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Subject: Strawberry Tree Replies: 30
Posted By: figgary Views: 536
 
Mario, it is Arbutus unedo. Related to the Madrone, and supposed to be quite cold hardy, once established. Native to the Mediterranean. Used a lot in landscaping in central California. Easy to start from seed.

Subject: VDS source? Replies: 8
Posted By: figgary Views: 203
 
I can send VdS cuttings to you, Brandon. Send me a pm with your address.

Subject: Olympian? Could anybody to help to identify Replies: 5
Posted By: figgary Views: 130
 
Does not look like Olympian, but does look like Osborne Prolific.

Subject: Will adding soil to potted trees injure them? . Replies: 7
Posted By: figgary Views: 147
 
I've done it that way, Noel, and it was fine. I scrape a bit of bark off of the portion of stem that I am going to bury, to encourage rooting. Never failed. The other option is to lift the plant out, and add more soil to the bottom of the pot.

Subject: Top figs of 2016 Replies: 21
Posted By: figgary Views: 734
 
This year,

Black Madeira
Abebereira
Lampeira Prusch
Ronde de Bordeaux
Negronne

Still waiting on It 258, Genovese Nero, Col de Dame Blanc...

Subject: Black Madeira cuttings Replies: 32
Posted By: figgary Views: 1,102
 
Hi Meg. Since my climate here is on the mild side, I thought I'd grow my Black Madeira in a container, so that I can give it extra warmth near the wall of my garage. Since it had been 2 years in its pot, I felt I should root prune it. The results have been a pleasant surprise.

Subject: Black Madeira cuttings Replies: 32
Posted By: figgary Views: 1,102
 
I thought I'd update this post, since I've been eating Black Madeiras from this tree for about a week now. I was surprised by how it grew this year after the fairly aggressive pruning I did last February. Growth and foliage were really light, but fruit set was quite heavy. It must've had 80-100 figs set. They've been ripening for the last 7-10 days, and they are all they are hyped up to be. The one I just ate, was as good as any fig I've eaten this year, which is saying something, after Harvey's get-together. I hope those who got cuttings were successful with them.
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Subject: Lampeira Prusch and Lampeira Branca Replies: 14
Posted By: figgary Views: 203
 
Thank you, Francisco.
Rosas farm and fig orchard look quite beautiful. I will send her a message.
Gary

Subject: Lampeira Prusch and Lampeira Branca Replies: 14
Posted By: figgary Views: 203
 
Yes Pino, I believe L Branca is a common fig.

Subject: Lampeira Prusch and Lampeira Branca Replies: 14
Posted By: figgary Views: 203
 
Not yet, Leon, but they are not far away.

Subject: Lampeira Prusch and Lampeira Branca Replies: 14
Posted By: figgary Views: 203
 
Richie.... today, the L Branca stood out more, because, as you say, it was sweeter. Both were great. The L Prusch brebas are crazy good also. As a reminder, here is a pic of the L Prusch brebas, from July 13, 2015.
Harvey, you're welcome!
IMG_3825.JPG

Subject: Lampeira Prusch and Lampeira Branca Replies: 14
Posted By: figgary Views: 203
 
As some of you know, I love the figs from my Lampeira Prusch. Hoping to find out if it is the same fig as Lampeira Branca, I sent photos to Lampo, our friend and expert in Portugal. He said that he did not recognize it, and that it was not L Branca. Now that my L Branca has ripened its first figs, I can compare them side by side, which I did today. The larger fig in the pics, with more red in the center, is L Prusch. The L Branca is more honey tasting with hints of melon?, caramel?, not sure. Very sweet and flavorful. Both produced a honey drop. Here are photos.
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IMG_4387.JPG 

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IMG_4385.JPG 

Subject: My First Monster Fig of the Year Replies: 20
Posted By: figgary Views: 440
 
Vito, I apologize for hijacking your thread. I didn't mean to. It was your photo of Genovese Nero AF that made me realize Rob's GN could be the AF version.

Don, yes, in my location, that is my opinion. I have mentioned this before, Rob's has produced a very high quality breba here. My Rafed version has not produced brebas, the main crop fig is smaller, later, and better tasting, IMO. 

Rafael, there are 2 very different versions. I hope others that have both will chime in.

Subject: Dam raccoons Replies: 53
Posted By: figgary Views: 580
 
I have success with either canned cat food or tuna. Of course, you may catch a neighbors cat. I set the traps near dark to try and avoid that. Good luck, Dave, I feel for you.

Subject: My First Monster Fig of the Year Replies: 20
Posted By: figgary Views: 440
 
Yes Steve, I am. They are the same, IMO. I also have the Rafed GN, and it is much different, more similar to IT 258.
Francisco, my photos are of main crop, as I think are Vito's.

Subject: My First Monster Fig of the Year Replies: 20
Posted By: figgary Views: 440
 
Nice Vito. Not to open a can of worms, but I now believe that the fig known as Rob's Genovese Nero is indeed Genovese Nero AF.
Rob's GN
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Subject: Pastilliere (RT) & Azores Dark Replies: 18
Posted By: figgary Views: 284
 
Sure Ross.
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Subject: Pastilliere (RT) & Azores Dark Replies: 18
Posted By: figgary Views: 284
 
Yes Ross. I have 2 of them, it is one of the best here in my climate.

Subject: Pastilliere (RT) & Azores Dark Replies: 18
Posted By: figgary Views: 284
 
Hi Ross, you're right, that's not Pastiliere. Looks like maybe they sent you Lattarula. The Azores dark looks like a very good fig. Thanks for the videos.

Pastiliere
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IMG_4384.JPG 
IMG_4381.JPG 

Subject: Plate of RdBs coming my way. (pic) Replies: 10
Posted By: figgary Views: 190
 
I agree with your sentiments completely, Frank. Everyone should have RdB.

Subject: First tasting of Smith Replies: 2
Posted By: figgary Views: 144
 
Lucky you, Steve. It looks really good! I have one in ground in it's 3rd year, and I haven't gotten to taste it yet. It won't be long, though. It is loaded with figs, just a little longer.

Subject: “Black Madeira” from Madeira Island Portugal Replies: 53
Posted By: figgary Views: 2,537
 
Hello Jaime,

all but the Black Madeira have mostly single lobed leaves so far. All seemed to have started with single lobed leaves, and develop 3s and some 5s, as they grow. My older Black Madeira has many leaves that are 3 and 5 lobes, with fewer single leaves. I got my KK strain and Violeta as very young plants, I did not start them from cuttings, so, I have no pics of them from the start. Looking at them now, though, their lowest leaves seem to be mostly single lobe. Here are 2 pics of a Preto and Black Madeira, which I recently started from cuttings, and both show single, and 3 lobed leaves from the start.

IMG_4347.JPG 
IMG_4348.JPG 

Subject: Summer figs Replies: 98
Posted By: figgary Views: 1,447
 
So, I am thinking that July-August would be a good time to visit Portugal, Francisco? Beautiful, delicious photos as usual.

Subject: “Black Madeira” from Madeira Island Portugal Replies: 53
Posted By: figgary Views: 2,537
 
Thanks, Dan, but I think Harvey C has these as well, and his will ripen sooner than mine. I will start a new thread on these, and update as they ripen.The Violeta may be a bit later, as it is in ground.

Subject: “Black Madeira” from Madeira Island Portugal Replies: 53
Posted By: figgary Views: 2,537
 
I hope to find out in the next couple of months, as well.

Black Madeira (Encanto Strain)
IMG_4341.JPG 
Black Fig Madeira KK
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Figo Preto
IMG_4344.JPG 
Violeta
IMG_4346.JPG 

Subject: Portuguese Fig Varieties Replies: 49
Posted By: figgary Views: 18,505
 
Like you, Dave, I am of Portuguese descent, and seek out these varieties. Not sure how many I have, maybe 15-20 now. Knowing Harvey has been a big help. Several have figs for the 1st time this year, I'll post pics as they do.

Subject: Found rare black fig Replies: 58
Posted By: figgary Views: 1,196
 
I don't know, Brian. Might have to ask Neil (posturedoc), the source of mine. He was adamant that his was the real deal, so I believe him. He's kind of vanished since retiring, but I'll send him a note.

Subject: Found rare black fig Replies: 58
Posted By: figgary Views: 1,196
 
For what it's worth, here are pics of my USDA Black Ischia. Whatever the new fig is, it looks like a keeper, for sure.


 IMG_3920.JPG 
IMG_3917.JPG 

Subject: Figs looking for a new home Replies: 19
Posted By: figgary Views: 764
 
So sorry to hear, Rui. I wish I was close enough to help continue the care of your Portuguese varieties. I wish you the best.

Subject: Genovese Nero AF Breba 2016 Replies: 13
Posted By: figgary Views: 474
 
Very nice plant, Leon. I got a few last year from mine, and it's a favorite. I agree with you that it is similar to Italian 258. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Subject: Prolific Peter's Honey Replies: 18
Posted By: figgary Views: 445
 
Good to hear, Dennis. I've been waiting 2 years to try a Smith, and it looks like this is the year.

Subject: Lampeira Preta breba Replies: 19
Posted By: figgary Views: 277
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by pino
Beautiful fig Gary!

Forgive me for jumping in you post and asking Francisco a question.

Hi Francisco,
you mentioned that Gustav Eisen called this fig "Portoghese (Italy): Lampas (Portugal)). 
The description seems similar to the other fig you mentioned last week "fico lungo di portugallo".  Are these the same fig?
Thanks



No worries Pino. It's all a good education.

Subject: Prolific Peter's Honey Replies: 18
Posted By: figgary Views: 445
 
Pino, mid to late August last year, perhaps a little sooner this year.

Subject: Lampeira Preta breba Replies: 19
Posted By: figgary Views: 277
 
Thanks, Jaime. Sorry the birds are beating you to your figs. For whatever reason, my figs have been left alone so far.

Subject: Prolific Peter's Honey Replies: 18
Posted By: figgary Views: 445
 
Becky, lime is beneficial for figs, especially potted plants. My well water is also on the acidic side, so I add a handful of ground oyster shell lime to the potting mix.
Thanks Meg and Jamie.
Ross, nice looking PH!

Subject: Lampeira Preta breba Replies: 19
Posted By: figgary Views: 277
 
Well, I picked it. 98 grams. Francisco, thank you for the additional information. The flavor was quite good for a 1st fig, as you say, it will improve. Medium sweetness, slight seed crunch, mellow flavor with hints of melon. As you can see, I did not remove the main crop figs. I have a caprifig from Harvey that I am hoping will release some wasps. We'll see.
Timo, my little tree was started from a cutting in 2014, and planted in ground late in 2015. So, 2 years old.
Thank you all for your comments, here are a couple more photos.
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IMG_4327.JPG 
IMG_4330.JPG 

Subject: Goodwill tree Replies: 56
Posted By: figgary Views: 804
 
Certainly looks worth growing, Meg. Nice find, I wonder if it is a common.

Subject: Sultani no signs of dropping Replies: 11
Posted By: figgary Views: 292
 
Mine are at the same stage, Richie. They ripened last year, and I expect them to again. I think Sultani is a common.

Subject: Lampeira Preta breba Replies: 19
Posted By: figgary Views: 277
 
No, Armando, it is from Portugal. Francisco has said that it is the preferred breba producer there.

Subject: Lampeira Preta breba Replies: 19
Posted By: figgary Views: 277
 
This is a big fig! Trying to decide if it is ready. It is the first and I'm anxious to try it before a critter does. IMG_4312.JPG 

Subject: When to stop fertilizing? Replies: 6
Posted By: figgary Views: 164
 
Hi Dave,unless the plant is struggling and needs feeding, I usually don't. I mix plenty of compost, rock phosphate and a potash source like greensand or hardwood ashes into my soil mix, so food is always available as needed.

Subject: When to stop fertilizing? Replies: 6
Posted By: figgary Views: 164
 
The idea is to not push tender, new growth, too close to your expected frost date. You want your plants to be slowing growth and going towards dormancy. In my zone, I don't feed nitrogen after about September 1.

Subject: Prolific Peter's Honey Replies: 18
Posted By: figgary Views: 445
 
Hey Ross, I think the node spacing is due to 12 hrs of sun a day. I grow organic, so it's compost, oyster shell, rock phosphate, and fish meal or emulsion. I thought about growing a Kadota, but there are mature ones all around this area. I do have a Janice Seedless Kadota, but it doesn't produce like the PH.

Subject: Prolific Peter's Honey Replies: 18
Posted By: figgary Views: 445
 
Are Peter's Honey normally this prolific? I really enjoyed the few I got last year, but it seems to be going crazy this year. Still a few weeks away, but every branch on my tree looks like these 2. It's in a 30 gallon container and in its 3rd year. I know Dennis likes this fig, anyone else grown it for a long time? Is this normal?

IMG_4316.JPG 
IMG_4317.JPG 

Subject: Fig Thief. Can You ID Footprint? Replies: 47
Posted By: figgary Views: 620
 
It's a raccoon. I just relocated one that was after my peaches, and digging up my garden beds. Relocated 2 last year that were wiping out the raspberries. It's a pain, but have-a-hart traps work. Legally, moving them isn't cool, but neither is a rifle shot in the middle of the night.

Subject: Atreano (FMD) Replies: 6
Posted By: figgary Views: 227
 
Nice one, Rick. I have an Atreano Gold, and I hope it is as nice as your Atreano looks.

Subject: Abebereira Replies: 27
Posted By: figgary Views: 687
 
No worries Frank and Dan. Easy to get sidetracked talking figs.
Dan F, I hope you get to enjoy some in September. My main crop should start in August. I'll update then, but I hope others will chime in with their experiences with this one.

Subject: New Black Madeira FIg Source? Replies: 29
Posted By: figgary Views: 965
 
Looks very similar to my Violeta. IMG_4302.JPG 

Subject: Are they Breba or Main crop? Replies: 5
Posted By: figgary Views: 126
 
Rio, you pinch after 4 or 5 sets of leaves have formed on new growth. So, the figs that are produced are coming on this years wood, hence they are main crop. Brebas emerge from last years hardened wood.

Subject: Abebereira Replies: 27
Posted By: figgary Views: 687
 
Hi Dan. It has been a decent grower, though it does show fmv. Here is a picture of it. I started it as an air layer 2 years ago, and planted it in the ground winter, 2014. It is about 5' tall and wide.
IMG_4299.JPG