I'm growing a small hardy chicago cutting now. And as I mentioned a while back if it goes well I'd eventually like to put it in the ground here in SW OH.

In Olympia, WA (an hour south of Seattle). Fig trees can survive outside here. But people do have to be mindful to select the proper varieties if they want to get ripe figs here because of the short growing season and cooler climate.

In fact I believe the variety 'Olympian' was identified here (though it's probably a sub-type of "Brown Turkey").

Up in Meadowbrook Park in Seattle they have a fig orchard with all sorts of varieties like VDB and Green Ischia. Desert King is a somewhat popular variety up here as well.

Chicago Hardy could grow great here, but we can grow better varieties. We don't need that extra level of cold tolerance. But any fig will have leaves for only about 5 months out of the year here.

It's December 30 and still no sign of snow or ice yet.

Yes growing the right type for your region is very important for success.

Now i grow what i enjoy the most and discarded the rest as 3 plants are all that is left as age and health have caught up with me.

Two black madeira's and a cravens craving 2 of them large.

I figure keep the best now as i can manage them and get plenty of figs as it is just 1 person eating them and climate is not a problem even 40 miles south of chicago.

Socal HC is a great fig not the best but good and very reliable in most climates.

Best

Martin