A Collector’s Mindset: Figs, Family, and 250-Plus Varieties with Bobby Ghaheri

Written By Steven Biggs

Pacific Northwest Figs

Fig collecting starts innocently enough. A tree for the yard. A cutting from a friend. Maybe a variety with a good story. Then, suddenly, there are shelves in the garage and rows of pots on drip irrigation.

In this episode, I’m joined by fig enthusiast Bobby Ghaheri of Oregon City, Oregon, known online as Figologist. Bobby grows a large collection of fig varieties in the Pacific Northwest, where ripening time, breba crops, microclimate, and sunlight all matter.

We talk about how a visit from Bobby’s fig-loving father helped start the collection, the Iranian family figs that became part of his story, and how the fig community pulled him deeper into the world of cuttings, trades, propagation, and variety trials.

Bobby also shares practical lessons for newer fig growers: why not every fig belongs in the ground, why breba crops deserve more respect, how he manages potted figs with drip irrigation, and why it pays to think two years ahead before turning your garage into a fig nursery.

In this episode:

  • How Bobby went from a few family figs to 250-plus varieties

  • Growing figs in the Pacific Northwest

  • Why breba figs can be valuable in cool climates

  • Choosing varieties that ripen in your conditions

  • Potted figs, drip irrigation, and practical setup details

  • Propagating figs in 4x9 pots

  • Managing fungus gnats and other indoor propagation pests

  • FigBid, FigFanatic, and the collector’s chase

  • Why the fig community matters

  • Bobby’s advice for new fig growers

Connect with Bobby:

Steven Biggs

Recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the "green gang" of Canadians making a difference in horticulture, Steven Biggs is a horticulturist, former college instructor, and award-winning broadcaster and author. His passion is helping home gardeners grow food in creative and attractive ways.


He’s the author of eight gardening books, including the Canadian bestseller No Guff Vegetable Gardening. His articles have appeared in Canada’s Local Gardener, Mother Earth News, Fine Gardening, Garden Making, Country Guide, Edible Toronto, and other magazines.


Along with over 30 years working in the horticultural sector and a horticultural-science major at the University of Guelph, Steven’s experience includes hands-on projects in his own garden including wicking beds, driveway strawbale gardens, and a rooftop tomato plantation—to the ongoing amusement of neighbours.


When not in the garden, you might catch him recording his award-winning Food Garden Life podcast or canoeing in Algonquin Park.

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Growing Figs Indoors: Lights, Heat, and Container Care