I moved from zone 7b in Atlanta to zone 6a in Salt Lake, and I want figs. I have been reading and looking everywhere and find a lot of conflicting information about what is hardy where. I really want Black Mission, which I know is only hardy to zone 7, but one of the county extension people from Utah State told me some people do grow figs in ground here. He said to put it on the South side of my house, which also happens to be the most protected from the wind. It will be on the Southeast side next to my garage, which has brown stucco, so that should provide some residual heat as well as maximum sun and wind protection. I have also read about insulating the tree for winter. I've even read about burying them in the winter. I also want to plant a Violette de Bordeaux, which according to some websites is hardy to zone 6 (according to Dave Wilson Nursery) and others say zone 7b. Lots of websites say it's one of the most cold hardy but don't list a zone. I found a local nursery here that sells VdB, but doesn't really know much about what happens once they leave the nursery.
Anyone here from Salt Lake who can give me words of encouragement and advice? Or from a zone 6 area? I know Brown Turkey and Hardy Chicago are supposed to be better choices, but I've also read that they aren't very tasty. I've never tasted either, but I haven't read much positive about the flavor. If I'm going to bother with this, I want deliciousness.