Chicago Hardy Fig - Ficus carica - Cold Hardy - Zones 6 to 10 - Easy to Grow - Compact Fruit Tree - Organic Container Gardening

The Chicago Hardy Fig is one of the most popular and reliable fig varieties for cooler climates. Known for its ability to withstand freezing temperatures (down to 10°F and even regrow from roots in colder zones), it’s a top choice for gardeners who want sweet, homegrown figs without living in the tropics.

This compact, self-pollinating tree produces medium-sized, purplish-brown figs with rich, strawberry-colored flesh. It’s perfect for containers, raised beds, or in-ground planting and starts fruiting as early as the first or second year.

Key Features:

• Cold-Hardy: Survives in USDA Zones 6–10, and regrows from roots even in Zone 5

• Delicious Fruit: Produces sweet, soft figs with red-pink interiors—perfect fresh or dried

• Compact Size: Grows 4–8 feet tall in containers; up to 10–15 feet in the ground

• Self-Pollinating: No need for a second tree to produce fruit

• Fast Growing: Vigorous and productive even in shorter growing seasons

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Full sun (6–8 hours/day) for best fruiting

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates sandy or loamy soil types

• Watering: Moderate—keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6–10; root-hardy in Zone 5 with winter mulch

• Container Friendly: Excellent for pots—bring indoors or protect in winter in cooler zones

****Please Note: Depending on time of year, and inventory, plants will vary in height. All plants ship out between 12 and 18 inches tall. ****

Care Tips:

• Pruning:

  • Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage airflow

  • Remove dead or frost-damaged wood after winter

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer

• Winter Protection (Zones 5–6): Mulch heavily around the base, or wrap/stake if in-ground

• Container Growing: Use a 12–18 gallon pot with drainage; overwinter indoors or in a protected garage/shed

****High temperatures (90 degrees and higher) or extreme cold temperatures (40 and below) can result in leaf loss and decreased appearance. Please check your local temperatures prior to ordering. ****

Benefits:

• Homegrown Figs in Cold Climates: One of the best figs for northern gardeners

• Low Maintenance: Great for beginners and busy gardeners

• High Yields: Produces two crops per year in warmer zones (main crop in late summer)

• Attractive Plant: Large, lobed leaves offer tropical beauty even without fruit

• Edible Landscaping: Functional and ornamental