Hi All,

My name is Scott and I am new to the community. Living in Northeast Indiana is probably not the most ideal place to grow figs. What I would like to do is creat a cold hardy fig "library" that could either survive ground planting or will winterize well. If you have figs that you would like me to test please let me know. I would like to grow these trees and then give the strains back to the figs for fun community as tested cold hardy strains and then also send them off to Jon for preserving the collection. I have plenty of land to test these and can post images and techniques to this forum. Our weather here in the winter is below freezing and snow. I have made contact with one community member already that will be sending me a first batch of cuttings this fall. Thanks in advance and please feel free to message any questions.

Scott
Zone5b/6

Hi Scott...welcome to the Forum...If you are interested in Ischia Green cuttings for your test project you can PM me in the Fall...good luck with your "fig library".

Hi Scott,
Looks like we're in similar climates.  I have the same interests as you and am looking forward to hearing how things go for you in Indiana.  I'm in zone 5 Maine and am several years away from letting my figs feel winter.  I'll be anxious to trade notes with you.  Last winter for us was the warmest I remember...-4F, -11F the winter before, we haven't hit -20F in the 17 years I've been here, but in the early 60's it hit -34F one very cold year.  Hope that doesn't happen again, especially during fig trials!
Greg in Maine

Hi Vince and Greg. Thank you for welcoming me in!

Vince I will definitely hit you up this fall. I appreciate your contributions!

Greg please feel free to add any notes and experience with varieties that you have to this string!

This looks like the perfect forum to develop a knowledge base for all the cold climate people! (Warm climates welcome as well!) last year was a warmer winter and I don't believe we dipped below zero. This summer has also been mild with temps staying around a steady 80 degrees or so.

I didn't know what to expect with this first thread but this looks like a highly active community!

Best
-Scott

Hi Scott, Welcome to the forum.

I think the most cold hardy varieties are Florea and LaRadek's Brown Turkey. This will be my first winter trying Florea but still need to get LaRadek's BT which seems hard to get.

I wish you success in your trials.

Welcome to the forum, I'm in zone 6b illinois (st.louis area) I have been doing some cold hardy test as well. Hit me back come winter I should have some hardy chicago cuttings to spare.

Thanks Tony! I like your recommendations for some cold hardy varieties. I will try searching these out and once they start producing cuttings I will share them off of this thread with others in the colder climates.

Hi Garden_Whisperer! I will for sure hit you up this winter. Please keep us informed on your tests as well! =)

Hello Scott,
Welcome to the forum community.
There are several members that have been trialing cultivars for cold hardiness. If you use the search function, you can view topics started by members Herman2 and robertharper, for cultivars that have been successful in their trials.
Good Luck.

Thanks Pete! I will reach out to them to see what varieties are working the best and how low of temps they are surviving. Hopefully I can get a few cuttings to try in my climate.

you might try Bass at Trees of Joy,  he has a number of cold hardy trees for sale.

Welcome!  We have members in Chicago and Canada and an occasional visit from a Scandinavian fig person who may be able to steer you in the best direction.  Search on shuffle if you're not familiar with it for how most people handle the cold.  Hope you get to enjoy lots of figs soon.

Nice to meet you, Greg and Bob. I have seen some Canadian folks on the forum that I will have questions for. I have attached a pic of where I hope to start this cold hardy fig collection. So far a lot of people seem willing to help me out!

Scott,

    There is someone on the forum from Toledo. He might be within shouting distance, or at least share your weather patterns.

Hi Dale,

I think there were a handful of people in Indiana and a handful in Ohio. You are correct a lot of the weather patterns might be similar.

Marseilles black VS is reported to be a great cold hardy fig. I will have cuttings in the fall or maybe even an extra plant

Welcome, Scott.  I'm sure you will get plenty of info on cold hardy varieties here.

Hi Jules,

Nice to meet you! So far tons of info and as you can imagine I am anxiously awaiting fall and winter to get some cuttings started! I see you have sals listed. Do you happen to know if that is a cold hardy variety. My brother is going to vet school down at TAMU. It looks like the have a fig research program there that I am looking into.

Welcome.

Hi Bill,

I missed seeing your post. Glad to hear from you! This Marseilles black VS is one that I don't currently have a source for but is on my list. I will PM you this fall to make arrangements!

Hello Michael,

Looks like we share similar interests. The ice crystal just sounds cold!

over the years I have tryed many different varieties in zone 6a but none has proven hardy in my zone without protection,have a young Florea that will go in the ground in two years,hope this is the one.Ciao,
Giuseppe

Giuseppe,

I like your name as it is the same as my great grandfathers! I have heard from another member that Florea sounds like a good candidate. I believe they will be trying theirs this year. Please PM me if you will have cuttings available so that I can also test them here.