Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’ (Fig)

Noted for its cold-hardiness, Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’ (Fig) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree with a spreading crown clothed in large, leathery, deeply lobed leaves. Insignificant flowers form inside a hollow receptacle in spring that, when mature, enlarges and becomes fleshy. It becomes an edible, medium-sized fruit, at first green, but deep purple when ripe. As surprising as it may be, we actually eat the bloom, which is hidden inside the receptacle that encloses the flower. Prized for its impressively sweet, rich flavor, the fig is luscious with strawberry-colored flesh. The fruit ripens in late summer or fall on new wood. As the figs mature, you’ll need to harvest them daily by clipping them from their stems. This plant is self-fertile and does not need cross-pollination. Chicago Hardy fig can be grown as a single-trunk tree or as a multi-branched shrub. Plant it for foliage interest, fruit, and as a conversation piece.

Chicago Hardy’ is considered to be hardier than the reigning favorites, Celeste and Turkey Brown. Its stems are hardy to 10ºF (-12ºC) and the roots are hardy to 20ºF (-6ºC). Though it may die back to the ground in the colder ends of its range, it resprouts from the roots and will still bear sweet edible figs in the fall.

• Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 9-12 ft. wide (270-360 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this tree is easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Site in a protected location (against a warm wall or fence) with annual root mulch.
• Fig trees are fast-growing and flexible enough to be easily espaliered against walls. This plant may also be grown in a pot and brought indoors.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Remove 1/4 to 1/3 of older branches in early spring.
• Propagate by hardwood cuttings.
• Ficus carica species is native to Western Asia, Mediterranean Region.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Research is underway to determine which cultivars of fig become invasive.
• Find where Ficus carica species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.