We are in a zone 5b/6a. Because we wanted to have fresh figs that we could grow outside with out winter protection. We started testing for cold hardy figs maybe 8 to 10 years ago. At the time, Hardy Chicago was considered the most cold hardy fig there was. Because it was discovered growing in a suburb of Chicago. Which is a zone 5b/6a. But, after testing it here for some 10 years we found it was not. But, that was for our cold zone 5b/6a. With any one trying to grow northern climate cold hardy figs, in zone 6b, a good number of figs for that zone, have been discovered in the last twenty or so years. At the time this information made us very happy. But, that was because we thought we were in a zone 6b. Then we found out that we were not. After watching figs in our collection like Hardy Chicago get top killed. We started all over again, looking for figs that would be successful in our 5b/6a zone. We have some twenty figs in here at our home that we have been testing, for the last 8 to 10 years. We found that there were only a few that could take our cold 5b/6a zone But, for any gardener in a zone 6b, there are about half dozen or so figs that one can grow. I have not figured out how to make attachments to this forum. But, I can send our test results to any one who would like to see what will grow in a zone 6b with out winter protection, If you send to me a email to robertcharper@gmail.com I will attach the list to your return email. Bob Harper

Hello bakerchic, Can't help you with the Gophers but if you go to the local garden center they will have something to get rid of the moles. I can't remember the name or brand but you put in the spreader and spread it like you would when you fertilize your lawn. I used to have this problem ( Moles ) a few years ago and it really wasn't that hard to handle. The product is a granular and it irritates their skin. As for the Gophers, My only suggestion is a 12ga.! If you have to resort to using a pot then a 10gl. or 15gl would be ideal. Not too large and easy to move. A good potting mix with added perlite is recommended. If you use Miracle Gro then it already comes with the fertilizer. But many of us here are not big fans of Miracle Gro potting mix. Good luck, Rafed

Mark:Huge figs does not mean tasty figs. No Offense but usally the smallest size figs are the best tasting. Usually the tree that form embrio very early will be the first to get ripe. If the Panache and Blue Giant has enough time to ripe fruits then they are ok for our area. You are now in position to tell us. It is true some cultivar are late in forming fruits and that is a minus in zone 6 and colder.I do have a good number of young trees wich are late in forming fruits but i blame it on being too young. Only growing we gain experience.Peace

Yes it is very tasty,just,like a Mission should be. I know the taste of Mission figs. In fact the taste is the same as Malta Mission fig,except is twice in size. And what makes it different is that the stem are not red pink,but green,with a little red on them too,but very little compared with other Mission figs I have seen. I have no doubt this is a different strain,but it doesn't mean inferior,to other Mission, figs. This year ,I had it inground over winter and was dec9imated by frost,so it grew back but is late fruitting,so I am not sure if I am going to have ripe fruits again,out of it,because only now it formed new embryios. I had picture of the fruits,on Figs for fun,Mesage Board,on the post titled New Jersey Pixes. You can search that and see the picture. I have no doubt your exemplar is identical to mine. Best Regards H2