View Full Version : Anyone grow pistachios?
Or know anything about them? I was hesitant to order trees (pricey) because I've read they really prefer a less humid climate. A few days ago I found someone listing seedlings from local trees; tonight I found another person with a bit better price on larger specimens.
I know you need a male but have no clue how to sex a seedling nor do I know if they breed true. Will they ever make nuts? Does anyone know?
Well, phooey. Since the plants are only $10 each (the other person has rooted coconuts for $5 a piece) I guess I'll make arrangements to check out the plants, ask about future seeds, view the parents (there must be a boy and girl tree or there'd be no nuts/seeds) and inquire about obtaining scions to guarantee I end up with a pair. Shoot, now I have to figure out grafting. Great! This old dog has avoided that until now...
That was beyond weird but kinda FL normal as I've found.
I called about the seedlings. I think a man answered the phone--I think. I asked about whether he/she had male and female plants since nuts require both.
Silence.
"I didn't know that; I just collected seeds. Everything I grow is from seeds. I have mangoes and avocados and lots of plants from seeds."
Um, okay.
"Yes, I love saving seeds; I'm a tomato seed saving freak though I'm having some issues acclimating to FL seasons; it was different in MD and OH."
Silence.
(Yes, this is not going well but my chubby cheek hitting some mystery key on my phone might have helped things because suddenly I was in airplane mode and then disconnected. I called back.)
"I'm so sorry. I was the person asking about pistachio seedlings and I did something on my phone so we were disconnected."
"I thought it was me."
"No. So do you own the parent trees?"
"No, the person who does is kinda a recluse and I can't give out his information. I was just growing these to see if someone wanted them; you suggested grafting and I could watch a bunch of youtube videos and learn how but I"m too busy."
"I understand privacy; I'm kind of a recluse also and dread the idea of learning grafting. You have my number; my name is Kat. If you speak with the owner, I'd love for you to pass on my info."
"Bye."
Why do people sell stuff they know nothing about? Why do people buy such nonsense? I've been struggling to shed myself of this wandering Jew in my yard, Obviously I need to think smarter and figure out how to charge big bucks on Northern Craigslists for this junk. How much per pound including shipping? Do I pot it up pretty and fancy or just sent roots? One man's trash...
Yeah... I'd find someone else...
Yeah... I'd find someone else...Well, duh...or figure out how to find the guy with the producing trees and forget the idiot middlemen.
Can I interest you in some wandering Jew? Very pretty. I can make you a deal on a huge boxful. Really. Easily killed as a houseplant in the north; as a landscape specimen in FL not so much.
Well thanks for the offer but I live in Canada... I'd need phyto and import permits. Not worth the costs and effort. I've got a whole lot of dandelions if you want.
Well thanks for the offer but I live in Canada... I'd need phyto and import permits. Not worth the costs and effort. I've got a whole lot of dandelions if you want.Oddly we have none here and I kinda miss them. Have you tried sauteing the buds in butter? Delicious. I grew up in dandelion country and scoffed at all that wine and "salad greens" nonsense (a former friend dared me to taste leaves--yes, former friend) but in my last year or so where it snows I plucked spring buds and tried cooking them when tender. WOW! Pick them young and treat them right then dine like a king! Or a queen.
I'll pass on dandies and remember...
The wine is good. But I don't drink alcohol anymore. My daughter loves their flowers though...
bananimal
07-23-2015, 08:19 AM
I bought a Sabara Jaboticaba in Stuart a few years ago. When I asked about other Jabbo types like Red, Grimal, Paulista, Vexator I got silence and a dumb look. He said there is only one type. :ha:
Sellers are great at selling. Minimal knowledge about the product is the norm in many cases.
Always research what you want first and ask a few questions before you throw down the bucks.
And I highly recommend the false Jaboticaba called Vexator or Blue Grape. Stays smallish and has wonderful tasting fruit.
Jaboticabas (http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/jaboticabas.html#Varieties)
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