Cold Hardy Fig List by Flavor

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Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1407793657

Reply with quote #1

Edit 8/14: Due to character limits, all further updates will be made on this GoogleDoc spreadsheet: Cold Hardy Fig List by Flavor. Please keep sending info if you have it!

I have created a listing of hardy, productive varieties for growing in ground in Zone 6 sorted by flavor groups used by ascpete with a brief description. I personally want to get a sampling of the different flavor families and thought it would be helpful to newbies such as myself and others to have a list of what varieties are close in flavor so as to avoid too many similar tastes in a small or starting collection. I can’t take any responsibility for the original research and postings: most was done by ascpete, herman2, mgginva, Bass, drivewayfarmer, robertcharper, and many others. I merely compiled it into one post. If you see mistakes, have suggestions for additions, or have missing pieces of info that I couldn’t find, please let me know either by PM or comments! I hope to update it periodically as I find more pieces of the puzzle.

For the purpose of this list, hardy means the plants should survive in ground (Zone 6) given they are healthy and well cared for. As always, they will benefit from protection the first few years of life at a minimum and/or being container grown for the first several years. Please see ascpete's post #12 for more info regarding dieback in cold weather and link to herman2's cold injury report from winter 2013-2014. These varieties should be able to ripen in zone 6. Some may be marginal in Zone 6 and I've tried to note them. There are certainly many unknown and little known varieties that aren’t covered for the sake of being relatively brief.

The flavor profiles are as listed by ascpete here: Fig Groups - Comments Welcomed

Sugar, Honey, Adriatic Berry, Bordeaux Berry, Dark Berry, and Exotic Berry

Ripening Time (if available) are denoted by A (early), B (mid), and C (late).
I have copied them with his permission, thanks! Also included is whether the fig is light or dark and some general comments.

edit 8/14: Due to character limits I removed the details of flavor descriptions; please go to ascpete's thread linked above for more details:
Sugar “Sugar sweet....”
Honey “Honey sweet.... "
Adriatic Berry “Sugar sweet...with berry flavor”
Bordeaux Berry “Sweet, with a berry taste which is rich...”
Dark Berry “Mildly sweet to very sweet,some degree of berry flavor....”
Exotic Berry

? Flavor Family Unknown (if you have information, please share! Flavor comments are those I’ve pulled from other posts or websites)

Variety	Light/Dark	Ripening	Flavor	Comments

Eastern Brown Turkey	Dark	B	Sugar	Probably the most commonly available variety, though plants are often not true to the name. Easy to grow and reliable though not very flavorful.
Brunswick/Magnolia	Dark	B	Sugar	Very large fig with sweet flavor. Easily sours.
Celeste / Creech	Dark	A	Sugar	Common older variety, especially in the South. Has problem's with fruit drop.
Hanc's English Brown Turkey	Dark	A	Sugar
LaRadek's English Brown Turkey	Dark	A	Sugar	Zone 5 hardy.
Improved Celeste	Dark	A	Sugar	Very hardy and early to ripen.
O'rourke	Dark	B	Sugar	Marginal in Zone 6.
Verte/Green Ischia	Light	B/C	Sugar	Hardy, dependable, and tasty, like strawberry jam. May be hardier than Hardy Chicago and Celeste.
Brooklyn White	Light		Sugar
Susser George / Sweet George	Dark	C	Sugar	Variant of English Brown Turkey. May not fully ripen but is quite hardy.
Sal's Corleone / Aldo	Dark	B	Sugar	Juicy but not overly sweet. Different variety than Sal's EL / GS.

Atreano	Light	B	Honey	Easy to grow with excellent flavor, large fruit, adaptable to rain. Must pick when fully ripe. May be marginal in zone 6.
Saint Anthony	Light		Honey	Likely the same as Lattarula.
LSU Gold	Light	B	Honey	Large and very sweet. Rain tolerant.
Lattarula/Italian Honey etc	Light	A	Honey	Hardy, heavy producer of sweet figs. Fairly common. Many synonyms exist and many varieties are called Lattarula.


Stella/Dalmatie	Light	C	Adriatic Berry	Good flavor.
Adriatic JH	Light	C	Adriatic Berry	May be marginal in Zone 6. Tolerates rain and humidity


Ronde de Bordeaux (RdB)	Dark	A	Bordeaux Berry	Very cold tolerant and early, fruit quality not always good when rainy and cool but when good it is among the best. Highly recommended.

Black Bethlehem	Dark	A	Dark Berry	Found in Zone 6 Bethlehem, PA. Early with very sweet figs.
Dark Portuguese	Dark	B	Dark Berry	Similar to Hardy Chicago, some say it has a slight acid component to the flavor others say it has a less figgy taste. Mt. Etna Type.
Gino's Black	Dark	B	Dark Berry	Can be near as good as Violette de Bordeaux (VdB) according to some, others say it is similar to Hardy Chicago but less prone to souring. Mt Etna type?
Hardy Chicago (Mongibello)	Dark	B	Dark Berry	Common, often considered underrated. Excellent beginner fig as it is available and very good quality. Mt Etna type.
Marseilles Black VS (MvsB or MBVS)	Dark	A	Dark berry	Very hardy, fast growing, and productive. Resists rain well. Resists FMV.
Takoma Violet	Dark		Dark Berry
Sal's GS/EL	Dark	B	Dark Berry	Similar to Hardy Chicago, may be somewhat hardier. Mt Etna type.
Bryant Dark	Dark		Dark Berry	Found in NYC, similar to Hardy Chicago but more tangy flavor. Seems to resist splitting well.

Figo Preto	Dark	B	Exotic Berry	May be marginal in Zone 6.

Hunt	Light		?, not exceptional, figgy fig flavor	Not exceptional but handles rain well. May not be hardy.
Capelas	Light		? very sweet	Large, fair quality fruit. Slow growing.
Lyndhurst White	Light		?	Original tree in Lyndhurst, NJ. Crops large, excellent flavored figs. Very hardy.
Gillete	Light		?
Salem Dark	Dark		? Very sweet flavor	Very sweet flavor. Vigorous, productive and cold hardy.
Nero 600M	Dark	B	?	Very cold tolerant, fruit quality excellent even with rain and humidity. Highly recommended. May be the same as Valle Negra and/or Valle Calda.
Danny's Delight	Dark		?, "mulberry juice mixed with Pomegranate juice"
Malta Black	Dark		sweet, jammy strawberry	Thick skin and small eye prevent splitting, good for humid areas.
Florea	Dark	A?	?, Sugar, Slight Berry	Zone 5 hardy. Early to ripen.
Keddie	Dark	A/B	?	Good cold tolerance, found in Pittsburgh, PA. Fruits mid-August through frost. Great flavor.
Northland/Nordland Bergfeige	Dark	A	? very sweet, pure honey	Excellent sweet flavor, resists splitting.
Galbun	Light		?	Sweet, light green fig. Seems to be hardy.
Excel	Light		?	Very sweet yellow fig, resists splitting. Seems to be hardy.
Sodus Black Sicilian	Dark		? like a peach
Niagara Black	Dark		?
Olympian	Dark		?	Found growing in Olympia, WA. New variety, reportedly hardy.
Zingarella / Gypsy	Dark	A?	? "superior taste"	Often dies to the ground. Unique gray color. Good rain resistance. May be better in a container.

Thanks for reading, hopefully this is useful to the community!

Otmani007

Registered:1404531079
Posts: 573

Posted 1407795452	Reply with quote #2

Wow, the list you've compiled is quite useful. Thanks for your efforts. Gonna save this one. __________________ Dallas, TX - Zone 8a Wish List: Col de Dame Blanche, Brogiotto Bianco, Sicilian White, Panache Otmani

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1407796426	Reply with quote #3

Great list ! Thanks ! So when you said the RdB is very cold tolerant what were the in ground conditions? Was the plant wrapped? If so what technique did you use. it it was in a pot what was you lowest temp seen in the enclosure?

KCMarie

Registered:1372945291
Posts: 92

Posted 1407796643	Reply with quote #4

Awesome job, thanks for putting this together in one place. Much appreciated! I am still waiting (patiently even) for cuttings of Florea, Sal's and maybe Stella. If anyone will have some available come winter or spring, please keep me in mind. __________________ Marie in Kansas City area Zone 5b or close to it

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1407796986	Reply with quote #5

Quote: Originally Posted by RichinNJ Great list ! Thanks ! So when you said the RdB is very cold tolerant what were the in ground conditions? Was the plant wrapped? If so what technique did you use. it it was in a pot what was you lowest temp seen in the enclosure? I haven't overwintered any of these yet, most of the comments reflect herman2's posts. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1407799637	Reply with quote #6

Very informative list, good going, it's a saver.

Hershell

Registered:1396922438
Posts: 650

Posted 1407803104	Reply with quote #7

Thanks Kelby, then down south that is helpful. __________________ Hershell Zone 8. Ray City, Ga.

Hoosierguy86

Registered:1375830122
Posts: 246

Posted 1407803903	Reply with quote #8

This is so helpful being in the same growing zone! I can't comment on anything listed yet but thank you for compiling all the info! Very well organized! __________________ Scott N. Indiana 5b/6a

scott_ga

Registered:1189222943
Posts: 302

Posted 1407808074	Reply with quote #9

Nice list. I don't believe Hunt is that cold hardy. It was the only fig to completely winter kill here (North GA) this winter with a low of 12F for a few hours (this tree had been transplanted earlier in the year, however). Hunt was originally bred in Eatonton in middle Georgia with a long stem to help shed the rain. It is normally a rampant grower, the figs are somewhat like a large Celeste in flavor. Not exceptional for me yet. __________________ Scott North Georgia Zone 7b

drphil69

Registered:1390113240
Posts: 803

Posted 1407810131	Reply with quote #10

You are AWESOME Kelby! Thank you so much, I really need this! __________________ Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1407811640	Reply with quote #11

Kelby, Thanks for starting this topic. <I used the Flavor Grouping, Ripening Times and Cold Hardy info posted on the Forum to select 6 gateway cultivars that were readily available as a newbie. They were also all available from one vendor at a very reasonable cost, they were; Southern Brown Turkey / O'Rourke (improved Celeste)... Dark, Sugar, Early Hardy Chicago ... Dark, Berry, Mid. Ischia Green / Conadria ... Light, Adriatic Berry, Late LSU Purple ... Dark, Sugar, Mid. Violette de Bordeaux ... Dark, Bordeaux, Mid White Marsielles / Latarulla ... Light, Honey, Early> I would like to point out that "Cold Hardy Figs" is a misnomer since figs are from a Mediterranean Climate Zone 9 - 10, they cannot survive in extended temperatures below 15* F. without some protection or planning. As witnessed this past winter most figs that were exposed to temperatures below 10* F. for extended periods were killed back to the soil line. The only thing that kept their roots alive and allowed for regrowth from the soil line is the constant temperature of the ground below the regional frost lines and or micro climates / winter protection. The trunk caliper size is an indication of the possible age of the tree and more an indication of how well the roots are established. This will help if the ambient temperatures are borderline cold. Once the ambient temperatures fall below 15* F and is maintained for an extended period the damage is predictably negative. The micro climates and micro climates created by winterization are what keep the dormant above ground branches alive in those cold temperatures. Hardy earlier producing cultivars are usually the "Cold Hardy Varieties". Herman2 has done trials of in-ground fig trees and has posted extensively, in a discussion from this spring http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=6935835 he reported on all the "Cold Hardy" Cultivars that died back to the soil line. <Edit>

rafaelissimmo

Registered:1335639347
Posts: 1,473

Posted 1407816885	Reply with quote #12

Thank you for this, a nice effort. I don't see a letter for Green Ischia indicating its ripening time for your zone. It is supposed to be a Late B I think. Or early C. __________________ Zone 7b, Queens, New York

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1407841841	Reply with quote #13

Great, thanks for all the responses everyone! Is there anything else people would like to see added? I had considered adding links to detailed posts or photos of the varieties if available, would that be useful? Scott: I added a comment about Hunt. I can't remember where I saw that one being hardy, perhaps it's not. Doesn't sound like a very good fig anyhow. Thanks for the heads up! ascpete: Very useful comment, I added to check out your post in the original post. rafaelissimmo: I added the ripening time for Green Ischia, thanks!

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1407844806	Reply with quote #14

Thanks Kelby for getting this started. I mentioned a chart/database/chart needed to be started and added to a short while back on taste and of coarse hardiness and it was shot down by a couple well known members. Thanks for getting it started and maybe we can get it in a format that can be accessed easily and other zones be added. The response was that there are too many factors for this type of chart. Keep up the good work and let's see how additions come forth.

WillsC

Registered:1348087628
Posts: 1,698

Posted 1407845888	Reply with quote #15

Kelby, Excellent work.

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1407846054	Reply with quote #16

Waynea, The information is available with a simple Forum search or Google search, as explained in the "Start Here" Topic posted on the 1st Page. There has been numerous documented discussions over the years, it has not been compiled, but is readily available. I shared my inventory spreadsheet and expanded it last year, as referenced in the OP (Opening Post), http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/show_single_post?pid=1279721657&postcount=53 but at that time there wasn't much interest < >. The Spreadsheet is posted and available for you to use, it can be downloaded and personalized / edited. Good Luck. <edit>

greysmith

Registered:1394039826
Posts: 254

Posted 1407847271	Reply with quote #17

Yes! This is very helpful to us newbe's. We have to understand that all sorts of disclaimers apply. But still, it's a great place to start a wish list for temperature challenged individuals. Please keep in mind that the more feedback we each give the better it will get. Contribute your two cents to help make it a million dollar chart. __________________ S central KY, zone 6b

ajv73

Registered:1403132563
Posts: 141

Posted 1407848689	Reply with quote #18

Very helpful stuff for a new person trying to grow a collection that will work in a similar climate. Thanks __________________ Tony V. - Western PA, Zone 6a

eboone

Registered:1378418906
Posts: 1,100

Posted 1407849150	Reply with quote #19

A couple of other figs that are supposed to be "cold hardy" include Brooklyn Light, Susser Georg, Valle Negra (may be same or similar to Nero 600m), Olympian(not much out there on flavor yet) and ascpete's BryantDark. Others will have to fill in the flavor details on those. Hopefully these and other varieties can eventually be added to the list. __________________ Ed Zone 6A - Southwest PA --------------------------- Short wish list: CDDG, LSU Red, Dark Greek (Navid), Col Littman's Black Cross. And any cold hardy early fig.

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1407855022	Reply with quote #20

Thanks Pete, very helpful.

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1407860634	Reply with quote #21

Apparently there is a character limit to posts which I hit, so I had to reformat it in order to squeeze some of the additional stuff in, hopefully this is still easy to use. Ed - I added Brooklyn Light, Susser Georg (I had omitted because herman2 said it is very late to ripen, may not work for all in Zone 6), added Valle Negra and Valle Calda under Nero600m comments as possible synonyms, Olympian, and Bryant Dark. Thanks for those!

Giuseppe

Registered:1248355184
Posts: 79

Posted 1407861347	Reply with quote #22

no cold hardy figs in my zone 6a,last Winter we had the coldest temperature in over 40 years ,all my figs where stored in a detached garage,had over 70 varieties,all where lost ,only Valle Negra ,Adriatic ,Celeste and H.Chicago are coming back from the roots.Ciao, Giuseppe

Posturedoc

Registered:1201308628
Posts: 159

Posted 1407869744	Reply with quote #23

Nice topic and good work. I have many of the varieties listed so far. I wonder at Hardy Chicago listed as a mid-season fig. Mine sits right next to my Celeste plants and annually ripens with them. In fact, my HC figs started swelling four or five days before my first Celeste fig began swelling (both trees are about 8 years old) and has around 10 figs ripening vs that one Celeste fig. I've got four other Celeste trees (unintentionally collected as unknowns in trades) that have yet to swell a fruit. My MBVS is in its 5th leaf and doesn't have any fruit out of the stagnant stage yet, though it is in a less sunny part of the yard. In the past it has been next to HC and has always stated ripening figs later in the season. Perhaps it's an age thing. Anybody else with these figs that see their HC start before or with these other two figs listed as early ripeners? __________________ Neil Reno, NV Zone 6b

Rewton

Registered:1291943117
Posts: 1,946

Posted 1407871399	Reply with quote #24

Great work! You might consider adding Sal's Corleone and Zingarella both of which would be considered among the more cold hardy figs. Also "Fico Preto" should be corrected to "Figo Preto". My understanding is that Black Madeira and Figo Preto would be considered less cold hardy than the average fig so I'm not sure if you should keep it on the list. I would like to be proven wrong though. __________________ Steve MD zone 7a

mgginva

Registered:1320266925
Posts: 1,856

Posted 1407873538	Reply with quote #25

Attaboy!!! This is a good start and is needed. I can think of a few that aren't on here so I'll see about collecting the info. thx __________________ Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list: Perretta,

jkuo

Registered:1399944767
Posts: 156

Posted 1407873991	Reply with quote #26

That's a handy list. If there's a character limit, you might want to use a Google Doc or something similar. I imagine that more entries are going to be added and you'll hit the limit again. A Google Doc wouldn't have the length limit, might make editing a bit easier, and you could have several people adding to the document. __________________ Johnny - Lancaster, PA, Zone 6b Plants I'm growing: Google Doc

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1407876370	Reply with quote #27

Guiseppe - Sorry to hear your losses! Hopefully that was the one in 40 year winter and you can rebuild your collection. Neil - Thanks for the feedback, I updated the ripening to early to mid. Steve- I added those and corrected Figo Preto, thanks! Michael - Thanks, I look forward to your additions. I will look into posting the spreadsheet elsewhere since it is as big as can be without cutting stuff from it.

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1407878593	Reply with quote #28

Neil, Due to your location and zone summer temperatures the trees may mature figs differently. At my location Zone 6 NY, the Celeste main crop ripened in August and the Hardy Chicago main crop ripened in September last year.

mgginva

Registered:1320266925
Posts: 1,856

Posted 1407882164	Reply with quote #29

Neil, My hardy Chicago is already ripening figs as well. The figs in front of it are Florea, BT, Lemon, RdB --- and those coming in with it are Hollier, Alma, Celeste, St. Rita and my other RdB's. So for me this year it's an early one. Last year it came in 10 days later, but I'd still call HC an "earlyish" fig. __________________ Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list: Perretta,

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1407922354	Reply with quote #30

Hi Ampersand, For the ripening order, are you not considering the brebas ? Or considering fig-trees with pinched brebas ? Ronde de bordeaux (A in the chart) is unifera and in no way can be earlier than the brebas of Dalmatie ( B in the chart). __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1407924707	Reply with quote #31

jdsfrance - I believe all the varieties listed would be for main crop ripening times. It wouldn't be too realistic to expect breba's from in-ground figs in my Zone 6 most years. There could be mistakes though.

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1407925181	Reply with quote #32

Due to the running out of space in the original post, all future updates will be made to this google docs spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ihfyIwZ8l5DyVMFvTOAthQf65jn-2bRRMPGR57AKSyw/edit#gid=0 You can download the file from there if you wish. Please keep sending your comments, this has been great!

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1407926771	Reply with quote #33

In reference to ripening time, Herman2 (VS) has posted on the subject for years, although he uses 70 -100 days as the rule of thumb, http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=6935835 , I've used the 90 -120 day number instead because it has more room for errors, and is easily rounded into months (3-4), its based on length of time, not an actual date and will vary with culture, but is better for relative comparisons whether in-ground or potted. Quote: Originally Posted by Herman2, Here is how long it takes to ripe: 70 days:Malta black, Improved Celeste,Ronde de Bordeaux,St Anthony. 75 days:Mt etna type figs ,Hardy Chicago etc. 80 days:Kathleen black,Atreano,Dalmatie,Tacoma Violet,Violette de Bordeaux,Nero 600m,etc 85 days:Adriatic JH,Longue D'Out,Sal Corleone,other Sicilian type figs. 90 days:Battaglia,Vasilika Syka,Verte,Col de dame, etc. 100 days or more:Madeira black,Ital 258,Preto,Verdal longue,etc Note:Fig do not form Embryos at the same time,some form early(May 15) some form late,up till July 1. The duration of growth from inception till ripe count,and the date of embryos forming is important in order to call a cultivar,early ,or late ripening. This data refer to main crop fruits only and naturally grown in ground fig trees. Growing in pot,the results will vary,usually,they ripe faster,if,pots are,placed in full sun ,on black top early,to,get them going,and brought indoors for the night,to avoid frost early in Spring. Also keeping pots in greenhouse early in Spring will send them into growing much earlier,and so early ripe fruits can be had. Also Full sun is the most important,in zone 6b,or colder and it will make the difference between getting ripe fruits or not. BTW, My improved Celeste PP ripened in ~ 78 days and Hardy Chicago took ~ 95 days total elapsed time last year. They continued to ripen figs for a few more weeks.

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1412469412	Reply with quote #34

Update today (10/4): I added a few more varieties as well as information on varieties that will still fruit after groundkill (providing healthy, mature plants). Many thanks to Herman2, Tim Clymer, hllhlly, and others for sharing their info on this. There is also an alternative sheet with alphabetical sorting instead of by flavor family. As always a work in progress, nothing is definitive or finished. Here is the link: Cold Hardy Fig List by Flavor. Have a good day!

rofig

Registered:1359031676
Posts: 97

Posted 1412514562 · Edited	Reply with quote #35

I have found another fig tree that grow well and now have ripen figs after freezing to the ground. It is Black Cartagena, from South of Spain. I am from Europe, so I don't know if it's available in USA, yet. My tree is five years old, in ground and I have to protect it over winter. It started to re-grow late this year, so it had no late frost damage. Figs have started to ripen at end of september, my guess is that they are ripening in 80 - 90 days window. Figs are small and sweet, but I don't have a comparison term... __________________ Romania, Europe in zone 6, 47N

GregMartin

Registered:1370378358
Posts: 550

Posted 1412515508	Reply with quote #36

rofig, can you post a picture of the leaves and fruit of Black Cartagena? Thank you. __________________ zone 5 Maine Seeking: Saint Martin, Naples White, Black Tuscan, Bécane, French Alps, Abruzzi, Tenica, Wild Mountain Figs from the coldest corners (Iranian, Turkish or other...would love seeds too)

rofig

Registered:1359031676
Posts: 97

Posted 1412528290 · Edited	Reply with quote #37

Greg, here are the pictures of Black Cartagena ripen figs and leaves: Leaves show some resemblance with my Black Mission fig. But Mission figs are not ripen yet! __________________ Romania, Europe in zone 6, 47N

Vladis

Registered:1390659900
Posts: 352

Posted 1412529567	Reply with quote #38

Это выносливые инжир с Россией -Apsheronsky желтый. __________________ Зона 8Б ,Туапсе, Россия.

Vladis

Registered:1390659900
Posts: 352

Posted 1412529710	Reply with quote #39

Absheron yellow - cut size. __________________ Зона 8Б ,Туапсе, Россия.

rofig

Registered:1359031676
Posts: 97

Posted 1412532532 · Edited	Reply with quote #40

Nice figs, Vladis! Do you know if it is cold hardy to zone 6? __________________ Romania, Europe in zone 6, 47N

Vladis

Registered:1390659900
Posts: 352

Posted 1412534649	Reply with quote #41

This plant has survived in 2006, at a temperature in the winter -18 degrees Celsius. __________________ Зона 8Б ,Туапсе, Россия.

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1412591108 · Edited	Reply with quote #42

Very nice, Vladis. That is about the temperature many of us in the north-eastern part of the US experienced last winter (-0.4 F) ...the biggest problem, in my opinion, was period of weeks to months were temperatures remained well below freezing. Many other plants (non-figs) that are normally very hardy here just froze out and never recovered. Rofig, what temperatures did Black Cartagena experience?

rofig

Registered:1359031676
Posts: 97

Posted 1412597303 · Edited	Reply with quote #43

Kelby, last winter was milder in Europe. We had a minimum of -18C for a night, in rest minimum was -10C , -15C. I have used vegetable remains as mulch and plastic bag as protection and there was a lot of snow. We had in previous years lower temp in winter, -20C -22C even lower, but for shorter time, mostly during nights. I would say that it will resist well in zone 6, with winter protection. One advantage is that is starts to grow later in spring than other cultivars and still could give ripen main crop figs in september / october. Vladis, What is the taste of your Absheron yellow? __________________ Romania, Europe in zone 6, 47N

Vladis

Registered:1390659900
Posts: 352

Posted 1412604928	Reply with quote #44

My rating for the taste of FIG Absheron yellow 7 out of 10. __________________ Зона 8Б ,Туапсе, Россия.

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1413023889	Reply with quote #45

Update 10/11/14 with Robert Harper's fig list on the last sheet, shared with his permission. Thanks Bob! There are also some great lists shared by Herman2 on the forum with his top cold hardy varieties. I also added the varieties from Vladis and rofig.

rofig

Registered:1359031676
Posts: 97

Posted 1413184383	Reply with quote #46

Kelby, you have gathered very good informations on your list, thank you for that! I have another cold hardy fig cultivar to add on your list: Precose de Dalmatie. This cultivar come from Danish island Bornholm and is also known as "Bornholm Fig". It is not clear if it's a distinct cultivar or a synonim of other and there could be more cultivars that share the same name. Informations available on internet about this fig cultivar are also unclear: http://www.fruitiers-rares.info/articles51a56/article55-The-Bornholm-Fig-Ficus-carica.html My plants are planted in ground last year, this year started to grow a lot of fruits, none of them get ripen yet. I don't know even if they will get ripen this year...This fig tree is a strong grower and I have to pinch branches twice and still it is my largest tree. I read that this is cultivated in UK, maybe UK members can write more details about ripen figs. I have attached pictures of green figlets and leaves pattern: __________________ Romania, Europe in zone 6, 47N

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1413197966	Reply with quote #47

Rofig, that variety is actually on my wish list (though I haven't seen it called Precose de Dalmatie, just Bornholm and Nexoe); my family hails from Denmark a few generations back. Very few people seem to have it stateside though, unfortunately. I didn't include it yet because I didn't want to add something that was assumed hardy without someone verifying it is. Your -18C is pretty good evidence though, I'll include that now, thanks. Glad you find the list useful!

smithmal

Registered:1402603486
Posts: 75

Posted 1413220981	Reply with quote #48

Kelby, Thanks for taking the time to create this list. It is absolutely chocked full of great info when deciding upon which varieties to grow in cold climates. The only thing I might add to your list is a column dedicated to the productivity rating (using the A/B/C system). Also, some other CH figs you might think about adding to your list: Desert King and Beall (Beale) __________________ Malcolm - MD - Zone 6B Varieties growing (Received 2014): Beale, Col de Dame Blanc, Danny's Delight, Desert King, JH Adriatic, Lemon, Longue d'Aout, Marseilles Black VS, Olympian, Ronde de Bordeaux, Strawberry Verte, Vista, UCR-184-15s, Violette de Bordeaux, White King

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1413287645	Reply with quote #49

Thanks for the input Malcolm! I didn't think of DK, I'll have to have the caveat that it's breba only, so winter protection is all but required. I didn't realize Beall was hardy, but looks like that should be added too. I would love to add some sort of productivity ratings, but there are so many complicating factors for that...small climatic differences making a variety better here than there, individual plant health (FMV prevalence), plant age, and space. To my knowledge, herman2 has done some of the best trialing of varieties here in the north. His lists that I have on the spreadsheet are probably about as good as it gets; he's been growing figs for a long time and tried hundreds of varieties, introducing several very good ones. I personally am trying to get most of the varieties he recommends since I live fairly close to him.

deerhunter16b

Registered:1352062719
Posts: 785

Posted 1413291103	Reply with quote #50

Nice list...good information ....thanks __________________ john Zone 7a

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