
Posted By: m5allen Views: 874
 
Nice, looks good.  Why do you grow in pots - nematodes? 

Where are you at in Florida?

Subject: Any fig places to visit in or near Orlando Replies: 8
Posted By: m5allen Views: 556
 
Eat - Texas de Brazil if you are a carnivore. 

If you are an outdoorsman, Bass Pro Shops is a must visit. 

Subject: Anybody got figs breaking dormancy? Replies: 105
Posted By: m5allen Views: 3,401
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by WillsC
Potted trees are breaking dormancy and I did notice that CDD Grise is unfolding a couple leaves but that is not a good thing.


Wills - why is that a bad thing?

Subject: Suspected eBay scammers with F4F ties Replies: 264
Posted By: m5allen Views: 17,042
 
Lots of scumbags on ebay.  Thanks Harvey.

Subject: Most anticipated fig for 2015 Replies: 41
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,368
 
Which fig are you most looking forward to tasting in 2015? 

For me - I have a tiny Black Madeira and CDDG.  So I really hope I get the chance to taste either one of these. 

Subject: BT Fresh Figs at Whole Foods Replies: 11
Posted By: m5allen Views: 561
 
Wow, I have never seen a BT look so good.  Never thought I would consider making a run to the grocery store to get some Brown Turkey figs. 

Subject: Honey Figs Defined Replies: 16
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,301
 
Is Alma considered a honey fig?

This is good info.  I have been looking for one last type of fig to add to my collection - a good honey fig.  But being in Florida, it needs to stand up to the rain and humidity.  I have heard about otherwise good tasting honey figs being washed out by the rain in Florida.

Subject: Fun Thing to do while figs are dormant Replies: 49
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,220
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NativeSun
Distance.... perhaps we could come up with a designation for the size of the beastie like the Boone and Crockett club or the IGFA for fishing...

Length
Girth
Weight in Grams

Heck, we could even have "Species records" -- Im sure there is more than one species of American Slug.  We could have different "classes" ie: .177 class , .22 class heheh

Better be careful and have a loader standing by with a spare rifle - in case you miss or fail to have a "kill shot" -- I hear the "charge" of an enraged slug is quite terrifying...kinda like a tiny Cape Buffalo :)


The charge is slow, but terrifying nonetheless...  I experienced it one time and barely escaped with my life.  I have the scars to prove it. 

I would think you need at least a 6-antenna slug to get it mounted.   

I am having a blast with this thread.  I needed some humor today.


Subject: Fun Thing to do while figs are dormant Replies: 49
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,220
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NativeSun
It is refreshing to know that Im not the only madman on the forum :)  Time to break out the Gamo and go slug sniping tonight :)

Perhaps we could start a contest of the "longest confirmed kill" heheh


Longest confirmed kill in terms of shot distance or slug length?  :)

Subject: Fun Thing to do while figs are dormant Replies: 49
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,220
 
Just be careful and go for the head shot.  If you miss, they can be extremely dangerous when provoked.  They are like the honey badger of the creepy crawler world.

Does your rifle shoot .177 or .22 cal?  I have a break-barrel that I wish shot .22 cal.

Subject: Main crop and breba in tropical climate. Replies: 7
Posted By: m5allen Views: 380
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladis
Я пошел в Малайзии для судебного разбирательства в феврале 2014 рис черенки, который будет называться "русским карлик." Разнообразие в России дает 2 урожая имеет очень маленький размер листьев, до 13 см в длину, растение растет медленнее, чем другие сорта примерно в 3 раза. Вскоре учиться, расти Бребен в Малайзии или нет.


Exactly.

Subject: Your Favorite Tasting Fig Replies: 82
Posted By: m5allen Views: 24,813
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by snaglpus
@ mike, the only order from my list is Black Maderia.  It is the at the top!  However, the sweetness and richness from Votata and Peter's Honey is amazing!  How amazing?  Well after just one bite, it will make you wanna crouch down in a corner in a fetal position and suck your thumb!  They are that good!


Funny.  I haven't yet had that experience with a fig, but when I do, I'll make sure the wife snaps a picture...well, on second though, maybe not. 

Subject: Your Favorite Tasting Fig Replies: 82
Posted By: m5allen Views: 24,813
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by snaglpus
This is an old thread. As, the years go by, the best tasting fig one year, may not be best tasting the next. For me, I have a lot of best tasting figs. And having gone to UC Davis and tasted every one of their fig for years, its kinda hard to choose. BUT...... there are some best tasing common figs that I grow. They are... Black Maderia Smith, aka TX BA-1 Sicilian Black Stella Vasilika Sika Excel Italian 258 Brown Turkey NOT! Marva Sika Pastiliere Peter's Honey (very rich) Votata Sweet Charlotte Paradiso Strawberry Adriatic JH White Triana (one of the sweetest!) Toni's Brown Italian Bayenfeige Violetta (super sweet) La Goccia d'Oro Alma to name a few...


Dennis, is that in any particular order?

Subject: OT First day of buck season Replies: 10
Posted By: m5allen Views: 402
 
Good read, thanks.  I am not a hunter, but an avid fisherman and I know all those feelings very well.  I think any sportsman can relate. 

Subject: Fig Varieties Most Loved By Your Children Replies: 26
Posted By: m5allen Views: 912
 
Celeste - small and sweet, perfect for kids.

Subject: Celeste Cuttings Replies: 52
Posted By: m5allen Views: 2,200
 
I have a tree growing from Gloria's parent tree.  I found that my Celestes do have somewhat of a nectarine taste.  If the figs are over-ripe, they taste more sweet and figgy, but if they are picked just before over-ripe, mine have tasted like a nectarine. 

Subject: What is your best green fig with red interior? Replies: 41
Posted By: m5allen Views: 3,005
 
Andreas - this may be a stupid question, but do you have the wasp in your area?  Your figs and Lampo's look out of this world.

Any votes for Battaglia? 

Subject: Young LSU Purple Replies: 4
Posted By: m5allen Views: 377
 
My LSUP was just sweet and figgy, but it had a nice, rich taste.  I guess if someone already has the dark varieties with berry flavor, this one is a nice compliment. 

Subject: Young LSU Purple Replies: 4
Posted By: m5allen Views: 377
 
Picked a fig from a 2 year old LSU Purple that I have.  Everything I have read about this variety states that it is supposed to be mediocre when young and that it improves after about year 5.  

Guess I got lucky because this was a great fig.  It had a really rich, sweet, figgy taste.  No berry or any other fruit taste, just yummy fig.  Sucks that I only had 1 to eat.   

IMG_1690.JPG 

Subject: ebay greek figs Replies: 10
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,032
 
Fishing is better in Florida :)

Subject: OT Sweetcrisp Blueberries Replies: 44
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,786
 
That is why we call him Uncle Wills.

Subject: ebay greek figs Replies: 10
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,032
 
Andreas - you can come visit any time you are back in town. 

Subject: ebay greek figs Replies: 10
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,032
 
These figs look amazing, but I just can't pronounce them :)

Subject: Ants on fig as indicator of ripeness Replies: 13
Posted By: m5allen Views: 422
 
I have the same issue - ants have invaded one of my potted figs.  I don't want to use any chemical ant baits or killers because there are a few figs that I want to ripen. 

So soaking it and drowning the little bastards is the best option? 

Subject: Lyndhurst White Replies: 5
Posted By: m5allen Views: 648
 
This is my first year growing figs and I am having a blast, I love the excitement of picking a fig from a variety that I haven't yet tried and waiting to see what it looks like when I cut it open and how it tastes.

I have a few Lyndhurst Whites ripening.  They are some nice, big, green figs.  This one tasted pretty good, sweet with some crunch and a little bit of fig flavor.  The skin was a little tough though.  

I have read about this fig a lot with northern growers, but I think this fig is great for the southeast because when it first started to swell, we were getting tons of rain, but this guy has a super tight eye.

IMG_1585.JPG  IMG_1586.JPG 




Subject: My first VDB Replies: 15
Posted By: m5allen Views: 750
 
Update, the summer humidity is gone now and I had a chance to let a VDB ripen with some dry weather.  It was much better.  Such a beautiful black fig with a sweet berry taste that left a candy sweet flavor lingering on my tongue after I ate it.  Much better than my first VDB. 
IMG_1583.JPG 
IMG_1582.JPG 
IMG_1584.JPG 

Subject: My European Fig Vacation Replies: 101
Posted By: m5allen Views: 4,585
 
Fig tree growing out of that other tree?

Subject: My European Fig Vacation Replies: 101
Posted By: m5allen Views: 4,585
 
I can't see what is going on in the tree, but I see 2 men with man bags. 

Hopefully you didn't come home with one of these.   Well, I guess it would be a good place to stash some cuttings.  :)

Subject: Rank these varieties - most to least vigorous Replies: 8
Posted By: m5allen Views: 522
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ascpete

IMO, the order from most to least would be...

Celeste

Lyndhurst White
Malta Black
Battaglia
VDB

LSU Purple

Alma
CDDG

Black Madiera

Good Luck...



Perfect, thanks Pete

Subject: Celeste from GRamaley Replies: 12
Posted By: m5allen Views: 642
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by james
The fruit reminds me of the Celeste trees I am growing in Houston.  These are the parent trees for Jon's accession # 2419 (AA001) and #2222 (2BJS)
AA0001 060627-2.jpg   
AA0002 060627-2.jpg 

The only issue with splitting or dropping was in July of 2007 when it rained in Houston for 45 days.

070807-027 AA0001.JPG 
The stuff that looks like someone sneezed on the leaf below is the guts of the fig.


Those are the exact leaf patterns as my tree .  Fruit looks the same as well.

My tree has dropped a few figs this summer but it is currently in a 7 gal black plastic nursery pot - which is probably the worst possible container for Florida summers (but this is a temporary situation).  I think the heat was to blame.  

Subject: Mavra Vasilika Sika greek black Replies: 37
Posted By: m5allen Views: 2,860
 
I think you should make a trip to FL - Epiphany is right around the corner :) 

Subject: Rank these varieties - most to least vigorous Replies: 8
Posted By: m5allen Views: 522
 

I am getting ready to plant some figs in the ground and am trying to figure out the best layout.  It would be helpful if I knew which of my varieties will quickly grow into big trees vs. which will stay on the smaller side for a while. 

 

Can you please help me by ranking the following varieties in order of most to least vigorous.  Thanks.

It would also be helpful to know which have the highest sun/heat requirement.

 

Celeste

VDB (this is the Wills strain, so I think this one is pretty vigorous)

LSU Purple

Battaglia

CDDG

Malta Black

Black Madiera

Lyndhurst White

Alma

Subject: Mavra Vasilika Sika greek black Replies: 37
Posted By: m5allen Views: 2,860
 
You seem to be in the Mecca for amazing figs. 

It would be nice if your relatives from Florida would just so happen to accidentally find a few cuttings in their luggage :)

Subject: 194 feet of growth in 5 months, fall stepover update Replies: 56
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,908
 
That looks really nice. 

I see the Empire State building in that cutting board. 

Subject: 194 feet of growth in 5 months, fall stepover update Replies: 56
Posted By: m5allen Views: 1,908
 
Dang Wills, that is some good duck poop.  I have read from various sources that VDB is not that vigorous and good for container culture, but you have told me otherwise.  Now I see the proof. 

Would love to see some pics of the inside of your VDBs.

Subject: Got a Fig from my "Black Jack" rooting Replies: 14
Posted By: m5allen Views: 709
 
Congrats, looks better than most other black jack pictures I have seen.  Nice tight eye and no huge cavity inside the fig.