I am new to figs and have recently gotten the fig bug. I have been blessed with overwhelming PM's with trade lists and offers for some trades. The problem lies with not being able to find a resource or resources of most of the varieties on these lists. The best list that I have found is Almost Eden they have the most informative but they have a small database. Are there any good databases for figs with info on them not just a pic?

So where does everyone find info on figs that they want to grow?

I have no figs to trade but pepper and tomato seeds, I have a very large list of seeds if anyone is interested. Thanks.

Dale

I will make a list of the ones I can't find anything on and post later thanks.

When I first was getting started, I mainly used the Encanto database and various threads here on F4F and Gardenweb. Now there's also Ourfigs.com which seems to be somewhat monitored by the users. I based most of my searches on a particular variety's resistance to my area's typical inclement weather. I mean... duh, but that's really it.

Websites for extension offices  or university websites (e.g. for me, it's UF and Purdue) offer good advice and suggest some varieties. 

I have to say that I've read a bit of misinformation on a few nursery websites. For example, some have stated that certain varieties require at least 100 chill hours when they don't; they perform just fine with 0-50 chill hours. Others sell supposedly new varieties about which I couldn't find any info anywhere else online. Just something to think about while researching. 

Avoid TyTy and its billion other websites that operate under different company names.

Also, there are many cases where a single variety has multiple names so be careful before you sign yourself up for a Stella, a Dalmatie, and a Belleclare's Vasilika Sika. Don't be swept up by exotic sounding names - Dotatto is just the Italian name for Kadota (Kadota is a great fig but you really only need one.) Same with Vista, Violette de Bordeaux, Negronne, etc. The list goes on and on.

However, I think the Vista/VdB one is a case of a variety having different strains, if I'm not mistaken. Still, some of the more experienced people on these forums maintain that the particular strain of a variety is far less important than the climate and growing practices. 

Good luck!

Dale, yes, you will find some great info AND great people here. I read that you have "the fig bug" now (smiling)...welcome to the forum. There are a few people here who are selling some starter cuttings. Sorry i dont have the link handy but only a couple of days ago it was listed here so do look.

Hi thepodpiper,
Welcome to the forum.
There is a search function in the forum, that you didn't use ... How I know ?
Because you would have seen that the first question we'll have was: "in which usda Zone are you in ?" ... LOL ...
Next one: "Planned to grow, in pots or in ground ?"
If you read or hear about a particular variety, you can search it here on the forum.
If you don't find enough information, just post a new topic with your questions.
If you need cold hardy varieties, just search for "cold hardy" .
Some people will offer to give you unknown strains. So you won't find any information.  Just ask them for pics and information. Those strains can be good ones too. They are just not well spread... Because until recently, fig tree would only be grown in Zone 9 and above. It is only recently that more people in Zone7 give them a chance.
And with good cares, they do succeed in Zone7 in ground.
I myself did look at the Baud nursery website for cold hardy varieties. That was the start.
Good luck to you !

When one finds his way around a little better there really is a lot of info.