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Zone 6 unprotected figs. When?

I'm I'm north Jersey(07930). Anyone who was successful with unprotected figs in ground in zone 6?


How old we're they?  Tips or tricks?  Names of the figs?
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Are you looking for figs for zone 6a, or 6b?


Zone 6 b; Violetta Bayernfeige, Hardy Hartford, Hardy Chicago, Sal's EL, Danny's Delight, Brooklyn White, Bornham's Diamond just to name a few of the better known ones.

6a Marseilles Black VS, LaRadek's English Brown Turkey, Hanc Mathies's English Brown Turkey, Sal's EL.

All of the above will need winter protection for the first three to seven years. Until they become mature. There are some F4F form members living in New Jersey and growing figs outside without serious winter protection.

We found that winter hardiness was only one thing one needs to understand, to grow figs in a zone 6. You will also need varieties that can handle early and late frost. Ripen early enough to beat the first frost. Resist rain and cool summers.

We found that no variety had all the attributes we wanted. But, if I had to make the choice of keeping only three, they would be Marseilles Black VS, most reliable. Sal's EL one of the sweetest. Hardy Hartford, the best taste.

Tips and tricks?: Start off with only varieties proven to be cold hardy. Read all the post on F4F. While your in the process of reading and learning, obtain a Marseilles Black VS, and plant it in a protected spot. It is the one we recommend the most for the beginner. Bend it to the ground, and cover with soil and protect from moisture for the first three years. Then when you leave it out side unprotected, at least mulch the root zone.

Hope that helps.

Bob - zone 5 Connecticut

 
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  • PHD

Robert,
 Have you ever had the opportunity to test the Nordland Berfeige or Blue Celeste? I have read in other posts on the forum that they are very cold hardy.

 Thanks,
  Peter
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From what research we were able to come up with, Nordland Befeige appears to be only cold hardy to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Way to tender for our location. Blue Celeste might be about  the same in cold hardiness. Herman2 would be the best source for information on Blue Celeste.


In our location. we need figs that are at least cold hardy to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, ripen it's fruit early. The only fig we have been able to come up with, that meets those requirements is Marseilles Black VS.. The mother tree has survived minus 18-19 degrees in Columbia Maryland.

Hardy Hartford actually ripens it's fruit around three days before Marseilles Black VS. But, is only cold hardy to around a 6b. It has been growing in Hartford, CT. for at least 30 years, in a protected spot. But, without any winter protection.

The only other two that we have been able to identify, that might also be as hardy as Marseilles Black VS, is Hanc's English Brown Turkey (might in fact be a cold hardy variant of Southern Brown Turkey) and LaRadek's English Brown Turkey.(It's breba crop is reported to be able to survive the winters of the Czech Republic without winter protection)We just received Hanc's  English Brown Turkey, and LaRadek's English Brown turkey this year. So it will be sometime before we can draw in conclusions, if they will be as Cold hardy as Marseilles Black VS.

So far Marseilles Black VS, might just end up being the gold standard for cold hardy figs. Mother tree has endured minus 18 -19 degrees Fahrenheit, Bears heavy crops early, disease resistant, cuttings root easily, handles cold wet summers, and taste good if left long enough on tree.

Also, Bass at trees of Joy has several varieties that are cold hardy. 

Hope that helps.

Bob-Zone 5 Connecticut
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  • PHD

Robert,
  Thanks for the feedback and information you have provided. I have read many of Hermans post's in regards to cold hardiness. I live in the north west section of New Jersey which I believe is closer to your winter conditions than Hermans (2010 around -8 below). Based on your information only MVS sounds safe to plant outside without winter protection in my area.

 Thanks again
  Peter
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I'm still fingers crossed for my hardy chicago
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