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Really cold hardy figs.

I was wondering what the lowest temperature your figs survived in ground without protection (which varieties). Mainly in zone 5,6,7. I cultivate the second year, so I have no comparison, mine were cut to the ground in autumn by me to form a bush.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maris
I was wondering what the lowest temperature your figs survived in ground without protection (which varieties). Mainly in zone 5,6,7. I cultivate the second year, so I have no comparison, mine were cut to the ground in autumn by me to form a bush.


Maris, I don't believe any fig can grow in ground in zones 5 or 6 without winter protection and produce sizeable crop of ripe figs.
 
This may have happened once or twice during the couple of super mild winters last 10 years.  The winter damage in the figs accumulates and even if they manage to shoot out suckers in the summer.  They will end up dying completely after 4 or 5 few years.
 

Hi Maris,
In Zone7 with a bit of (inefficient) protection I lost some ten trees in Februrary 2012 ... If you hit -25°C most of the trees are toast if left with no protection.
But read my thread on "winter protection", and you'll have a cheap and easy yet efficient (so far) way to protect the trees for the winter in Zone7 at least.
My technique should work in Zone6 . For more insulation you could use 200 liters barrels instead of 80 liters trashcans - for example.

In theory Florea, LaRadek's BT, RdB, and MvsB should survive in zone 5 once mature with minimal protection. There are some northern growers trialing this sort of thing.

I know that in these zones figs probably will not survive. What I mean is that sometimes winters are warmer. I'll probably also protect figs. But better protect resistant variety. ;) 

 

All figs (Ficus carica) are more-or-less hardy to a minimum USDA zone 8.
Some varieties have been claimed to do a little better - not my experience - I lost Florea twice, and I do not want back.

Move south my son, go south...

Most figs may do pretty well here up north, but then boom-boom a brutal cold winter (e.g., 2014) comes along ...

No, on the south I have a mountains and USDA zone 5 :D Unless another state. But now I want to live in Poland. ;) 

PS I know that in my zone figs need protection, I'm just wondering what are your records in their cultivation. ;)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maris

No, on the south I have a mountains and USDA zone 5 :D Unless another state. But now I want to live in Poland. ;) 

PS I know that in my zone figs need protection, I'm just wondering what are your records in their cultivation. ;)



Search for posts by herman2, he is in zone 6 but you'll get ideas for what will do well.

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