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Subject: My Yard/Collection Video Replies: 6
Posted By: Njfred Views: 282
 
Nice.  Thanks for sharing.  

Subject: Figs that nobody likes Replies: 29
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,131
 
I may be the only person here that likes Brown Turkey's.  They are definitely not as sweet but when ripe are sweet enough.  What I do like about them, for me anyway, the classic fig taste comes totally through.   Maybe it's a lower sugar content.  Don't know.  I compare them to VBDs, Celestes and what I believe to be a Nero.  

Subject: When will they ripen in NJ? Replies: 11
Posted By: Njfred Views: 406
 
It's quite interesting to see different growers experiences with ripening in the same area but with the same varieties ripening at different times.  For potted plants, I would think it should depend upon how figs are stored for the winter and therefore when the plants break hibernation and when the potted figs are placed outdoors.  However, mine went outside 2 weeks later than last year and my figs ripened just about the same time so perhaps this is not the case.  I would think age of the plant may have something to do with it too and the pots they are in.  Lastly perhaps it's how much sun they receive.  Mine get close to 8 hours with full sun during the mid day.  

Anybody else have some knowledge on this question or care to speculate!

Subject: When will they ripen in NJ? Replies: 11
Posted By: Njfred Views: 406
 
How long ago did you see the first little figs?  Can take 90 to 120 days from then to ripen.  I have two plants, celeste and a BT which have been producing ripe figs for the last 2 weeks.   

Having said that, Weather in NJ looks great over next 10 days.  Lots of sunny warm days.  Be patient.  When the figs start to turn they will ripen fast.  Also, I harvest figs here in NJ from one late plant well into mic October.  Lots of time left.

Subject: Tonight's Plate Replies: 21
Posted By: Njfred Views: 808
 
Great looking figs and variety.  Need to look more into that EBT.  Figs for 4th of July up here in the North... Wow.  

Subject: VdB, RdB, and BM getting closer Replies: 16
Posted By: Njfred Views: 761
 
Looking good.  My VbD here in Northern NJ has yet to start to ripen.  Celeste and BT have been providing ripe figs for the last week or two.

Subject: "Zaffiro" (Melanzana family) Replies: 6
Posted By: Njfred Views: 701
 
Wow.

Subject: Fig Pizza with Celestes Replies: 7
Posted By: Njfred Views: 220
 
Thanks All.. Encourage all to have a try at it.  Also, just as you local pizza place for dough... Makes it really easy to make.  

Subject: Whole Foods figs Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 620
 
Fignatic... The WF in Madison, NJ.  FYI, there were still some there on Friday

Subject: Fig Pizza with Celestes Replies: 7
Posted By: Njfred Views: 220
 
Ingredients - Mozzarella, Goat cheese, sliced garlic and onions, prosciutto, favorite figs, drizzle with high grade balsamic when prior to serving.  Goes well with a pinot!  

Subject: Fig Pizza with Celestes Replies: 7
Posted By: Njfred Views: 220
 
  Celeste figs.jpg  Fig Pizza.jpg

Attached Images
jpeg Fig_Pizza.jpg (73026, 3 views)

Subject: Root Pruning Replies: 2
Posted By: Njfred Views: 170
 
Hi all... Greetings from NJ.  

So I've had my figs in their pots for about three years.  They've done well and are about 4 to 5 feet tall now.  I understand it's about time to root prune after 3 years.  I did a search on the forum and saw a good deal on how to do this but would like some recommendations on when to root prune.  I assume either in the fall when they have gone dormant or first thing in the spring when they are breaking their dormancy. I live in Northern NJ should that be important.  

I normally prune the branches prior to sticking the dormant plants in the garage for the winter.  When I root prune, should I alter my branch pruning? Typically I remove 1/3 of a branch or so and of course shape and remove weaker branches.  

Added some pictures of the plants if that helps as well!


Thanks for your recommendations! IMG_0462.jpg  IMG_0463.jpg     IMG_0464.jpg

Subject: Whole Foods figs Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 620
 
I have had great luck with WF figs.  I have 3 trees now about 4 1/2 ft tall (in pots) each with 100 to 120 figs on them.  Celeste (very good) BT and RdB.  They are still available in WF in norther NJ.  

Subject: Yikes! Snow in NJ! Replies: 33
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,043
 
Morning all! 19 here in Northern NJ. Quite chilly for us. My figs are in the garage. Hope all of yours are suitably prepared!

Subject: Fig Burial Mounds Replies: 11
Posted By: Njfred Views: 561
 
Wow...nice job there. Looks like a lot of work but it should be worth it!

Subject: 6 feet of snow Replies: 4
Posted By: Njfred Views: 345
 
Used to live in that part of the world. Have seen a lot of lake effect snows but can't recall one like this. Good luck!

Subject: Yikes! Snow in NJ! Replies: 33
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,043
 
Sure looks like another tough winter for figs all around the country! Good luck to all!

Subject: Yikes! Snow in NJ! Replies: 33
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,043
 
Rich...winter is a coming fast. Brought my hibiscus in two weeks ago and a little avocado that sprouted in the compost pile over the summer. This guy is an experiment. Remember growing them as kids. Sticking toothpicks into the pit to dangle the fat part of the pit into a glass with water to sprout the pit. I've got a nice big set of large windows facing the south so it will get a fair amount of sun.

Subject: Yikes! Snow in NJ! Replies: 33
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,043
 
My final two trees made it into the garage tonight at the last minute. Heavy rain coming tomorrow and temps dropping to 19 here in Northern in New Jersey on Tuesday night. Needed to move them before they became soaked and heavy. Ready for the winter. I'll trim the last two a bit and save the branches to root them late winter in time for the Spring sun.

Subject: Dormancy Replies: 3
Posted By: Njfred Views: 397
 
What determines the length of a fig plants dormancy? Is it strictly light and temperature or are there other factors...eg water, fig type etc? Do plants that go dormant earlier, all else being equal, break dormancy earlier in the spring?


Subject: Neros Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 634
 
Well then I don't have a Nero. Maybe a red Siciallian though the fig looks similar but darker than the pictures I've seen. Does bill sell a Negronne out of curiosity? Not sure the leaves are right for this one though.

Subject: Neros Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 634
 
I purchased the fig at Bills figs. I may have confused the name. But no matter it produces awesome fruit. One person thought it might be a Negroone. Lol in the a basil. With some luck it will be all over the yard.

Subject: Neros Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 634
 
Here's a picture of the plant. Hopefully you can see the leaves.

Attached Images
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Subject: Neros Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 634
 
Getting close to the last of my Neros. Could have benefited by a bit more sun but still quite yummy! After all it's the middle of October.

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Subject: Figheddabouit! Replies: 26
Posted By: Njfred Views: 618
 
Figtastic!

Subject: Late September NJ Sun Replies: 9
Posted By: Njfred Views: 437
 
Pinos recent Nero post has some pics of a Nero . Looks almost identical to mine.

Subject: Late September NJ Sun Replies: 9
Posted By: Njfred Views: 437
 
Well I certainly could have gotten confused. It is dark fig for sure. Looking at some pics it also looks like a negronne. I'm new at this and so many look alike.

Subject: Late September NJ Sun Replies: 9
Posted By: Njfred Views: 437
 
Ed I picked up the Nero from Bill (Bill's Figs) in Flemington, NJ end of May in 2013.

Subject: LSU Champagne Replies: 18
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,359
 
Looking good. Vigorous plant!

Subject: Late September NJ Sun Replies: 9
Posted By: Njfred Views: 437
 
Thanks and good to hear you've benefited from the weather as well. The fig is a Nero.... The Nero is hands down the best of figs in my tiny collection including RBD, Celeste, BT and one new one that I just bought but no figs this year. Can't recall the name of the new fig.

The Nero seemed to break dormancy and to set figs late relative to my other figs which is why I think it is pushing into October for the bulk of the figs to to ripen. Here's a picture of the tree.

Looks like we have some nice days coming up this week so hopefully all well get to taste some good figs in October!

Attached Images
jpeg image.jpg (174777, 25 views)

Subject: Late September NJ Sun Replies: 9
Posted By: Njfred Views: 437
 
Wow what weather! Sunny and warm! Did wonders for my last rioening fig. Picked and ate a couple like this. Best figs of the summer. Hope you fellow Northerners had similar luck.

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jpeg image.jpg (67154, 34 views)

Subject: What causes ripening? Replies: 45
Posted By: Njfred Views: 2,436
 
My very limited experience suggest that 70s are not a huge issue for fig ripening. However the figs are slower to ripen and very good but not quite as sweet. Certainly sun is very important perhaps more so than temps if over 70. We here in Northern NJ see temps over 80 just about every day in the summer but at this time of year high 60s and 70s are the rule.

Subject: Is it "heat" or.... Replies: 6
Posted By: Njfred Views: 421
 
Agree both heat and sun are important. I do agree with Mike that even on a cooler day, in bright sun, the temperature of a fig can increase, particularly dark figs. Note here in northern NJ we've had very few days much above 85 this summer. Figs have been great. Tasted a RBD yesterday. Very sweet.

Subject: OT: Some Jersey Tomatoes Replies: 29
Posted By: Njfred Views: 699
 
Richie....proving once again that Jersey is still The Garden State. That sandwich.... I want one. Now.

Subject: Maltese Beauty, Macool, Barnisotte Noir & Petite Negra (9/6/2014) Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,171
 
Great looking figs Imran! The red in some of those is amazing!

Subject: A pretty good year Replies: 3
Posted By: Njfred Views: 313
 
Nice. Love the purple and yellow stacked sided by side. Bet they were good!

Subject: BillsFigs 2014 Replies: 26
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,679
 
Just got back from Bill's! Amazing job by he and his family to host so many people! Thank you!

Fig Pizza, fig cookies, fig ice cream amd figs in prosciutto. Yum yum. Great plants and figs.

Subject: BillsFigs 2014 Replies: 26
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,679
 
Another One of Bills figs. A Nero. Don't think I'm getting ripe figs this year as well. Size of pots relative to root growth (just potted last year)? Dunno but the plant is amazing.

Attached Images
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Subject: Help with ripening Replies: 7
Posted By: Njfred Views: 374
 
Tony...I had the same issue with my VBD. Just started turning color Monday. They ripen fast. Here is a picture today. I do get that white stuff on the outside of my other figs. Dosent seem to be an issue. My Celeste and BT have been producing great ripe figs for last three weeks. I'm thinking sun is more important than temp at temps above 70 but don't really know. Others here have a lot more experience and perhaps can comment.

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Subject: what kind of fig is this? Replies: 21
Posted By: Njfred Views: 813
 
I want one. I want one now!

Subject: Update... Sweet Diana (Unknown) w/ pics Replies: 31
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,295
 
Great tree and figs. Makes me wish I was your neighbor. The tree is so big it's on their side of the fence as well!

Subject: what type of fig grower are you? Replies: 18
Posted By: Njfred Views: 888
 
Second year suburban growing. Have perennial gardens but new to figs. Growing them in pots. Bought one from Bill here in NJ, the other three from Whole Foods last summer. Here are two of my figs. Really appreciate this forum and all those willing to share years of experience.

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Subject: New gardener/homesteader from Texas Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 482
 
Nice. Address? Nah just kidding. Love the mix of fruit trees. Welcome. I'm new here too BTW.

Subject: Fig picking time! Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 726
 
Dennis .. Looks tasty. I like regular Celeste figs so the dark ones looks great.

Subject: Harvey's fig harvests in August 2014 - Updates Replies: 78
Posted By: Njfred Views: 5,816
 
Impressive! Keep sharing pics and updates! With regard to your pests....do any forum members know your address? I'm sure they know how to fake squirrels, birds, etc picking figs! :)

Harvey, with regard to your Nero, it sounds like it's just starting to ripen. Mine,in NJ, is a gorgeous plant with very nice figs but is still showing no real signs of ripening. Roughly how long from the appearance of figs to ripening? How fast do they ripen once they start to turn color? Pic of my Nero attached. I figure I have about another 4'weeks left so I have my fingers crossed.

Attached Images
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Subject: Help me ID this fabulous one Canada Replies: 5
Posted By: Njfred Views: 392
 
Does not look like a Celeste or a BT. Both in leaf and fig at all at least compared to mine. But my knowledge is limited so I have no idea what else it could be. I'm sure others can and will expertly weigh in.

Subject: Co-worker's unknown fig tree... Replies: 18
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,074
 
Yup. Tell your coworker that tasting a couple of figs is the only way to really ID it. :).

Subject: Co-worker's unknown fig tree... Replies: 18
Posted By: Njfred Views: 1,074
 
I'm new to figs but the leafs and growth do look like my Celeste but seeing some ripe figs might help a bit with the ID.

Subject: And I thought last Aug was cool, just received Aug Gas and Electric bill Replies: 7
Posted By: Njfred Views: 470
 
Rich, interesting article reminding how the recent summers have been extremely hot here in NJ. I suspect that the lack of humidity had been what makes many of us feel it has been unusually cool. I also suspect that we've been lucky to have the cooler weather with a good deal of sun. Normally cool summer weather for me is associated with rainy days in the summer. It can be hot and then cooler with the rain creating a lower monthly average. Bottom line is that I do suspect this was not an average summer from a heat perspective when one takes into account other factors.

Subject: Gave up hope months ago Replies: 13
Posted By: Njfred Views: 530
 
Matt, as there is and will be very little growth, I'd try putting a mound of dirt, mulch or whatever over the plant and roots. Just remember to clear the dirt in early spring back to the original level. Tossing some snow on top wouldn't hurt either! :)