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Figs for Northwest Florida

14 years ago

Hey All,

I am new to the GW Fig Forum. My family and I (wife and two children) grow a variety of vegetables and fruits in our backyard. We grow mostly in SWC, Earthboxes, and have a 4x4 SFG. We grow blueberry, strawberry, pineapple, papaya, sweet potato, tomato, kale, broccoli, corn, lettuce, spinach, peas, beans, carrots,...

Our children have recently taken a liking to fresh figs and I recently became more enamored with them once I tasted them closer to fresh defined as "just picked" and closer to tree ripe (from a local farm) versus "fresh" in the local market (but not produce locally).

I have started to research the fig (the varieties are endless). I registered here at GW and also at Figs4Fun. I also understand, respect, and appreciate the need to read before I post but I do have a quick question and a comment about what I have read so far:

Q: I know that Brown Turkey, Celeste, and LSU Gold can be (and have been) grown successfully in Tallahassee. Can (or have) other more highly rated/desirable/flavorful varieties (like VdB, Osborne, Well Sweep, Sals, Tiger) be grown here successfully in containers? I also know that a fast ripening, closed eye variety is favorable due to the humidity however here in Tallahassee, we do have "cold" winters, i.e., frost, temperature in the teens, and approximately 400 chill hours. Any suggestions?

C: I have read a little about rooting from cuttings as well as the sharing of cuttings that occurs throughout this Fig Forum. I am truly interested in growing a nice range of figs here in Tallahassee and would appreciate any knowledge and cuttings that can be shared.

Regards,

JD

PS: Here are a few photos of what we are growing

Passion Flower

Pineapple

Papaya

Ginger & Turmeric

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Comments (6)

danny8b
14 years ago
I have several varieties here in Tallahassee. My favorites thus far are (in descending order) Atreano, Celeste, LSU Gold, Texas Blue Giant, Negronne, LSU Purple, and an unnamed green variety that is very precocious and prolific.
jimmieldavis
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Danny. Nice lineup. Stay in touch.

JD
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dieseler
14 years ago
Hi Turndav,
that looks like a real nice setup, is it self watering, also being from more north not used to seeing some plants that flower is gorgeous. The papaya i only wish i could grow, my qeustion is what type of container is that they are growing in and have those type of white caps on the covers.
Thanks in advance.
Martin
jimmieldavis
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you Martin.

The papaya are growing in 'self watering' containers and all with the same growing medium. Two are in re-purposed kitty litter containers (with the tops), one in a five-gallon bucket design (with top), and one in an Earthbox. The pipes and caps are 1" pvc. The goal for the black plastic is to extend the utility of the non UV protected containers in the Florida sun. Note: The yardstick provides a much needed reference.

FYI. I sprouted the seeds indoors and transplanted them on 8/4. The pictures that followed were taken on 9/15. Not a fair test because the Earthbox is larger and well engineered but lessons can be learned.

Regards,
JD

PS: I read this forum because a) Figs are delicious, 2) I want to learn as much as I can about figs, and 3) I want to grow figs.
buckcity
14 years ago
Sorry if I sound like a broken record-and just so it is said-I am in no way affiliated with this nursery, but
sincerely-you should drive over to Crawfordville-which is practically in your Tallahassee backyard and visit "Just Fruits and Exotics."

Their quality is outstanding and their varieties are taylor grown for our North Florida environment.

And by-the-way if you pull up their website be aware that those are the listed mail-order prices. The trees are cheaper at the nursery.

I live about two hours away and they are holding a fall order for me that I will pick up when I get time.

Love this place!
jimmieldavis
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks buckcity.

I am familiar with JFE and the owner there. Great place! All of our fruit trees, i.e., those not from grown seed, are from JFE.

JD

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