The way I see it, is that all the 'common figs'
(Ficus Carica) varieties are more or less the SAME
as far the USDA Zone (Minimum Winter Temperature) goes.
Some may be slightly different, e.g., I observed that Petit Nigra
(and similar), are more prone to winter colds.
On the other hand Hardy Chicago has been touted to rebound
from any winter kills and produce fruit the same year (this
does not mean that it any hardier, just that it rebounds
quicker than others!).

My understanding is that for Zone 8 (and hotter) figs trees
need not be winter protected, while for all those in zones
7 (and colder) do.

Having said that, there are other factors that determine
whether a certain fig cultivar performs in your area or
not (e.g.,humidity).

What I quoted before does not come form my experience.
I was just quoting Ray Givan's (a GA fig expert)
suggestion for the 4 top figs suitable for various US
regions for those fig starting people that are somewhat
confused (like I was, and possiblty still am!).

For the sake of completness, here is Ray's recommendation.
My Ray's booklet is old, if anybody has a newer edition,
or knows otherwise, please stand up!

Here are the 4 best figs recommended by
Ray Givan in his booket (not on the web site)...
Ray is a famous GA fig expert.

http://home.planters.net/~thegivans/

Ray Givan's top four FIG picks for various areas of the US

1. Northeast (warm humid summers; cold winters)
-- Brown Turkey, Italian Everbearing, Mission and Kadota.

2. Southeast (hot, humid summers; mild winters)
-- Celeste, Brown Turkey, Nero and Conadria.

3. Midwest (hot, humid summers; cold winters)
-- Brown Turkey, Hardy Chicago, Mission and Kadota.

4. Northwest (cool summers; wet, cool winters)
-- King, Latarula, Adriatic and Osborn Prolific.

5. Southwest (warm to hot summers; wet winters)
-- Mission, California Brown Turkey, Brunswick and Kadota.

Hope this helps in you picking your perfect fig to enjoy...

George (NJ).

I have always wondered where Arkansas fit in those regions. Is it Southeast, Midwest, or Southwest? All three weather patterns seem to fit where I live.

Vern