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Subject: --- Really cheap plant tags Replies: 37
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 1,569
 
Considering I can't turn down anything for $1, I just bought some. Thanks for the tip.

Subject: My battle with the big rat! Replies: 95
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 2,200
 
Congrats Harvey.

Call me what you will, but I'd rather be in a room full of 100 spiders and 100 snakes, then be in a room with one rat. I've just never been able to shake my fear of them lol.

Subject: Unknown but tasty :) Replies: 10
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 357
 
Wow tyler, that thing looks delicious, and London is only an hour away lol.

Subject: Dalmatie ripening early with a little help Replies: 31
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 1,361
 
Pino,

Sweet figs. Do you still expect to continue ripening figs with the colder weather looming? Will a fig stop the ripening process when colder weather arrives? Just curious as I have about 40 figs which could swell any day now.

Subject: My first home grown fig Replies: 10
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 380
 
Thanks a lot for all the comments guys.

Do we have a consensus that this is indeed a Brunswick?

It sucks the weather has now turned more seasonal, still hoping to ripen a few more.

Subject: My first home grown fig Replies: 10
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 380
 
So it happened.

We had a good spell of weather the last few weeks which really helped things along. I bought an unknown tree from a gentleman last year. It was labelled "Red Honey Fig". After scouring the web the last year or so, and comparing leaves of various figs, I had my suspicion this was a Brunswick. Now that I have ripe figs, I'm 99% sure my suspicions (I'll leave it to the experts to confirm).

I couldn't believe how big these figs got when they started ripening, they literally doubled in size overnight. The taste was decent, not fantastic, but I don't have the experience to rate it. I would say it tasted similar to the black missions I would buy at the grocery store, knowing that they weren't picked at the peak of the ripening phase.

I've included a few pics, let me know what you think.

Fig 2.JPG 
Fig 1.JPG 

Subject: Atreano from Richter's Herbs Replies: 17
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 713
 
I purchased 2 HC, a Peters Honey and a Lattarula from Richters in the spring. They were sold out of Atreano. Perhaps I got lucky.

Subject: Adrianos inground desert king Replies: 8
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 645
 
Thanks for the pictures Nelson.

Fellow Portuguese can also appreciate the couves in the quintal lol.

Subject: Figo Branca Replies: 26
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 1,029
 
The Portuguese speakers in this thread have thrown their 2 cents into the mix, and I will too.

I agree with Harvey, Grasa and the bunch. As a Portuguese speaker, the name when I saw the thread jumped out at me like a sore thumb. Saying Figo Branca in Portugal would have someone looking at you like you had 2 heads. If it's a Portuguese fig, let's call it by it's proper name.

Subject: Rafed deleted his account Replies: 52
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 2,787
 
I'd like a pm too please.

Subject: Rafed deleted his account Replies: 52
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 2,787
 
With the animosity that floats around, it was only a matter of time before he left. I wish him all the best.

Subject: Harvest time: From swelling fig to drooping fig. How many days apart? Replies: 8
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 439
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe_Athens1945
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeneDaniels
Tug test always seems to be the best for me. Whenever I get antsy and pick a fig that is still tightly attached, I am always disappointed. This morning I succumbed to wanting the first fig off my Unknown tree. It looked ripe, it was hanging directly downward. But I tugged and tugged. Still held fast. Finally I yanked and got it. But alas! It was still 2-3 days to early. I was sooo disappointed!

I've have got to learn to wait until one soft tug does it.

Patience is a virtue, Gene!  I learned patience at my mother's side as a little boy waiting for the pasta sauce to reach perfection in the pot (Italians from the NY area, read "gravy" for "sauce" in the above sentence.)  :-)


And to think I thought it was strictly a Sopranos thing.

Subject: Capelas (made a rebound) Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 762
 
My Lattarula did the exact same thing. Now it's a 4' tall whip. It put on really nice growth since it came back. I kept the entire root ball but thinking of doing some root pruning this fall just in case some of the root mass was actually killed of last winter.

Subject: Projections for this winter look similar to last winter... Replies: 33
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 865
 
I was at a little get together last weekend with some family and friends. There were a couple of older Portuguese gentlemen there who both have in-ground fig trees. The one man has a home back in Portugal that he visits once a year with a few mature fig trees, and he claims he eats hundreds while he's there.

He was saying how this winter, he wrapped his in-ground trees here in Canada, and put a space heater outside. When he finally received his bill it was for $700. He knew why but went to the local utility and asked why his bill was so high. They asked him whether he had any energy sucking devices plugged in, which he knew he had. On his drive home he thought; $700 buys me another plane ticket to Portugal where I can eat all the figs I want.

Moral of the story is, we'll do anything to protect our trees lol.

Subject: Some air layers Replies: 17
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 466
 
Awesome.

How much rest time did you give the plants to recover after you cut them from the mother tree?

Subject: Below average temps Replies: 18
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 665
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rafed
I have a lot of figs waiting for it to get warm to ripen. But I fear there's going to be a lot of them going to waste.

If this is any indication of what's in store for us for this coming winter, we are in trouble.



Bad winters typically coincide with my decision whether to take a trip to the Caribbean or not. Last winter we chose not to, and we had the worst winter ever. This year, I have plans to go, so expect a mild winter.

Subject: Portuguese figs Replies: 32
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 906
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC
Welcome, Camacho, and thanks for posting.  My father's parents immigrated from Madeira approximately 100 years ago to come farm in California.  I love collecting Portuguese figs.  There is one fig brought to California from Madeira about 50 years ago also called Figo Branco.  Mine hasn't fruited yet.

Best wishes,


Not to get off topic, but I just noticed the name of your farm. My grandfather was a Correia from his mothers side.

Very nice to see those from Portugal, and Portuguese descendants, on the forums.

Subject: Portuguese figs Replies: 32
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 906
 
Welcome Camacho.

What part of Portugal are your from. My family is from the Azores, immigrated to Canada in the 70's.

Subject: Summer Trivia Question Replies: 30
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 801
 
Greek feet checking in.

Subject: Mavra Vasilika Sika greek black Replies: 37
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 2,860
 
That purple color is unreal... nice pics

Subject: Self-watering containers are giving me outstanding results! (SIP, SWC) Replies: 24
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 997
 
I think once my collection starts to grow I may try a similar method. Right now, my love affair with figs it's in the honeymoon stage, so I enjoy watering them in the evening, but I'm sure that will one day change.

Thanks for the pics.

Subject: Ice Crystal air layer progress Replies: 27
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 810
 
That's sweet Rafed.

I just finished my first ever air layer on one of my unknowns as a back-up. During the process, the branch loaded up with figs, so I thought I would lose them when I cut it off the mother tree, but so far they have stayed on there.

Subject: Why do I love figs? Replies: 9
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 508
 
I bought a 2' Hardy Chicago on Father's Day, and to date it is almost 6' tall. Like mentioned, you can literally watch the thing grow.

Subject: LAST CHANCE ----Needs to be said - the need for civil communication Replies: 85
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 3,394
 
Selfishly, I hope that all members who are contemplating leaving the forum, will reconsider. You may not realize just how valued your thoughts and expertise are to the community, especially us newbies.

Subject: Figo de Quarteira Replies: 11
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 623
 
Lampo,

I'm seriously starting to get very envious. It seems everyday you are posting a new variety, some we've never heard of. Please continue to do so, and I'll try and keep my jealousy to a minimum.

Subject: So.... I've started to root a few green cuttings..... Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 591
 
I think I should clarify that this 3 season sunroom is attached to the house, but get's very cold. It is not temperature controlled whatsoever, although being attached to the house, it helps to moderate temperature. So if the cutting goes inside this sunroom, it will go dormant for sure... I'm just concerned with it's ability to wake up.

smith,

I really want to know what kind it is too. I'm thinking by early September it will have ripe figs, and I will take plenty of photos of it.

Subject: So.... I've started to root a few green cuttings..... Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 591
 
jdsfrance,

My wife bought me a lemon tree during the summer, so I was going to set up part of the basement with grow lights, so I don't think it would be a big deal to put a few fig trees under it too.

I guess my dilemma is, if my rooted cuttings only reach a height of say 6" or so before the first frost sets, will they be strong enough to go dormant a re-emerge come spring time. If that isn't an issue, I would have no problem allowing them to harden off and go dormant, and I would store them in the same location as my other trees.

Subject: Figo Branca 8-5-14 Replies: 11
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 509
 
I meant no offense calling it ugly... it was more for a giggle than anything. Your right, taste first.

Also, I do not mean to be nitpicky at all, but a correct translation in Portuguese for white fig, would be Figo Branco.

Subject: Figo Branca 8-5-14 Replies: 11
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 509
 
Well it looks like a fig only a mother could love lol...

I can't wait till the day I can start describing the taste of a fig. Of coarse I've had them before, but I am limited to the figs brought in once a year at the grocery store. When you guys describe the melon and honey, it throws me for a loop.

This year I should have 3 varieties ripen for me, so maybe I can expand my palate a bit.

Subject: So.... I've started to root a few green cuttings..... Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 591
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC
Sorry, I mis-remembered your post.  Does your great aunt happen to have a variety name for this fig?


No worries.

I don't think she has a clue what it's called. When I asked her where it came from she recalled my great uncle bringing it over from the Azores many years ago. Our family is from a small island called Graciosa, of only 5000 inhabitants in the Azorian Archipelago. Part of me hopes that this particular variety is unique to our island, but I know this isn't likely. I probably came from the mainland at some point.

Subject: So.... I've started to root a few green cuttings..... Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 591
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC
Please post photos of you grandmother's fruits!


She's my great aunt. I'll post some photos when they ripen.

Subject: So.... I've started to root a few green cuttings..... Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 591
 
Great advice guys.

I think if I have a few survive I'll try both methods. I also have the option of grabbing dormant cuttings off the tree, and given'r another shot come spring.

Thanks.

Subject: So.... I've started to root a few green cuttings..... Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 591
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruuting
Oh, wait, you're in Canada :(


Yup, in Canada. I'm right on the border of the US and have a US shipping address.... but I'm not sure if I want to be "that" illegal imports guy lol.

So does anyone see a problem with growing  the cuttings under grow lights for the entirety of the winter, then introduce them outside in the spring with no dormancy period?

Subject: So.... I've started to root a few green cuttings..... Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 591
 
fignutty,

I wouldn't leave them outside, I'd bring them into my 3 season sunroom that's attached to my house. That's where I overwintered my trees last year and had minimal dieback. It gets cold in there, but not crazy cold.

Subject: So.... I've started to root a few green cuttings..... Replies: 19
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 591
 
I took some green cuttings from my great aunts in-ground tree. Yes, I said in-ground, in Canada. Apparently, it has survived 30 years with minimal winter protection, but does experience some dieback in the winter.

She believes my great uncle brought it over from the Azores. I'll try and get pics once the figs ripen and see if anyone can ID it.

I've tried to root the cuttings a few different ways. First, I placed 3 cuttings in some pro-mix bx potting soil, placed them in the shade and put 2L coke bottles over them to keep the humidity levels up. 1 of the 3 has started to bud out. The other 2 might still make it, but time will tell.

I also tried water rooting 2 other cuttings. 1 of them has started to push roots like crazy and is budding out. Both cuttings are still in water and I replace the water at least once every 2 days.

Here's the question. This was more of an experiment for me, because I am new to the game and have never tried rooting before. It looks like I may have a few successful plants, however, I understand it is not the most ideal time to be rooting, and my concern is the plants won't be mature enough to survive dormancy over the winter.

Should I take my chances, and let them go dormant, and bring them into my sunroom for the winter (along with the rest of my trees), or try to grow them under grow lights for the winter season, so they can put on some growth and can survive the winter.

I appreciate any comments and suggestions.

Subject: Introduction from BC Canada Replies: 32
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 962
 
Welcome.

I can confirm that Dany (Brugmansia) is an excellent source, but having talked with him he is sold out for the season. Richters Herbs is another nursery I have ordered from, and although the plants were quite small when I received them, they are growing like weeds.

Good luck.

Subject: My special figgy ripened yesterday... Replies: 51
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 1,044
 
Congrats man,

I have two kids myself. First one came out at 9lbs... the second at 11lbs 4 oz.... we had nurses from all over the hospital just to see him.

Subject: Staten Island Bomb (fig pics) Replies: 30
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 1,349
 
The leaves look exactly like an unknown I have. I haven't had any ripe fruit yet, but the unripe fruit are similarly elongated. It was tagged as red honey fig and purchased from a local fruit guru who was just starting to get into figs.

I hope it's the same.

Subject: Adriano's Melanzana Strain Pic Replies: 9
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 900
 
That's some serious growth for a tree that was top killed. I had a Lattarula die back to the roots and it's only come back about 2' tall so far with no fruit... which is fine, I'm just glad it came back.

Subject: undermedicated weather Replies: 9
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 278
 
Here in Southwestern Ontario this summer has been horrific. Yesterday average temps, today 65 (for you American folks).

Between the winter we had, and the summer we're having, I'm ready to move to Florida.

Subject: Adriano's Whopper Red Delicious Replies: 32
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 1,012
 
paully,

Is that at your place or Adrianos? Are you Canadian?

That's an incredible looking fig... congrats

Subject: Figo Preto Temporão Replies: 20
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 939
 
lampo,

Adriano is about 3hrs drive from me but in the many times I've tried to contact him, I haven't had much luck. I managed to get in touch with a fellow named Nelson from Toronto (he's a member here but doesn't post much anymore), and he said he will sell some cuttings come fall if he has any.

Subject: Figo Preto Temporão Replies: 20
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 939
 
Nice pics lampo.

I have lots of family in the Acores... Ilha Graciosa  in particular. I really need to find a way to bring back some cuttings from my uncles tree. I can't really remember what it looks like, but it's possible that it's unknown to the western world.

Thanks for sharing.

Subject: Easier said than done... Replies: 6
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 413
 
I'm new to this but my strategy so far is to focus more on the vegetative growth and not worry too much about fruiting. With that being said, I have an unknown variety that's two years old and has probably 30 figs on it. The tree is growing like a weed and the fruit keep increasing in size so I leave them. I'll probably end up knocking off the ones I know won't ripen and hopefully I get a nice little harvest at the end of the summer.

Subject: Don't give up on your potted figs yet... Replies: 4
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 423
 
Maybe I should have waited a little longer on my Lattarula, but it put out a shoot from the roots which is doing extremely well. The branches were dry and very rust colored so I cut it right back.

Subject: Giving Away Three JH Adriatic :: ALL GONE Replies: 18
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 703
 
Yup very generous... I hope someday I can spread some fig love across Canada.

Subject: Bird problem solved--at least for now Replies: 38
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 1,592
 
I'm very impressed.

Any issues with wind, or does is seem to flow right through?

Subject: "The Big Kill"....Winter of 2013 - 2014 Replies: 137
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 6,600
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BronxFigs
UPDATE post#1

5 ft. "Black Mission" has sprouted leaves 6/14.  Stored in unheated shed, but roots were frozen solid when tree (5-gallon container) - was moved into storage.

Note-  I decided to hold onto this tree because after a scratch test, the under-bark area showed a slight yellow-green color.  I kept this tree watered, lightly fertilized, and in full heat and sun.  All the other trees in the storage shed were killed, and showed rotted bark and roots after they thawed out.

So, I got one happy ending, at least. 

Now I have 2 'Black Mission" trees: (one that lived, and one purchased, as a replacement) and "Olympian"...so, I'm off to a good start.


Frank


That's awesome man. I have a lattarula that I thought was dead. It had two suckers growing from the base that were 100% dead so I pruned those back to the roots. Within a week of doing that I have a bud that has broken at the base of the tree coming from one of those two shoots that I cut back. The rest of the tree might not make it, but atleast there is life, and I hope it recovers well.

Subject: New plants arrived today Replies: 7
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 388
 
Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll leave them for a bit in the shade, then pot-up.

Subject: New plants arrived today Replies: 7
Posted By: psilva8 Views: 388
 
My wife just sent me some pics of my new figs that just arrived today from Brugmansia-Quebec.

I was just curious if you guys think I should up-pot these right away or not? Also, any suggestions for care of new plants would be appreciated eg: watering, fertilizing etc.

FYI, the plants are:

LSU purple
Brunswick
Kadota
Marseilles Black

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