Chicago Hardy Fig
Chicago Hardy Fig
History: Some sources claim this fig hails from 1980's Chicago, however it seems more likely to have originated in Mount Etna, Italy. In any case, due to it's hardy nature it's become one of the most common varieties grown in North America.
Why We Grow It: Chicago Hardy is considered one of the most reliably hardy figs for North America. Add to that their excellent sweet, juicy flavour and it's a no-brainer why these figs have become so popular. Skin is purply-blue-bronze, with soft jammy flesh and a sweet flavour with notes of honey. These figs are medium in size, weighing around 35g.
Photos used with permission from http://planetfig.com/cultivars/fcveng8623.html.
Grown for us by the good folks at Tropic Of Canada, sold in 4x4x6.5" 1 Liter pots, *non-dormant*. Can be shipped, but only in May to protect green growth from freezing. This may require two shipments if you have other bareroot products on your order. Contact us for specific inquiries. ALL FIG ORDERS WILL BE SHIPPED/AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP MAY 2024.
Growing in a pot:
Growing in a pot:
For most reliable cropping, we recommend keeping figs in large pots and moving them inside during the winter months. Figs require only 100 hours of chill time (at 1-4C), then are ready to begin growing again! This means after your figs fruit in the fall (bring them inside your house if the fruit hasn't ripened), and once it's cold enough outside, you can leave your figs in a garage/shed hovering between 1 to 4 degrees Celsius for a week (typically ~Dec). Prune them now if needed. Then bring back into the warmth to start them growing again. Once it's warm enough to set your figs outside again, be sure to harden the plant off, as the tender green leaves won't handle freezing or strong direct sun after being inside.
Fruit Specs
Fruit Specs
Skin Colour: Purple
Recommended Use: Fresh eating, preserves, dried; leaves make an interesting seasoning dried (optionally toasted) and powdered, and can be used in tea and canning too.
Fruit Size: Medium
Storage: Best enjoyed within 2-3 days
Harvest: July - August
Growing Specs
Growing Specs
Canadian Hardiness Zone: 5-6 if given sufficient winter protection
Soil Preference: Sandy loam and loam, plenty or organic material. Prefers well-drained soils.
Flowering Time:
Bloom Colour:
Pollination Requirements: Self-pollinating
Sun/Shade Requirements:
Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)
General Growth Habits:
Productive, drought tolerant. Ripens it's main crop early, making it ideal for cooler climates. It rarely produces a breba (second in the same year) crop - especially in our climate.
Shipping vs. Pick Up
Shipping vs. Pick Up
CLICK HERE to see how shipping compares to pick up.
Shipping: Every year we ship thousands of trees across Canada (except BC due to CFIA regulations). We carefully bag roots in damp sawdust, then box them and send them out via courrier. CLICK HERE to see our shipping policy.
Pick-up: We also have thousands of trees picked up from our nursery each year. The pick-up options is free, though you must wait until you have been emailed a confirmation that your order is ready to pick up, which will have further information such as hours, locations, etc. We really appreciate if you can make an appointment to pick up, then we can be as organized as possible during our busy season.