As you may know Jefferson was Secretary of State for Washington's Cabinet, and spent a great deal of time in France; I think it was about seven years. In France he pursued not only assisted the French to Liberate themselves, but also his love for architecture, and gardening.
When he returned from Europe he brought with him many seeds, cuttings and seedling that he attempted to grow at his home in Charlottesville; Monticello.
On a trip there over Thanksgiving break about twelve years ago, our family visited Monticello. We had a wonderful time and even experienced the first big snow of the year while visiting and touring the grounds. It was fascinating on many levels, and the beauty of the quiet winter storm all the more enchanting, as we were the only visitors there.
After our tour we decided to walk down the mountain to our car, and at the welcome center was a nursery that sold the plants that are grown at Monticello. Many of which are cuttings and seedlings from the plants that actually planted and experimented with. There was no one tending the nursery, so I walked next door to the Welcome Center, with the plants that I had chosen, and asked who I should pay for the plants (thinking the person who tended the nursery was inside keeping warm). The Director told me that the nursery was closed for the season, and I was welcome to take all of the plants that I wanted as they would not survive the winter.
I couldn't believe my good fortune and asked him again to be sure. He once again said take whatever you want, or take them all, as they would be ruined if I didn't.
Fortunately, I had my Grandfathers huge van and I filled it up with dozens of plants. I shared many with my Grandfather, and upon arriving home with my friends. A few of the flowers I still have but a fig tree that I planted in my front yard has grown and prospered here. It produces the most delicious figs that I have ever tasted. They are smaller than the figs that I have found on local trees, and have a slight kiwi taste too them, and aren't overly sweet like the local figs.
They are quite delicious and produce two major crops per year. One in the late spring, and one again in the late summer.
All of this is to say, my husband took cuttings of them this weekend, and if any of you would like one let me know and we will make arrangements for pickup. I have plenty so don't be shy!
3 comments:
Do these require a lot of care? Any special treatment or conditions? I have tons of sun and tons of shade areas. I'd love to try to grow these as I too love figs.
The most you will do is getting them to root.
I have mine in full sun, and it goes all year being ignored, just picked.
Unlike an apple or peach or cherry, they don't require spraying, and are not susceptible to borers, or blight.
The only thing that really bothers them is the ants. As soon as a fig is ripe it begins to split. Especially if it has been dry and then we get a good rain, they act like a tomato and split right open.
When this occurs, the ants can smell the sugar and go right for the sweet inside of the fruit.
Washing them off after picking is a must. But other than that they are a delight.
To root them you want to purchase some rooting hormone (about $5.00) Make a fresh cut on the end, and then split it in half. Dip the cutting into the bottle. It is a powdery substance and you simply dip the cutting into making sure to get the end that will go into the dirt well covered.
Stick it into a pot of very rich potting soil water it in. Place a couple of sticks around the edge of the pot that are a few inches taller than your cutting, then cover it in clear plastic making a tent. Place it in a very sunny window, or outside in semi shaded area. Water it a little twice a week (especially if its outside) and in two weeks pull aside the dirt and see if your roots have started if yes cover it back up and leave it be for another two weeks with the same care. Then uncover and keep well watered for another two weeks. After if can be transplanted into a 'nursery' bed.
Next spring after April 15, transplant into final destination.
If NO, you can cut the stem at the next nodules up the stem and try again, if it still doesn't work I will be starting some in a nursery bed and we will be offer some as soon as they take root.
Thanks to Vergil and Jean, for the cayenne pepper plants! Virgel came and picked up their fig cuttings this morning, and brought me some peppers.
This is fun!
I would love to have some cuttings of the fig tree. Please email me at lhendri479 at aol dot com.
Thanks - Linda In NC
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