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The Fig Boss of Philadelphia - a short documentary film
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- čas přidán 4. 11. 2023
- “The Fig Boss of Philadelphia” a film by Ricky Oliveras
Ross Raddi set off on a fig-growing journey, inspired by his grandfather. Now, he is known as the fig boss. Ross is on a mission to share his love of figs with the world while discovering and preserving unique fig varieties in Philadelphia.
Subscribe to Ricky's CZcams channel. He'll be publishing an additional 3 more videos on his channel just like this one! / rickyoliveras
And check out the very informative Fig Boss website & blog: www.figboss.com/
Social Media:
/ rossraddi
/ rossraddi
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Cuttings & Plants for Sale: www.figboss.com/category/all-...
The video opens with Ross Raddi discussing the growing popularity of figs and the profound experience that a perfectly ripened fig can offer. Ross Raddi, a fig hobbyist turned enthusiast, narrates his journey from combating a moldy basement with houseplants to his passion for figs, influenced by his Italian grandfather and the unsatisfactory taste of store-bought figs compared to fresh ones.
Ross describes the transformation of his interest in gardening from simply ornamental to purposeful, aiming to grow produce that is challenging to find in stores, like figs. His appreciation for food was inherited, and although his family didn't always have the healthiest diet, his love for high-quality, fresh food has driven him to pursue gardening seriously.
He outlines the issues with commercially available figs, which are often picked before reaching peak ripeness, unlike homegrown figs that can be allowed to fully mature, enhancing their flavor and nutrient content. This difference, he says, is something most people don't experience unless they grow figs themselves.
Ross then takes us on a tour of his Philadelphia home, where he grows an extensive variety of fruits, especially figs, with over 100 trees in containers and 130 in the ground. He talks about the unfavorable conditions for fig growing in Philadelphia due to the excess moisture but mentions the historical introduction of figs in the area by European immigrants, particularly from Italy.
The narrative then shifts to the exploration of genetic diversity among figs in the Northeast, thanks to growers like Danny Gentile from New York, who discovered unique varieties. Ross, inspired by this, began his quest through Philadelphia and New Jersey, scouting for special fig trees. With his girlfriend, he located around 100 trees, and with friends, he gathered cuttings from promising specimens.
Ross speaks about his dedication to finding fig varieties that are well-adapted, hardy, and rain-resistant for cultivation in different environments. His motivation is to discover unique varieties that could be a valuable addition to many gardens, not just where they have historically grown.
He then transitions to discussing his journey on CZcams, where he documents his experiences with figs and other plants. Initially, Ross was puzzled as to why people watched his videos, but over time, he realized that he was providing educational content that helped others learn and develop their own gardening practices. Despite some negative feedback, Ross is more focused on the positive impact of his journey on others, expressing how rewarding it is to hear from people who have started growing figs because of his influence.
Ross does not see himself as a professional teacher, but he has naturally taken on an educational role through his videos and interactions. He shares an account of a day spent in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia, where he led a fig cultivation workshop, which included tasting, winter protection, and pruning instructions.
Ross discusses the broader implications of his work, pointing out how encouraging others to grow their own figs or any food plants contributes to a larger movement of fresh, organic, and self-sustained food production. He believes that every individual he inspires to grow figs amplifies the positive effects on the community and the environment.
Interest in Figs 00:00: Introduction to the increasing popularity of figs and personal affinity for them.
Taste Revelation 03:17: Realization that ripe, fresh figs are superior to what had been previously tasted.
Home Orchard 06:35: Description of the speaker's home growing space and the variety of fruits cultivated, with a focus on figs.
Discovery Journey 09:34: Efforts to find unique fig varieties in the Philadelphia area through scouting with friends Ricky and Justin.
Family Legacy 13:04:
Vera, a Philadelphia resident's story about their own fig tree, its history, and its connection to family heritage.
Community Impact 19:14:
Realizing the wider impact of influencing thousands of people, not just a few. Discussing the unexpected expansion of viewership and the financial viability of content creation.
Thanks to everyone who made it to the premiere! Feel free to comment below, like the video, subscribe, and give Ricky some love too: Subscribe to his CZcams channel. He'll be publishing an additional 3 more videos on his channel just like this one! czcams.com/users/rickyoliveras
Ross, you are amazing! When you were young everyone called you Ross the Boss. Little did we know that you would become Ross the Fig Boss. The whole family is so proud of you. I wish your grandfather was here to see this fantastic movie. He was always enthralled in your passion of growing figs and other food. He was your biggest fan. We love you and keep growing ❣️
❤
Thanks everyone for watching. I had so much fun making this with Ross! I know I’ve learned a lot from Ross over the years so it was special for me to create this.
Epic work Ricky!
Nicely done Ricky.
To all those participating in this video and to Ross……so much generosity from you. Thank you…..thank you. By the way, I only had one fig tree and two peach trees when I discovered Ross. Considering I rent, I now have over 40 varieties and a few copies of everything a range of fruits and veggies not to mention having taken up bee keeping along the way and getting away with it😂. Keeping busy😊 greetings from Melbourne Aust.
Mission accomplished, hehe.
Excellent tribute! I can truly say I've been a fan from the very beginning. When I first started to research how to grow figs, I came across your channel and have been hooked every since! I have purchased several cuttings from you with tremendous success and learn from your videos every year. Please continue to put out excellent content. Love all you do.
Thank you!
Excellent video. Wonderful tribute to Grandpa. 🙂
The magic of two gifted sticks.
Well done, Ross. The video was educational and included some really good stories. Ricky did a great job too.
Thanks Chris!
I helped my dad plant 2 fig trees that was over 55 years ago .the trunks are over 2 feet wide.Love sitting under them in summer, remembering family times .I get the fig thing it gets in your bood.thank you fig boss.FORTZA FIG BOSS😊😊😊.from vancouver .B.c
Thank you for the info you put out on figs. My Great Grandfather turned me on to the figs in the 70’s
What a guy we love Ross
this was so well done I I thought I was going to preview it and watch it in the morning. But Ross the content and editing just captures you.
Thank you!
Awesome! Great Story, great message, great music and editing. GREAT WORK GUYS and KEEP GOING ROSS - You ARE the FIG BOSS of PA!
I am moved. You've captured the essence of why collecting is special to us and important to everyone else. Wonderful video, Ross! You did a great job and kudos to Ricky.
Well said Danny and thank you for all that you've done!
My Asian Pear tree had an awesome yield this year. I must have given away 10-15 pounds to each of my neighbors and family (about 40-50 people) and at least 50 pounds for my son. Figs were awesome this year as well. My mom never had fresh, ripe figs. She must have had about 70 figs from 3 pots, and loved it. Thanks for all the advise.
I am now involved in the fantastic world of figs with 20 varieties in containers in a cold region in Hungary / Europe mainly because of your videos. Considering I dont even have land makes me realise how exciting this plant is :)
Very cool!
Ross, your videos are inspiring! I just finishing watching your film, and as I watched, I saw my friend and former coworker Justin! It figured that you and he are fig bosses! Justin has helped me start my journey into Figland! Thanks for this!
Love it! Philly Grows!
Thank you for the opportunity! I love your determination and commitment to the growing fig trees! And other plants as well.
I’ve had lots to learn from your videos and looking forward to get more information. Thank you so very much!
Impactful video in so many aspects. So glad I found your channel. We have three fig trees and are looking forward to enjoying the fruit. Thanks again.
I have some 30+ fig trees because of you, grown up in the mountains of Asheville, a somewhat brutal 7a. Many of those varieties chosen from your hard work, and half of them now in-ground. Appreciate you, man
That is awesome!
That's awesome Ross!!!
Keep honoring your grandfather!
A few years ago I was looking for a fig tree for my garden. When I saw your videos I realised that there were not just green and black figs, actually there were a ton of them. And many are so tasty, visually appealing and different from others. The idea of examining different varieties attracted me most. Now I have over 30 fig trees, although most of them are small , and next season I will be rooting something like 70 varieties 😅. This became a nice obsession for me. It's like a meditation. It's like taking care of a precious treasure while walking around the figs in my garden. So thank you. I think loving fig trees will be a good heritage to my children...
Thank you! That was lovely.
This is by far my favorite episode ❤ I've always had a big tree in the yard. Now I have 12 and it's growing 💗
Awesome documentary. I have just started on my fig growing journey and have found a wealth of helpful information on your channel. Thank you
Thanks Ross and Ricky. I really enjoyed this video. I've learned so much watching your videos Ross. I'm in my 3rd year of growing figs and now have about 20 different varieties. Last spring when I was having a disease issue with many of my plants I reached out to 4 people who make fig growing advice videos and you were the only one who answered my email and looked at the pictures I sent. I followed your recommendations and within a few weeks my issue was resolved. That to me is proof that everything you say in this video is from your heart.
That means a lot. Thank you.
I have had a bunch of figs but this year my I258 ripened and the skin was thick like fruit leather and the inside was soooo good amazing next level.
This is lovely.
A beautiful movie! It was quite emotional, especially when you spoke with Vera's uncle. It was great seeing how you went and collected cuttings after speaking with various individuals. And also about how your own grandad influenced you and how now you are carrying his legacy and influencing others to grow figs, or to grow. Take care of yourself, Ross! 🤗💛🤗
That was lovely. Well Done Ross!!
Thank Ricky. He did most of the work!
So well done! 🔥 🔥 🔥 Thanks Ross. The fig boss!
Great vid. Congrats!
I just found you!
Figs! I adore them too.
I live near the foot of the Margate Bridge, at the beach in NJ. My old fig, a brown, was a cutting from an old man that was my neighbor in Longport. I have shared many cuttings of mine over the last 20 yrs.
I love what you do!
Can't wait to see more videos..thx!
Thanks for the wonderful 23 minutes ! 🙂👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it
I'm so happy I could watch this video! Ross and Ricky you did a fantastic job! I'll be looking forward to more!
I fell in love with fresh figs after tasting a few from my now future-MIL's tree last year, and stumbled across your site while researching how to propagate my own. I've been binge watching/reading ever since, and purchased two more based on some of your very thorough reviews. Thank you for sharing your figgy joy and knowledge!
Love this film. Congratulations on all of your fig accomplishments my dude. Familiar backstory for many of us and to see where it has taken you over the years is inspiring.
Living the dream. This is my third year growing many varieties of figs. 2nd full year. A large part of my excitement is from watching your videos. Your recommendations on which varieties are the best are hugely important and that includes persimmons. thanks from Atlanta.
Hi Ross, i just started growing fig trees this winter, i already have 5 varieties : Ronde de bordeaux, brown turkey, black madeira and 2 others that I cut from trees that I found here and there. Your videos give me a lot of information to succeed and feed my curiosity. I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas day, I can't wait to finally be able to taste my own figs.
So thank you very much. I love your videos, long live your channel. Love from my little village Kerbeurnes in France.
Thank you!
I became addicted to growing figs last January; started out with 73 fig cuttings most from Harvey at Figaholics. I love growing and eating figs.... they are such a wonderful naturally sweet fruit. I am planning on getting more cuttings this coming January. Thank you for the video; blessings to you and your family. Your grandfather ❤ was a wise man to teach you about figs.Thanks😊
Thank you!
@@RossRaddi Do you sell fig cuttings? Thanks
Yes. In about 3-4 weeks on my blog. See the link in the description!@@delmadehoyos1946
@@RossRaddi Thank you!!
Great Mini Doc!
Such a nicely done video and content!! I think I’m going to watch it again (and probably again x 5)
Boom! Great work 👍
Ross you are a really great teacher! Keep up the good work!
What a great video. Thank you
Excellent video - Thanks!
What else can I say that your friends and subscribers haven’t already said.
Came a long way. Been following you from the beginning. You deserve it.
More to come after movie?…book?
Larger property? Can’t wait. Good luck and thank you.
A book is definitely in the works. The blog is eventually getting turned into one.
So glad to find you tonight Ross. I'm from Philadelphia too, but I haven't lived there in 45 years. I've grown huge old fig trees at my farm in the Alpilles, and an espalliered Brown Turkey fig on my south facing Cotswold wall in the UK, those trees for many years. Moved to Florida recently and today I bought a Violette de Bordeaux to plant in my garden here, thought it might not be a suitable varietal for humidity and summer rain? My goodness, you are a treasure and an inspiration. Thank you for your videos my Philadelphia cousin.
Great video.
How am I only seeing this now. Ross, this is amazing!
I'm drinking fresh fig leaf tea, right now
Great videos. Ha, because of Ross’s videos I have 23 fig trees on my property in San Diego.
Just bought my first 3 figs cause of your videos!
Greetings from Germany
Ross, fascinating to have been a spectator during the past years since you were an enthusiastic newbie on the fig forums bursting with questions, great film, really captured the enthusiasm and sentiment that many of us feel not just about figs but about growing and eating homegrown food in general, that food can bring enrichment, joy, connection and meaning
Wow Ross, I teared up when I saw your grandfather! He looks just like my grandfather who died at 93 a couple years ago.
It was an emotional one for the whole family. Sorry to hear that Chris.
Thanks again Ross! You've provided a unbelievable library of content!
My pleasure!
Love this! Thanks.
A very good tribute to the fig boss. You were one of the main people whom I built my collection from. I now have over 50 of the best. Thank you Ross.
Wow, thanks!
Time to visit Italy in case you haven’t done that yet. You will love it!
I have heard that figs grow well in Central Florida and wanted to learn a bit more about them. Lo and behold, I found this video. What a goldmine-thank you!
I recommend you watch the interview Ross did with Danny of figBid, there is some Florida-specific info they go over in that video.
Wow what an incredible documentary! Loved your story, your passion and the beautiful way this documentary was filmed
Thank you!
Great vid Ricky and Ross!! What can I say, you've heard it all. Thanks for all you do!!
Thank you!
Hi! I just found you and subscribed immediately. I love your teaching style, and it feels great to watch someone growing in my general climate zone!
Awesome! Thank you!
Now that the bar has been raised to this level on your content, we expect nothing less going forward. 🤪😅
Ha.
Ross my friend! Glad to see your success for your hard work and dedication. Iowafig
Thank you Chad! Good to hear from you. Let me know if you ever need anything man.
Great to learn more about your background - beautifully filmed. I hope that such a well produced video reaches more of the growing community and opens their eyes to the world of figs. Well done Ross & Ricky.
Agreed. Thank you!
Well done, I am just starting my collection and thanks to you I feel better prepared.
Let me know if you need any help along the way!
Nice movie. Well done!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have been watching you video's for years and you gave me the help i needed to try growing figs. I took some cuttings from a fig my father was given. We only know that it's Italian but I want to try and continue to preserve it in our family.
That's wonderful to hear, Denise!
Hey Ross, as a fig enthusiast this was great to watch. Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it
I've had exactly 5 fresh figs in my 80 years and they were amazing! You resonate with me as I have spent much of my life in horticulture and my hobby was growing all kinds of fruit in the Intermountain west, but I've never had much luck with figs. Now all I have is a condo deck but I'm thinking about one in a pot. I'm sticking around for more from you!
A big thank you from France for your magnificent contribution to the world of fig trees ! 👏
Continue Ross ! and we await your return concerning manual polinisation 😜
Well done, Ross !
Thanks Tarek!
I hate to use that overused word share, but this was the definition of it.
Wat a wonderful video
love it!
nice work
Hi Ross, I was given a small fig tree from an elderly neighbor. I've tries to research what variety it is, but I have never been sure. I am originally from MA now living in North Carolina. I've had the tree for about 4-5 years. I have since bought two more varieties and hope they do well. One is supposedly a variety from Sicily, where my family is from. I'm enjoying your videos.
You should continue with the fig cuttings you decided to investigate. I find that interesting and what figs they turn out to be
wow wow wow my brother!! I also have several fig trees because of you.What a great film and how fitting for it to happen to someone with such a great vision for how something like a fig can bring joy and growth.
Thank you! Well said.
7:58 you pan to my exact street in Philly! I've been inspired to grow some figs in my back garden, although not sure how to overwinter them as I have just patio and would need to grow them in pots.
Not gonna lie... I watched one of your videos a few months ago and went out and bought like 8 Fig Trees and planted them in my backyard! Keep up the great work. Great inpiration!
Ha, that's awesome.
Such an inspiration! Great story and well done :) Your vids are amazing and detailed, I am excited to start my fig journey :) And i moved to northern italy region, It's cool to realise that the figs families here are also across the world! buon appetito.
You're living in a very beautiful place! Enjoy.
Wow love it
well done
moved into a house with a bare backyard. wanted a good fruit to eat when i get older so stumbled to your channel. one year later now i have 20 trees.
Hahaha, mission accomplished.
Awesome video Ross and Ricky! I’ve watched ur channel but never know about your project to preserve different varieties of fig trees. That’s so cool are you planning to release some of these varieties and make them available for purchase? Thanks
Absolutely. When I can prove they are unique and worthy!
very good
Hi Ross, thank you for the program. I am into two Panache figs I just bought , about 3 inches tall. Inside the greenhouse and will document how they grow over next 12 months. Three brown turkey plantlets have grown into 5 ft tall plants and have sprouted about 6 additional plants from within the main stem area. Will look to pot them out once spring rolls around. Chicago hardy planted in ground took off and within 3 months was giving large amounts of figs, small, so will look forward to next year. Have fun figging and kind regards,
Kobus de Wet
Let me know if you have any questions along the way.
-Ross
Thank you Ross. My wife says regards to that handsome man. 😍
Freaking awesome show. Oh and I’m up to thirty trees now. They are so easy to multiply 😮😅
Loved this! I planted a fig tree for my Dad, (he is the same generation as your Grandad) The season before he passed away, was my first real harvest, I think he ate every one! My sister lives near Fairmount Park, will you be teaching there again in the spring? Would love to attend!
I'm not sure! Subscribe to my blog's newsletter to make sure you're notified!
ok! Done! Thanks so much! You are a great teacher! You take all the fear out of pruning!
Since I started to watch your videos, just 2 weeks ago, my fig collections have grown from 3 to 10 trees. I went through the wealth of materials on your website and wanted many distinct kinds of fig trees. I hope these small trees will thrive in my wet windy rooftop garden in NYC!
I'm sure they will. I bet it's a sauna up there in the summer.
I am now a proud owner of Olympia, Chicago, Celeste, Ronde de Bordeaux, Marseilles Black VS, Verdolino, Black Donov, Black Celeste, Smith and Salem Dark Syrian. Please come visit next summer! We are neighbors.
Thanks for being you, Ross. You have inspired me for many years. I live in the DC area, and I cover my in-ground figs every year. I can't get up on a ladder this year so I am going to risk it and not cover them. I might be able to cover the bottom half. Do you think this might help at all?
Probably not. If there are any gaps in the cover, it won't do much. A good wrapping will trap the heat from the earth and insulate that.
Ross, this is a very enjoyable video. You've done a lot to bring attention to growing figs. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks, will do!
I remember once going to a u-pick orchard for peaches. I picked them absolutely ripe, and took them home. They were bruising on the way, and I put them up immediately. 🤤😋
Ross great video my friend. Always loved your videos and I love fig trees as well.
I am looking to plant some of my trees in the ground now my thoughts are what side of my house should I plant them on? The front of my house faces NE. Any recommendations on what side I should put them on. I have four sides I can use. Let me know. Thanks brother.
Plant on all sides!!! Hahaha, figs and poms need the warmest and driest spots. Typically that's South and West.
lol. All sides is not a bad idea. 👍🏼. I like the south and west side as you said. Any issues with fig trees with the wind?
Hey Ross - Thanks for all of the content! I am looking to purchase a couple fig trees to grow in containers in a greenhouse in DC. I was wondering if you had any advice on which of your varieties you think would work. Let me know. Thanks - Ezra
Ezra, I replied on Facebook. Thank you for posting here as well.
-Ross
I will always grow food too 👊
I wish u were my neighbor so u could show me everything u know about planting 😭
I’ve planted 15 Cuttings in tree pots using 70% coco coir and 30% perlite, and wrapped in bags. NOW, how will I know when they are rooted
Welp it's 3 months later so they all probably rooted or died by now XD In case anyone else is wondering, you can give a gentle twist to the stem, if it's rooted there will be resistance so don't force it. Later on when the roots get bigger you should see some at the bottom holes of the tree pot and shortly after rooting they will typically leaf out.
It's November. My figs are just beginning to change color from green. If I am lucky, I will get Turkey Day figs.