Robert,
I live in CT and would be interested in seeing these fig trees if they are not too far away. Could you post the name of the town or send me a private email that I have posted.
Just click on my User Name for the address.

Peg

I doubt there is one single definition of cold hardy for fig trees, it all depends upon where the fig is growing (someone in San Diego, CA might have over 100 varieties of cold hardy trees for that area, in CT there might be three or four varieties which could live through the Winter without added protection), and the age of the tree - the older the tree the hardier it is. I cover all my trees here in VA until they are three years old, and in fact keep them indoors their first year.

Bob, From your description what you probably are seeing are the three original trees (or those that survived) which sent up suckers through the years forming a patch of figs. It would be interesting to see if they were all the same variety.
Dieback can occur when fig wood doesn't have time to harden up in the fall. Fast growing tips are often affected this way. It doesn't necessarily mean the shoots are less hardy than those that didn't die back. That any of them are alive is pretty remarkable for this area. Do you know what Zone the figs are in? Are they fairly well protected?
Like yourself, I'm very interested in cold hardy figs for this area and would greatly appreciate any information you could provide about these figs. One big question is if these trees will ripen decent tasting fruit in New England.

Bob, do they all look the same leaves, im wondering over 30 years if it grew many suckers off the probably rather large root sytem, or are they different types.
Im just curious thats all.
Martin

Peg, did not receive any email from you. I sent to you a email earlier, also. But, no reply. Send a email to me at bob.harper (at symbol)snet.net I have trouble with the fig forum's emailin sending and receiving. Bob Harper

Not use to the way this thing works. My replies to ever one is not loading. sorry. Bob Harper

Fignut, When I first noticed the three fisgs some 30 years ago. I was not into figs or gardening then. So I did not pay attention to the leaf or fruit. I was asking for a definition of a Cold Hardy fig because I was thinking about starting this fig in my orchard. But, I had noticed that a lot of figs that start out being cold sensitive become cold hardy as they age. I was unable to get any information from the present owners since they are not into figs or gardening. It took a lot to get them to let me into their back yard. I'm going to try them one more time for more cuttings and only want to take cuttings from which ever of the three that seem to be the most winter hardy. At this point I don't even know whether or not the fig is Breba or main crop. Or if it is even worth growing. But, the only way you can tell if a fruit will work for your location is to test it and see. Bob Harper

Fignut, i did not see your post when i posted mine or i would not have double posted similar question.
Martin

Bob,
I emailed you to the address you posted. Hope you got it. Do you live on Old Church Rd? I'm very interested in finding cold hardy figs that will ripen here.

Peg

robert would you be willing to share or trade any hardy fig cuttings baust55@hotmail.com

I absolutelly agree with Elder posting,and the comparisson,between California and Conecticut.
I also wants to add that most cultivars are not hardy in the north east,no matter if young or old.
We here on the east coast have a continuous need to reaserch for cold hardy figs,and need to just grow as many cultivars as possible,even if there will be a lots of them that will dissapoint us at the end.
Once a cultivar is found to be positivelly hardy,then it should be made known on Garden Forum,so it will be spreaded out in the future.
If one also let the Forum know about dissapointing cultivars,that is also necesarry,to know.
I also found a third category,of fig tree valuable in the north east.
I found a handfull of trees,that are not cold hardy,but they positivelly get ripe in our climate and can be grown in containers,with great success.
This is ,because most fig trees will not get ripe in the north east region,as they need more heat units,than our northern,climate can offer.
So this last group is important to be known too,because most best tasting figs are in this last category.
Hope this will help.
H

Hi Bob,

I tried to email you also, as I'd love to see this patch of unprotected figs up in Hartford. I think the email address bounced, please email me!

Wil
subdural@gmail.com