Fig trees are known for their sweet, juicy fruit and attractive foliage, but many people assume that they can only be grown in warm, Mediterranean climates. However, there are several fig tree varieties that are surprisingly cold-tolerant and can thrive in colder regions.
The Chicago Hardy fig tree is one of the most cold-tolerant fig tree varieties. It can survive winter temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C) without significant damage. The tree produces medium-sized, brownish-purple fruit with a sweet, rich flavor.
Ronde de Bordeaux is another cold-tolerant fig tree variety that can tolerate temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C). It produces small to medium-sized fruit with a dark purple exterior and a deep red interior. The fruit has a sweet, complex flavor with notes of honey and caramel.
Celeste is a medium-sized fig tree that is known for its hardiness and productivity. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to 5°F (-15°C) and produces sweet, medium-sized fruit with a light brown skin and pinkish-red flesh.
Brown Turkey is a popular fig tree variety that is well-suited to colder regions. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) and produces large, sweet fruit with a coppery-brown skin and pinkish-red flesh.
Black Spanish is a cold-tolerant fig tree variety that is prized for its large, juicy fruit and attractive foliage. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C) and produces deep purple fruit with a rich, sweet flavor.
Desert King is a hardy fig tree variety that is well-suited to colder regions. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) and produces large, pale yellow fruit with a sweet, honey-like flavor.
Peters Honey is another cold-tolerant fig tree variety that can withstand temperatures as low as -5°F (-21°C). It produces medium to large-sized fruit with a yellow-green skin and pinkish-red flesh. The fruit has a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of honey.
Olympian is a cold-tolerant fig tree variety that is well-suited to colder regions. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) and produces large, dark purple fruit with a sweet, juicy flavor.
Violette de Bordeaux is a cold-tolerant fig tree variety that can withstand winter temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C). It produces small to medium-sized fruit with a dark purple skin and a rich, sweet flavor.
Negronne is a cold-tolerant fig tree variety that can survive winter temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C). It produces medium to large-sized fruit with a purple skin and a complex berry, juicy flavor.
These are just a few of the most cold-tolerant fig tree varieties. Other cold-tolerant varieties include LSU Purple, San Piero, Takoma Violet, and White Marseilles. Keep in mind that while these varieties are known for their cold tolerance, they may still require some protection in extremely cold temperatures. Additionally, factors like location, weather patterns, and microclimates can all affect a fig tree’s ability to tolerate cold temperatures.
Here are 30 fig tree varieties ranked in order of their cold tolerance, starting with the most cold-tolerant variety:
- Chicago Hardy
- Ronde de Bordeaux
- Celeste
- Brown Turkey
- Black Spanish
- Lattarula
- Peters Honey
- Olympian
- Violette de Bordeaux
- Negronne
- LSU Purple
- Black Mission
- Sal’s Corleone
- San Piero
- Smith
- Takoma Violet
- Texas Everbearing
- White Marseilles
- Brunswick
- Col de Dame
- Florea
- Genoa
- Hunt
- Improved Celeste
- Italian Honey
- Kadota
- Desert King
- Osborne Prolific
- Paradiso
- Ventura