I am a newbie to fig growing but have been successful enough to have plenty of rooted cuttings to share with my friends in the area where I live but not with many of my more northerly friends (I am from Maine originally). I have a friend who loves figs and lives up in the mountains on the California/Nevada border area who would love to be able to grow figs in ground. Are there any varieties that would survive in such an environment? -10 is about the worst they see but they have quite a bit of wind most of the year. If there are such critters, I figured someone in the Forum would know.  Thanks.

maybe Nero 600M? it's supposed to be fine up at the elevation of 600m.

Zone 5/4 is too cold. Lowest I'd try is zone 6a. Which I am in right now, even in my zone I would have to harden it off. I can't put a 1 year old sapling and have it brave -5 degrees. Look up cold hardy fig varitys, it should give you and idea. My best bets would be Bethlaham Black, Marsellies Black VS, and Hardy Hartford

I'm in zone 5 and I grow all of my fig varieties in pots. I bring them in during the winter and keep them chilled at 40 degrees in my barn. I have some friends with in-ground trees but they dig a trench next to the tree and bury the entire tree with mulch and dirt in the fall after dormancy. It's a lot of work and not a guarantee that they will survive the harsh winter.

Marianna, I live in Maine and want to know the same!  I have 4 potted figs that I bring in and out each year, but would really love to have larger plants in the ground.

This year I'm trying a Florea.  I'm really hoping to find someone who can send/sell me cutting or rooted plants of LaRadek's English Brown Turkey, Hanc's English Brown Turkey, and Nero 600M.  I'll protect them all for the first 5 winters and site them in a protected microclimate (protection from winter winds).   If anyone can help me with those 3 cultivars please send me an e-mail...you'll be my hero!!!

Does anyone know of a male fig that is as hardy as these females?  I'd love to try doing some crosses.

Hardy chicago can freeze and be top killed and come back to produce fruit the very next season. I have been looking at norland as well it is claimed to handle -10 possibly more.

Your best Bet is Florea for extreme cold climates:
If Florea does not resist your Winter no other will do in ground.
I studied Florea and know it is got a secret:The wood is Woody,no white soft staff in the center,and that makes it to be so cold hardy.

Herman,

      That's good to know.

As was mentioned, Nordland is a good choice as well.

Yes, Bob says Nordland is good and here is more discussion to back up his claim. http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Nordland-Fig-6034574?highlight=nordland

thank you all for your replies. Will be in search of Norland and Florea to see if they will survive for them.