Hi everyone!  

So I am fairly new to this.  My first fig tree is fruiting as we speak.  It's a petite negri.  So I posted on craigslist for an opportunity to buy or trade fig tree cuttings, and I got a response.  I am wondering what everyone's input is in terms of fig flavor and quality.  I am in zone 7.  The choices are Chicago, Celeste, and Conadria, which I don't think I'm as interested in.  I had a Celeste that I lost to last winter's heavy snows out here in VA, so I was wondering, between Celeste and Chicago, which would you choose?  I like a deep, syrup-like flavor to my figs.  The deeper pink the flesh, the better.  I like sweet figs for fresh eating, and I would use them for baking and jams once I get a big enough harvest.  My two fig trees are still quite young now.

Thanks!

By the way, is there anyone out here in VA with a Black Madeira, by chance?

Lsu gold is thick syrup fig hardy Chicago is a grate fig too. I vote hardy Chicago. Just ate some at fig field day. Very good

Cool, I haven't tried either of them, but the Chicago did look like that sweet, tasty fig that I was going for.  Anyone else have any votes or flavor descriptions?  Is either one better for in-ground in zone 7?  I don't want to keep a tree inside again unless it's something really special.  I will already have my calamondin orange and limequat trees inside plus my two pepper plants.  I have plenty of room left, but I can also get out of control fast ;).  

I second HC, it is a very under rated fig, fast grower, productive, and reliable.

 I'm fond of Battaglia Green, and JH Adriatic, and Vista, those might grow in ground in your zone with protection.  

Kristen, welcome to the forum.  You should try a fig called Strawberry.  It's a Louisiana heirloom fig.  My trees are ripening now and the flavor and taste is truly amazing!!!  I to 3 large trees.  They ooze honey from the eye when ripe!  Here are a few pictures of this next to another good one called Paradiso.
 Strawberry is the round one oozing from the eye.

 
 
 
 

 

I'm in zone 8a and this fig does well for me.  Again, the taste is out of this world!!!!

cheers!

Wow!  Thanks everyone for all of the suggestions!  I appreciate it!  Snaglpus, that looks like my kind of fig!  Thanks so much for the great suggestion and gorgeous photos!  I have never heard of that variety, but I will certainly seek it out.

Get the Celeste.  In November I will cut back my in ground Hardy Chicago and offer cuttings for about $8 in postage.

Yes, where can we find this lovely fig?  Looks great!  And thanks for the welcome, by the way :).

You can get Strawberry fig trees from my friend John Mc Millian of Almost Eden.   His nursery is located in Louisiana.   Here is his web site of the Strawberry fig:  https://www.almostedenplants.com/shopping/products/1008-Strawberry-Fig-Verdone-Fig-Green-Ischau-Fig/

If you want to see more figs, just search for figs and voila!  

Tell John Dennis Johnson from Charlotte sent you!

Thanks, Dennis. I was actually just browsing on there the other day. So many great fig trees to choose from!

Hi Kristin
I totally agree with Don on hardy Chicago. I feel it is one of the most under rated trees out there. Cold hardy and delicious. MBVS and Malta Black are other nice cold hardy varieties. I have all of these in zone 7a and they do nicely here. I also have Celeste and this is also a good choice.
Good luck and welcome to fig madness

Kristen, I agree with Coop and Don.  Hardy Chicago is hard to beat for hardiness---and the figs are very rich tasting.  I sent a friend of mine a tree about 3 years ago and he loves it!  He lives in Indiana and winterizes his tree with leaves and chicken wire.  He does get some die back every year though.