Enlivened by finding a couple of more in ground trees in Nashville - with no
 protection I'm wanting to start a test plot of fig trees to see which varieties will do well in-ground here in Nashville.  As I've posted before, all I have in my yard is shade.  So I decided to approach a community garden near to house about having a test plot for figs.  Unfortunately that was a day before the Tennessee DOT used a bulldozer to remove some of their garden.  It exists on TDOT property, a neighbor complained about something and then the bulldozer arrived.  So they are not sure of their status at this time.  They are interested in the project though.  But have found  another community garden near that I am going to approach.  I am currently making out a list of cultivars I want to collect and put in the test.  I don't care what color - the only criteria is that the tree can survive Nashville winters and ripen fruit.  The test plot will be for in-ground trees, with no winter protection.  Typical winter is 10 deg F. down to -5 deg F.  I know of 8 trees in Nashville that have survived those conditions and will make cuttings of the ones I can.   By virtue of being very heavily forested, there will almost always be a modicum of protection here - not like in the middle of Kansas plains. They can die down to roots and resprout as long as a crop that year can be had.  We do have wet winters and spring - hot and humid summers. 

 I already have the following:

Brown Turkey (maybe - maybe not - we'll see in about 2 months)
Celeste
Alma - 2011 rooted cuttings
Brunswick - 2011 rooted cuttings
Sal's - 2011 rooted cutting
Unknown Red from DE - 2011 rooted cutting
Unknown Purple from DE - 2011 rooted cutting
Unknown Nashville tree (probably Celeste) - 2011 rooted cutting

So what would be your suggestions

Hardy Chicago, Strawberry Verte, and White Kadota. When is your average first and last frost?

So we have about 2 more "frost free" months. Should still be fine.

I have been wanting to get LSU Gold, that should do well there from what I hear. Gino's, Marseilles Black VS, Marseilles Wht, Atreano, Blue Celeste are some of Herman2's top recommendations.

The unk puple and red came from Easton MD, I have a hunch the red could be Celeste but that is just my gut, it came labeled "small red fig, very sweet".  The trees were planted a long time ago so no-one remembers and I have not seen them even. The purples leaves are not lobed at all really yet so I was guessing LSU Purple, maybe.

Wear an orange vest when you plant them and bring a clipboard with you so that jerk neighbor sees their taxes at work! A stake and even a tube would make them official looking as well and prevent mowing or spraying. You could make airlayers this year for next spring. Figs are more tidy looking than vegetables so that could be a good compromise.

Hoosier- Do you know where in Easton, Md the Easton Purple originated?  I live just outside Easton.  I'm aware of the Unk. Teramo fig in Easton.  Guessing Easton Purple is a different fig?  Thanks.

Steve

Yup, it is different. I got 3 different types from a former employer, who got them from her family estate in Easton... They are DuPonts, the lady who planted them was an orchid/rare plant grower. I think the Purple one is the probably same as LSU Tiger, although it doesn't normally have stripes, and I don't have Tiger to compare directly (a bunch of people I sent cuttings to were going to help me figure it out, clears throat). According to the person who gave them to me the mother trees are at least 50 years old, so it might have come from Dr. O'Rourke shortly after he made the initial crosses, or was added later, the trees are apparently growing together as a hedge.

It is a very sweet fig with a unique fruity flavor, very little fig taste, more like a grape.