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*images shown are of mature plants
Growing Zones: 5-10
(hardy down to -10℉)
You are in Growing Zone: 6
Mature Height: |
15-30 ft. |
Mature Width: |
15-30 ft. |
Sunlight: |
Full Sun |
Spacing: |
5-10 ft. |
Growth Rate: |
Moderate |
Drought Tolerance: |
Good |
Harvest Time: |
July - Otctober |
Fruit Color: |
Purple |
Year to Bear: |
Fruits 1st Year! |
Chill Hours: |
100 |
Botanical Name: |
Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy' |
Does Not Ship To: |
AZ |
Withstands Temperatures down to -10F
A Cold-Hardy, No-Fuss Fig
No matter how cold it gets, the Chicago Hardy Fig Tree will never let you down. It's a Fig-yielding machine that can withstand some of the coldest winter temperatures Mother Nature can dish out. Also known as the Cold Hardy Fig, it can literally freeze over and still come back strong the following spring, producing bushels of plump, delicious figs.
Achieving heights of up to 30 feet, the Cold Hardy Fig can be trimmed to size and maintained as small as 6 feet high if desired. The large, three-fingered leaves offer a thick screen of lush greenery when left to flourish. Add to that the deep purple figs that provide a lovely visual accent and you have a stunning, functional tree that will enhance any planting location you choose.
This Tree really Gives a Fig-and then some!
As wonderful as the Chicago Hardy looks, the real prize is all the figs. The golf ball sized, richly colored fruit abounds. Slice one open and behold the juicy flesh of these high quality figs. Perfect for peeling and eating right off the tree in late summer to early fall, you'll be enjoying these amazing figs in your first season after planting. And the numbers may surprise you. Your Chicago Hardy will yield as many as 100 pints of figs each season!
These healthy, delicious treats can be used in a variety of ways to spruce up meals and desserts. Whether tossed into salads, added to oatmeal or wrapped in prosciutto for an unforgettable appetizer, your homegrown figs will always keep things interesting in landscape and kitchen alike.
Order your Cold Hardy Fig Tree today!
Fall is a great time to plant figs. As the weather cools down, fig trees start to go dormant. They stop making new foliage and concentrate on growing deeper roots. Once spring arrives, your tree is set to explode with new growth and fruit production!
Your fig tree will arrive with semi-dormant leaves. The once bright spring foliage is now turning brown and spotty, and may be dropping. This is natural and happens this time of year.
Your fig tree will arrive with semi-dormant leaves. The once bright spring foliage is now turning brown and spotty, and may be dropping. This is natural and happens this time of year.
Chicago Hardy Fig Tree Pollination
Chicago Hardy Fig Trees are self-fertile. You will get fruit with only one plant. However, adding an additional Chicago Hardy Fig Tree will drastically increase the size of your crop.
Customer Reviews
4.4 / 5.0
95 Reviews
My fig tree arrived in perfect condition! Box was well protected and my tree was perfect, it even has baby figs. Was very pleased with this purchase and am looking forward to ordering more! Thank you
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AMAZING GROWTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The fig tree was a little under 2 feet tall and under 2 feet wide when I planted it. Now less than a year later it is almost 5 feet tall and over 4 feet wide, it is bursting with life and so many healthy leaves. I even found my first few figs, which is amazing as I thought it had put all its energy into growing! WOW! Fig trees and most other fruit trees struggle a bit in the Florida weather but Fast-Growing-Trees have the best chance of surviving here AND FGT replaces them if they don't make it. Tip: ALWAYS BUY INSURANCE on trees no matter where you live because sometimes it takes a while for them to get in trouble, so you need the years coverage.
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So Far So Good
The little tree seems to be doing okay. The fruit it had on it ripened and tasted great. No new growth as of yet. I assume it is establishing it's root system.I'll be waiting to see how it takes our Ohio winter, as this one is forecasted to be a rough one. Keeping my fingers crossed--as I titled this, so far so good.
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Great tree
The tree arrived healthy. I planted it in the yard and within 2 weeks, it had buds on it for figs. It's growing rather well so far and I'm happy with it. All that remains at this point is to see how it fares over the winter months being so small a tree.
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Great fig tree!
I My grandma got me this tree. Slow growth, but has survived this winter, with cold lasting throughout March! We wrapped it in burlap for the winter, and not much more, but it is still healthy. No figs, but that is expected, because I received it in October. It is small, but I love this tree.
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cold hardy fig
Still way to early for a review, must see that it survives out CT winter. But the fruit we got was nice!
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Better than expected
Plant was delivered on time and healthy, several figs already on the tree. Planted immediately according to directions. No sign of root shock. Still early, but it looks like it took. One fig has ripened and signs of new growth are apparent.
Very pleased!
Very pleased!
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Review Title
Planted tree in early spring. About a dozen figs are growing strong. Two thumbs up
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Chicago hardy fig
Very happy with my fig tree. Came very small, so I was afraid to plant n the backyard, but doing well outside, still in pot and setting few fruits already.
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Still too soon to know if it is hardy enough
We ordered our fig tree in April, it look very healthy when it arrived. We also ordered the planting kit and the extended warranty just in case! We planted it as directed in a sunny spot and provided plenty of water and care. Few days after we planted it the leaves started to wilt and it lost them all!! After a week or so the tree looked almost dead, we thought we had lost it but kept looking after it. We ordered this hardy fig tree because we live in Santa Fe, NM where the weather can be extreme and unpredictable: sunny, cold, hot, windy, snowy, stormy, etc. We have had a crazy spring and summer with an unusual heavy rain fall and moderate heat. Fortunately this has helped our fig tree to recover. Now it is a bit taller and full of beautiful green leaves! No fruit yet, though. We think it is too soon to know how our fig tree is going to behave in the coming months. Fall is mild here but winter can be hard on plants since the temperatures and snow fall vary. In some rare occasions it has fallen to -10ºF! Because of "El niño" we are expecting vast amounts of snow this coming winter so we will see how our beautiful baby fig will do for next spring. Then we will be able to confirm if it is hardy enough or not.
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Planting & Care
It's Easy to Plant & Care for Your Chicago Hardy Fig Tree
Step 1: Dig Your Hole
Select a site with full to partial sun and moist or well drained soil for your Chicago Hardy Fig Tree.
First, dig each hole so that it is just shallower than the root ball and at least twice the width.
Then loosen the soil in the planting hole so the roots can easily break through.
Use your shovel or try dragging the points of a pitch fork along the sides and bottom of the hole.
Step 2: Place Your Plant
Next, separate the roots of your Chicago Hardy Fig Tree gently with your fingers and position them downward in the hole.
The top of the root flare, where the roots end and the trunk begins, should be about an inch above the surrounding soil.
Then make sure the plant is exactly vertical in the hole.
To make it just right, use a level.
Step 3: Backfill Your Hole
As you backfill the hole, apply water to remove air pockets.
Remove debris like stones and grass and completely break up any dirt clumps.
Water your Chicago Hardy Fig Tree again after the transplant is complete.
Questions & Answers
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Browse 60 questions
Browse 60 questions
and 149 answers
Why did you choose this?
Fast-Growing-Trees.com Store
Nice looking tree
jay b
on Jul 25, 2017
We had a fig tree in Oregon and loved it. Hoping this cold-hardy variety can thrive in Michigan!
Brad W
on Jul 22, 2017
Nice looking tree
jay b
on Jul 25, 2017
I did not see a space to enter code JULY for the free shipping - please adjust. thanks
Ken H
on Jul 23, 2017
will it grow outside in zone 6?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, Chicago hardy figs will grow in zone 6. We had one growing for 3 seasons. But . . . you need to protect it in the Winter. I did not protect it during the winter of 2013-2014; and it did not make it so I got one from Fast Growing Trees . I have hear of a fig that has been growing for a number of years and is now about 8 ' . They have a frame work and even blankets that they used. It is possible but you need to protect it.
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- william b b on Aug 6, 2014
what is the ideal height to maintain this fig tree ?
BEST ANSWER: This variety is only supposed to grow to around 6 feet. I see no need to prune it to be smaller.
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- Marianne D on Jul 31, 2015
When will the fig bear fruit?
BEST ANSWER: Figs tend to bear fruit no matter the age of the plant. We have seen some fig plants that are less than 2 years old, full of fruit.
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- Justin F Staff on Jun 4, 2014
How tall is the fig tree?
BEST ANSWER: The Chicago Fig Tree can grow 15-30 ft. tall. The 3 gallon size is about 2 feet tall.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 12, 2014
Do I need to cover this fig in the winter. Living in the Reading, PA. Area. (South Eastern PA) thr taste of this fig has compared to other figs...sweetness and quality. Or, do you have a better selection for a fig tree in my area of PA? Thx!
BEST ANSWER: The Chicago Hardy Fig Tree won't need to be covered, but placing a sheet over it at night to protect it from frost will protect it if you get worried. Place mulch, pine straw or hay around your tree to keep the roots warm. It produces a sweet fig that's rich in flavor similar to the Turkey Fig.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 25, 2014
can I grow it in a pot than bring indoors after all leave fall off?
BEST ANSWER: That's what I do. In the fall, I bring our fig trees into the garage and let them winter over, giving them maybe a cup of water once a week. Keep trees out of direct sunlight (you can cover with black plastic). And then just put them back outside in the spring.
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- Inaccurate
- Irene D on Jun 30, 2015
- Purchased on Jun 7, 2014
Do you need two trees to pollenate?
BEST ANSWER: The Chicago Hardy Fig Tree is self pollinating, so it doesn't need a mate. However multiple trees always help with pollination.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 12, 2014
can this grow in Katonah NY? can I plant it in the earth or do I need a pot ?
BEST ANSWER: Your growing zone is listed by the USDA as 6a, and since this fig is hardy up to zone 5, you should be able to grow it in the ground in Katonah, especially if you place it in a location protected from winter winds. A heavy mulch in winter would help, too, but remove it in spring.
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- Karen Expert on Jul 1, 2015
my chicago fig is still in a large container and doing excellent....is it too late to plant it in the ground here in northern massachusetts?
BEST ANSWER: Hi An
You can still plant your fig, but it will require a little more attention if it is extremely hot. You also have the option of waiting until fall and planting it then, as long as it continues to do well in the pot.
You can still plant your fig, but it will require a little more attention if it is extremely hot. You also have the option of waiting until fall and planting it then, as long as it continues to do well in the pot.
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- Lisa B Staff on Jul 15, 2015
Planted my Hardy Chicago Fig Tree September 2015. Appears to be growing well this year in warm sunny weather. Can you provide pruning instructions for optimum fruit yield ?
BEST ANSWER: They produces fruit on old and new growth, but more prolifically on new
growth. Prune lightly in late winter just before new growth emerges to remove dead or
damaged wood, and open plant up to the sunlight
growth. Prune lightly in late winter just before new growth emerges to remove dead or
damaged wood, and open plant up to the sunlight
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- Robyn . Staff on Jul 13, 2016
Are your fig trees organic,and do you use roundup ?
BEST ANSWER: To comply with USDA phytosanitary regulations, we are required to apply a mild chemical treatment to all shipped over state lines. This treatment is required to prevent the spread of potentially devastating pathogens from one state to another and is mandatory for all growers. Once your trees arrive, you can use all natural and organic growing techniques to grow organic fruit..No we do not use round up
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- Robyn . Staff on Aug 29, 2016
Is it okay to plant a fig tree in August or should I wait until next Spring? I live in zone 5.
BEST ANSWER: I'm nowhere near an expert but I have three of these and they really are hardy. I've heard that the best time to plant trees is in the fall but I planted mine in the spring and it's coming along. And don't give up on them easily. After a heavy snow and long periods of intense cold, they are doing just great.
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- ROBERT C on Aug 22, 2016
- Purchased on Jan 31, 2015
Is this the kind of fig that does not need wasps to pollinate?
BEST ANSWER: No, Since figs are really an inverted flower, they rely on the fig wasp for pollination. Once they wasp dies the fig produces an enzyme that digests this wasp completely. There are no wasp parts, the crunchy bits are seeds.
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- Robin . Staff on May 3, 2017
I live near Detroit. Is it ok to plant the Chicago Hardy Fig Tree behind our house facing east?
BEST ANSWER: The growing zones are 5-10. Click the link to look up what growing zone you are in.
http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/USDA-Plant-Hardiness-Zone-Map.htm
http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/USDA-Plant-Hardiness-Zone-Map.htm
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- Robyn . Staff on Sep 1, 2016
Could we trimmed hardy fig in summer? or it is best to wait spring time
BEST ANSWER: It is best to prune them in the winter or fall.
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- Angela S Staff on Jul 24, 2015
Will this tree do well on the Oregon Coast in Seaside, OR.???
BEST ANSWER: The Oregon Coast would be a fine area for a Chicago Hardy Fig Tree to grow.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 13, 2014
Do you think this tree would flourish if espaliered?
When is it safe to plant the fig tree?
BEST ANSWER: It's best to plant this tree in the early spring or early fall. Since it's currently mid winter we suggest planting this tree 6 weeks after the final freeze in your area.
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- Allison B Staff on Jan 16, 2015
how much sun this this tree needs daily?
BEST ANSWER: The Chicago Hardy Fig Tree does best with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. This fig tree is shade tolerant, and does well in full to partial sunlight.
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- Allison B Staff on Jul 25, 2014
Couple questions. Is the 3 gal tree already producing? Will it withstand direct sunlight in zone 9?
BEST ANSWER: The Chicago Hardy Fig Tree will produce fruit within a year of being planted, but may need some time to get established in its new environment first. It can withstand full sunlight in zone 9.
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- Allison B Staff on Jun 18, 2014
Can fig tree be planted in a pot?
BEST ANSWER: Yes they can, I live in Mass cold temperatures and I have the tree in a pot take it out during the summer and keep it in during the winter, the tree can survive the cold and snow, but I like in a very large pot, baring fruit. Enjoy
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- Carlos A on Apr 18, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 29, 2015
Will it do well in clay soil?
BEST ANSWER: Grew it in a pot last summer, then put the tree and the soil from the pot in a hole about twice the diameter of the pot. I'm in New Jersey near the Delaware River and the soil has lots of clay. This summer it's going crazy. About 40 figs so far. Last summer in the pot only got 6 or 7
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- melanie g on Sep 25, 2016
- Purchased on Dec 1, 2014
Do we need another tree for pollination?
BEST ANSWER: Nope. Mine fruited the 1st year. It is important to restrict the root growth though. Either in a pot or put slab rock under the plant when planting.
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- Matthew H on Jun 3, 2016
- Purchased on Oct 23, 2014
Living in NE PA, what is the best way to protect the tree over winter months?
BEST ANSWER: I planted my fig last year and actually had some fruit late in the summer. Then in the late fall I covered the base of the tree with a deep layer of pine straw. I am just now getting new leaves...so looks like it survived.
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- Dr. Mary Ann S on Jun 7, 2017
- Purchased on Jul 29, 2015
Will the tree withstand extreme windy and cold weather?
BEST ANSWER: We live in New York and brought ours in over the winter and just put it outside. This year we are going to try and leave it in the ground but cover it up.
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- Bianca F on May 7, 2017
- Purchased on Jun 12, 2015
Will this tree grow outdoors in Minneapolis MN?
BEST ANSWER: They claim it is hardy in cold weather. Overall I would not recommend it. The first one I got didn't survive the winter in New Jersey. The replacement they sent was a seedling. All the growth it on tender stems. I doubt it will make it through the winter. There certainly are not going to be any figs this year. I will never buy anything from this place again.
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- Stephen C on Aug 5, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 24, 2015
How late in the spring does this fig tree begin to bud? We planted it last fall and had a wet winter. The pomegranate tree has little buds & leaves - we planted them the same day.
BEST ANSWER: We are in Brookkyn and our gig tree has leafed out already - it began about 2 weeks ago.
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- kathleen c on May 15, 2017
- Purchased on Jun 7, 2015
Is the Chicago fig tree able to reproduce on its own?
BEST ANSWER: Yes it is a self pollinating tree. The fruit grows in the joint under a leave and a branch, so you should check for young fruit since it is not evident at first glance. The amount of fig production would depend on your tree's age and your climate zone.
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- Ilia A on Nov 23, 2016
- Purchased on Apr 6, 2015
Do the roots stay shallow, or will they go deep? How deep a container do I need?
BEST ANSWER: I grew mine the first summer in a 15 gallon pot and it seemed happy and produced a few figs. This year I put in in the back yard and it's about 3 feet tall and has about 20 figs developing so far. The roots did not grow to the bottom of the pot last year, so I suspect it has shallow roots.
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- melanie g on Aug 2, 2016
- Purchased on Dec 1, 2014
If it's 20 below zero temp, can it survive?
BEST ANSWER: Roots will survive. And maybe 1-2 inched of trunk if covered with mulch, leaves or both. Starts growing back in June, within a month reaches around foot, foot and a half. Looks like medium sized bush by fall. Will never take a tree form where temperatures reach -20, unless somehow winter protected. But it bears fruit on the new grows anyway.
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- Alex G on Jun 14, 2016
- Purchased on Jul 21, 2014
Shipping Details
Most items ship the next business day unless otherwise noted
Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately, however some orders may ship in 1-2 business days (we do not ship on the weekends) from date of purchase. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you'll receive an email from with a tracking number.
You may receive multiple shipments if you ordered more than one plant. This is to get your plants to you as soon as possible. However, shipping schedules can change due to unforeseen events, such as unpredictable weather. We appreciate your patience.
Shipping Cost
Amount of Order |
Standard |
Less than $15 |
$11.95 |
$15.00-$23.99 |
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$24.00-$39.99 |
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$40.00-$79.99 |
$19.95 |
$80.00-$98.99 |
$24.95 |
$99.00+ |
32% of order |
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