I'm a new member, and new to figs.  I have so enjoyed reading the posts here, and the fig fever is definitely contagious!

I've got 3 fairly picky kids who I think would prefer figs with a berry taste.  I live in zone 5b, so I need varieties that would ripen early enough.  I will be growing in pots, except that I'd like to plant one extremely hardy fig in ground and give it winter protection.  Maybe a Gino's or Marseilles VS?  Either one of those have a berry-like flavor?

I would really appreciate any ideas of berry-tasting figs that would work for my situation!

Thanks,
MK

VdB or negronne for sure
Verte
Hardy Chicago (in my opinion)


those are all reliable and I would say VbB is as close as you will get to a berry taste as you will need.

Mk You should maybe try "Maryland Berry" Im trying to root a cutting right now from encanto however it is taking the longest of all my varieties. Ive never tried it but it is supposed to have a berry taste and is cold hardy. Look it up in  the search and youll find more info on it. Good luck
Chris

Hi MK and welcome to the Forum.  Some of our children are crazy about figs, some aren't.

But even our children that aren't crazy about figs love the Hardy Chicago.

Probably one of the better choices for an in-ground fig also.  I would definately plan on giving it some top-side winter protection in-ground in Zone 5b though.

A Hardy Chicago NEVER goes to waste around here.

Figs are super healthy, so I hope your children will enjoy them too.

Best wishes.

John
North Georgia Piedmont
Zone 7b

Black Mission, Maryland Berry, Vista would be 3 good choices. Celeste isn't a berry flavor, but very sweet.

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

Nas - I had been contemplating a Negronne and a Verte.  Glad to hear they have a berry-like taste.  There's not a lot of flavor info on the internet, probably because it's somewhat subjective.

Chris and Jon - that Maryland Berry sounds really interesting.  I'll have to be on the lookout for cuttings.  (Not that I've tried to root cuttings yet!)  Black Mission sounds great but would it be too vigorous for a container?

John - thanks for posting about what your kids like.  Very helpful.  Seems like Hardy Chicago would be great for my inground spot.

Hope you all have a great day -

MK

What kind of Berry? mulberry, strawberry, raspberry, or Blackberries?

Jon, whats the difference between Maryland Berry and Marseilles Black VS???

Bass - if I found a fig that tasted like any of those berries, I'd be set!  (I have them all in my yard now and my kids love them.)   Do any of the figs you mentioned ripen early enough for zone 5b?  (I know HC and Negronne do).

Does everyone consider Ischia Green and Verte to be the same fig?  I see those used interchangeably but have read elsewhere that Verte has a stronger berry flavor than Ischia Green.

Thanks again!

MK