Purchasing unknown fig variety

9 years ago

Hi all,

I've been interested in purchasing a fig tree for some time and noticed a small fig at a local store in the Asian community that offered one for a price that I considered a good deal. The only problem is that according to the shop owner, the Asian community propagates the figs themselves and they don't differentiate between specific varieties. Only difference is between purple and green. That little fig tree I was eyeing was a green fig according to her.

My question is whether it's a good idea to purchase a fig of unknown variety. My mind tells me no but my wallet says yes lol. If I'm allowed to ask, what price range would be considered relatively inexpensive for a 12" sized tree? The tree looked healthy with several leaves and looked grafted onto a very thick dark brown trunk. It was priced at $18. I haven't shopped around for figs too much yet so I don't know if maybe I'm being too eager to get a fig. On another note, there are many other stores I saw in the Asian community that had figs as well but with a labeled variety name propagated by an actual nursery so this unknown green fig was one of the few exceptions I've seen.

I've yet to do extensive research on all things fig so it would be great to read any advice or experiences from others!

Featured Answer

Embothrium

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

The main practical purpose of buying only identified cultivars would be to be assured of local climate suitability. If the stock being considered is from trees that are growing and bearing well in your area then it will not be presenting that problem. If it instead isn't known that the parent trees are locally proven then the material should be passed on.

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Comments (10)

Adc Taico
9 years ago

for more picture and varieties please visit

https://www.facebook.com/pohonsyurga/
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kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b)
Original Author
9 years ago
Ahh I hadn't considered the practicality of cultivars but it makes a lot of sense the way you put it. Thank you so much Embothrium! I will ask them whether it came from a locally grown parent fig. Maybe one day in the future if it bears fruit, I will come back and see if it can even be ID'd :)
kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b)
Original Author
9 years ago
Well I succumbed to how cheap it was and purchased one of the small figs they offered. It was only $10 and is supposed to be a dark colored fig type rather than the slightly larger, higher priced light colored fig. It only has 7 leaves right now but I've heard that figs can grow vigorously like weeds so wish me luck :)

If it ever fruits, I will come back for help for IDing the tree :D
sunshine (zone 6a, Ontario,Canada)
8 years ago
Kvetch, how is your fig doing?
kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
It almost died actually! The first week it got knocked over and dug out by a raccoon in the middle of the night but I managed to save it :) Im trying to get as much new stem growth as possible before it goes dormant though
sunshine (zone 6a, Ontario,Canada)
8 years ago
My figs are outside today and it is going to be really cold tonight, 42 degrees. So windy, I had to bring some of my sensitive plants and trees indoor.
kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
It's really annoying how extreme the temperatures keep changing! It was hot and humid like the tropics 2 days ago and now it feels like it's time for boots and jackets. Have you been adjusting your plants already? I probably should've transitioned them but I haven't started yet
sunshine (zone 6a, Ontario,Canada)
8 years ago
Nope, just saw on tv the forecast for temps and the wind speed, ran outside to bring almost everything in :))) I have only sprayed everything once so far, I am so mad at the wind :)))
kvetchlambkin (nyc 7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
Aww no :( your trees will be happy that you saw the weather tonight. 42 is too close to freezing!