The Fig Boss of Philadelphia - a short documentary film

[@RossRaddi]

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 KZbin channel. He'll be publishing an additional 3 more videos on his channel just like this one! kzbin.info

[@rickyoliveras]

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.

[@yuppystick]

Epic work Ricky!

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

Nicely done Ricky.

[@beth8973]

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 ❣️

[@HotPotatoGardener-HPG-143]

❤

[@ohsillyme398]

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!

[@upupandaway5646]

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

[@jackhart1883]

Thank you for the info you put out on figs. My Great Grandfather turned me on to the figs in the 70’s

[@jakezgab8576]

The magic of two gifted sticks.

[@freestroke3156]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you!

[@Romans15.32]

Excellent video. Wonderful tribute to Grandpa. 🙂

[@CBDguitar]

Well done, Ross. The video was educational and included some really good stories. Ricky did a great job too.

[@RossRaddi]

Thanks Chris!

[@marceloricardi4362]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Mission accomplished, hehe.

[@tamasa9887]

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 :)

[@RossRaddi]

Very cool!

[@mehmetdmrtas]

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...

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you! That was lovely.

[@figBid]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Well said Danny and thank you for all that you've done!

[@rhiahc4388]

What a guy we love Ross

[@LukeRubano]

Love this! My father is from Italy and immigrated to Hoboken, NJ. My parents always had fig trees in their yard.

[@anitaitisanita8549]

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.

[@zinfiend]

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!

[@Crina-LudmilaCristeaAuthor]

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! 🤗💛🤗

[@irishfruitandberries9059]

How am I only seeing this now. Ross, this is amazing!

[@ZonaFigs]

Wow Ross, I teared up when I saw your grandfather! He looks just like my grandfather who died at 93 a couple years ago.

[@RossRaddi]

It was an emotional one for the whole family. Sorry to hear that Chris.

[@telasims233]

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 💗

[@GCaptG1]

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.

[@kybishop]

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

[@RossRaddi]

That is awesome!

[@endnami]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you!

[@blendeddreamsllc]

Love it! Philly Grows!

[@gardenofseeden]

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.

[@dchambers986]

Awesome! Great Story, great message, great music and editing. GREAT WORK GUYS and KEEP GOING ROSS - You ARE the FIG BOSS of PA!

[@heatherpees7156]

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!

[@sureshmenon252]

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.

[@TimLiptak]

Awesome documentary. I have just started on my fig growing journey and have found a wealth of helpful information on your channel. Thank you

[@NotAsTraceable]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

That means a lot. Thank you.

[@manumanu6569]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you!

[@cherylthrone8775]

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!

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

I recommend you watch the interview Ross did with Danny of figBid, there is some Florida-specific info they go over in that video.

[@delmadehoyos1946]

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😊

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you!

[@delmadehoyos1946]

@@RossRaddi Do you sell fig cuttings? Thanks

[@RossRaddi]

Yes. In about 3-4 weeks on my blog. See the link in the description!@@delmadehoyos1946

[@delmadehoyos1946]

@@RossRaddi Thank you!!

[@aaronk1129]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Wow, thanks!

[@jorgeespinoza3150]

That's awesome Ross!!! Keep honoring your grandfather!

[@spaveevo]

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.

[@itsarni]

Time to visit Italy in case you haven’t done that yet. You will love it!

[@vz2991]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Hahaha, mission accomplished.

[@epistimia]

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!

[@tarts9767]

Thanks for the wonderful 23 minutes ! 🙂👍👍👍

[@RossRaddi]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@neurocognitive]

That was lovely. Well Done Ross!!

[@RossRaddi]

Thank Ricky. He did most of the work!

[@jamie9964]

I'm so happy I could watch this video! Ross and Ricky you did a fantastic job! I'll be looking forward to more!

[@greekman9513]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

A book is definitely in the works. The blog is eventually getting turned into one.

[@burton8377]

Just bought my first 3 figs cause of your videos! Greetings from Germany

[@Philsfigs]

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.

[@petarbubalo231]

Very nice Ross👏👏👏

[@bettybobzimmerman7450]

Been following your channel for years as I learn and grow figs Well done

[@b.a.d.2086]

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!

[@Batchat2352]

You should continue with the fig cuttings you decided to investigate. I find that interesting and what figs they turn out to be

[@juldo7053]

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 😜

[@susandonb58]

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.

[@lifewithdre-bo1779]

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!

[@RossRaddi]

Ha, that's awesome.

[@CT-gr8jl]

Ross my friend! Glad to see your success for your hard work and dedication. Iowafig

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you Chad! Good to hear from you. Let me know if you ever need anything man.

[@naomicorrea4541]

Love the story of your grandfather, introducing you to these lovely trees to me. It was my friend and neighbor Angelo. He was 94 at the time and he was to still garden and he had a tree and used to talk to me about it. I’m not sure if he got it here in New Jersey or he bring it from Italy, but I would love to grow some at my sons house in New Hampshire, which is the best for zone for if any

[@RossRaddi]

These are all great in the northeast: www.figboss.com/post/my-best-fig-varieties-as-of-2022

[@jaecraig4861]

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!

[@RossRaddi]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Number1GR]

Great vid. Congrats!

[@butterflyj685]

Ross you are a really great teacher! Keep up the good work!

[@denisehooper9480]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

That's wonderful to hear, Denise!

[@miltonzambrana4838]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you! Well said.

[@stevendaniel8126]

WONDERFUL !!!! 💯😊😊

[@pinetreesnflowers]

Wow what an incredible documentary! Loved your story, your passion and the beautiful way this documentary was filmed

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you!

[@Ctrank100]

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.

[@cacmang42]

Boom! Great work 👍

[@tarekharb8978]

Well done, Ross !

[@RossRaddi]

Thanks Tarek!

[@jasonsaccuzzo2281]

Great videos. Ha, because of Ross’s videos I have 23 fig trees on my property in San Diego.

[@ABH8919.]

Hey Ross, as a fig enthusiast this was great to watch. Thanks for sharing

[@RossRaddi]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MDP673NJ1]

Very cool documentary👍I grew up in Italia a litte south of the Amalfi coast where many fruits and figs are in abundance. There's nothing like picking and eating a fig just picked off a tree. I started getting into fig growing this year. My old lady purchased a fig tree from Lowe's 2 years ago. I was against it cause in the past fruits trees from Lowe's never really worked out. 2 years later this spring i got involved with this fig tree showing it lots of love. I started researching down the rabbit hole and Thanks to your videos, Carlos Rivera and his friend Alex along with Millennial gardening have been very helpful. Especially yours and Carlos videos have been truly inspiring being that i live in North Jersey similar climate you guys produce great results year after year. I can see the passion, love and dedication that goes into it. The Lowes tree is growing good lots of foliage more than it ever has but not fruit, perhaps next year. In the mean time i purchased last month 8 varieties of fig trees in 3 gall pots all italian and from around the Campania region so i feel as if I'm in Italy. I know I'm going to get more... I can see how one can get addicted 😂. Keep up the good work and Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you, sir!

[@MrShowTime909]

Awesome short film! love ur content, Ross! Keep em coming!

[@kobusdewet5004]

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

[@RossRaddi]

Let me know if you have any questions along the way. -Ross

[@kobusdewet5004]

Thank you Ross. My wife says regards to that handsome man. 😍

[@AncientHippie]

Well done, I am just starting my collection and thanks to you I feel better prepared.

[@RossRaddi]

Let me know if you need any help along the way!

[@haslamhulme3677]

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

[@heystevo]

Ross, this is a very enjoyable video. You've done a lot to bring attention to growing figs. Keep up the good work!!

[@RossRaddi]

Thanks, will do!

[@peppe-urbanfoodgrowing8921]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

Agreed. Thank you!

[@slamrock17]

So well done! 🔥 🔥 🔥 Thanks Ross. The fig boss!

[@caseyjones3076]

Thanks again Ross! You've provided a unbelievable library of content!

[@RossRaddi]

My pleasure!

[@MonicaTorresphilly]

Ross this was a great video! I’m in Philly n grow all my figs in containers.. love ur videos

[@RossRaddi]

Thanks for watching!

[@staceymcclutchy6929]

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!

[@RossRaddi]

I'm not sure! Subscribe to my blog's newsletter to make sure you're notified!

[@staceymcclutchy6929]

ok! Done! Thanks so much! You are a great teacher! You take all the fear out of pruning!

[@reillyt868]

Great Mini Doc!

[@smshh33]

This is lovely.

[@naomicorrea4541]

This is really cool thank you for what you’re doing

[@matthewking2209]

Great video.

[@johntazbaz1121]

Such a nicely done video and content!! I think I’m going to watch it again (and probably again x 5)

[@MrGotoman]

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

[@RossRaddi]

Absolutely. When I can prove they are unique and worthy!

[@vaisnava]

I almost have 20 fig trees :) Thanks Ross!

[@alexyoudelis6172]

very good

[@mauriciodiaz1310]

Wat a wonderful video

[@JuliePascal]

Nice movie. Well done!

[@yuppystick]

Great vid Ricky and Ross!! What can I say, you've heard it all. Thanks for all you do!!

[@RossRaddi]

Thank you!

[@RobbertvanHaaften]

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.

[@RossRaddi]

You're living in a very beautiful place! Enjoy.

[@modee-b9s]

Excellent video - Thanks!

[@angelsuds]

Love this! Thanks.

[@RegularJohntv]

Freaking awesome show. Oh and I’m up to thirty trees now. They are so easy to multiply 😮😅

[@sos9297]

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!

[@RossRaddi]

I'm sure they will. I bet it's a sauna up there in the summer.

[@sos9297]

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.

[@AnCapKadse]

Wow love it

[@powellc2232]

well done

[@gardenofseeden]

Great video.

[@666Necropsy]

nice work

[@dkassir7488]

I'm drinking fresh fig leaf tea, right now

[@RideandShineBicycling]

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?

[@RossRaddi]

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.