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Bob Morris

Most fig trees are self-fertile, thrive in Las Vegas Valley

August 1, 2011 - 11:17 pm
 

Question: A friend of a friend has two fig trees that produce the best figs I have ever tasted. I am planning on taking cuttings and eventually planting them in my big back yard with full southern exposure. However, we do not know what variety they are, so is there an easy way of identifying them and knowing whether they are self-pollinating?

All the figs I have tested in our climate do well. It is just a matter of your preference in taste. Normally, the darker-colored figs, such as black mission or brown turkey, have a stronger flavor. The yellow or white figs are milder. The biggest mistake when growing figs in our climate is not watering them enough.

Nearly all figs are self-fertile. If you send me a picture so that I can see the outside and inside fruit color I might be able to narrow it down for you. Also, let me know if it was purchased through a local nursery, since they typically carry the more common varieties. Follow my blog and I will give you instructions on how to propagate figs.

Bob Morris is an emeritus professor in horticulture with the University of Nevada and can be reached at extremehort@aol.com. Visit his blog at xtreme
horticulture.blogspot.com.

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