To make this thread more information-rich I would like to suggest that everyone who grows figs in the mid-atlantic area (Maryland, Virginia, DC, etc) or who previously grew figs in the this area (Gene, your legend lives on) post information on the figs that they grow/grew and their impressions. What varieties do well and which don't. Information on flavor, fruit color, cold hardiness, productivity, open/closed eye, resistance to splitting in wet weather etc. would be very welcome. I this regard, the information upthread on Chicago Hardy, VdB, and Battaglia is very interesting though I had previously heard from many sources that Chicago Hardy is one of the better tasting figs. As I mentioned upthread I grow VdB, Chicago Hardy, Mildenhall and Celeste. I will obtain Marseilles vs Black and Ronde de Bordeaux later in the spring. My figs are all too young to provide any useful information on at this point. Space is limited so I plan to growth them in containers another year and then decide which 2 or 3 to plant in the ground. I am open to collecting another one or two varieties if there is good evidence that they do well in Maryland. By the way, I would like to obtain Kathleen Black but so far haven't had luck finding it - if anyone could spare a cutting of this one I would be very grateful!

Hey Kiwibob, My annual visit to Seattle will be in May, maybe we could go on a Fig Safari? This past May I found 15 Varieties in the greater Seattle area and they're still unnamed. Now that I know where your website is I'll be sure to stop back when my new figs start to fruit. Thanks for your work!! Peace, Little John

Hello Everybody, Here some info from French litterature, friends and other. 1) Col De Dame is hardy to zone 8. 2) Col De Dame Noir is said to be much sweeter than Col De Dame Blanc. 3) Col De Dame Noir, Blanc and Gris are very powerful strong growers. They belong to the tallest and widest figs. Height and width probably like Mission Fig, Brogiotto Bianco, Brogiotto Nero, Grise de St-Jean, Desert King (not sure about this one but seems very vigorous). Bye, Etneo

I just bought a first edition hard cover of Ira Condit's "The fig" on line. The condition is described as VG I probably paid too much $102.50 including shipping?? Assuming the books condition is as described I think it will grow in value as the interest in Figs grows. I told my wife about the book and she says "well, there is your 40th birthday present". I get what I want and she is off the hook with a few words...(for now) Bob Dolan Books had it and BookFinder.com found it. There is an amazon listing too but I assume its for the same book as the seller is the same.