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'Chicago Hardy' Fig (Ficus)

Shrub

28 total reviews

  • Easy-to-grow edible.
  • Most cold-resistant fig on market.
  • Unbothered by pests.
  • Savory when fresh; sweeter when dried.
  • Zones 5-9, sun, 20' tall x 22' wide at maturity.
  • ZONE
  • EXPOSURE
  • HEIGHT
Size: One Quart
Regular price $33.00
Sale price Sale: $33.00 Regular price Each
Total: $33.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

UNABLE TO SHIP TO: CANADA

Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee

Description

Boasting the title of "The Hardiest Fig," 'Chicago Hardy' (Ficus carica) grows even in zone 5, meaning even colder climates can add this fan favorite to their landscape! Sweet purple-brown figs ripen in early-mid autumn each year, while its distinctive foliage has a pleasant fragrance. Be sure to plant in full sun and a protected location for best results in cold climates. While it may die back to the ground in cold areas, have no fear as it regrows from the roots and will come back year after year with proper care and conditions.

Details

Botanical name: Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy'
Common name: Fig
Zone: 5-9
Sun exposure: Full sun (6+ hours sun).
Height x width: 10-20 ft x 12-22 ft
Flower color: Brown fruits
Foliage color: Green
Season of interest: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Features: Heat tolerant, deer resistant, best for beginners
Uses: Best in a vegetable garden.  

How to Grow

Soil: Does best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 7.0 or higher). Moist but well-drained soils are best. Can tolerate some dryness once established.
Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day). We highly recommend planting in a warm, protected spot in cold climates where the plants will be sheltered from blasts of cold air. Against a south-facing brick wall is ideal.
Water: Average.
Space: Plant 10-20 ft apart
Fertilizing:  High fertility is recommended for best crop, especially in cold climates. Apply a granular garden or rose fertilizer in early spring, then again in late spring and in early summer. Tomato fertilizer is a good alternative.
Winterizing & Maintenance: Mulch at least 3" deep in cold climates. May die back to the ground in cold areas but will regrow from the roots. A long, warm season will produce the best fruit; harvest before a frost hits if necessary. Be sure to plant in an area with protection for best results in zone 5.  

Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:

bush distance

Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:

bush distance zigzag

Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.

Plant Spacing Calculator

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  • 5 stars: 24 (86%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (4%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (4%)
  • 2 stars: 1 (4%)
  • 1 star: 1 (4%)
M
M.K. (Utah)
Plant looks pretty bad on delivery.

I hope this fig tree recovers! The leaves are really wilted and sad. However, I did as the care guide instructed and we will see..

Hello! We’re sorry that you received plants that are not up to our standards. We try our best to provide excellent plants, but some factors, like shipping and handling, are outside our control. That’s why we have a 60-day guarantee on all of our orders. Please email your order number and pictures of your plants to [email protected] to start the claims process. We look forward to helping! https://bit.ly/ggp-guarantee

N
N. (Michigan)
Fruiting

I had to wait three weeks to plant yet within two weeks I have a fig. So exciting.

H
H.K. (Ohio)
Way smaller than customer pics or examples of other plants in quart containers

Seems healthy, but smaller than expected. Time will tell.

Hello! Thank you for your feedback. Plant size varies widely depending on the variety that you purchase and the time of year. The important thing when it comes to purchasing plants, is that they have a full, robust root system, and that's what we prioritize in our growing. The more roots a plant has, the more energy it can put into growing once it is planted in your garden. Happy Gardening!

L
L.l. (New Jersey)
Loved how the plant arrived!

It’s so cute how the little fig tree looks, can’t wait to plant it and it already has a little fig in it.

C
C. (Illinois)
Beautiful little fig trees

Just received the two plants I ordered. Plants look very healthy. Excellent packaging!

L
L.H. (Utah)
Beautiful fig trees

My Chicago Hearty Fig trees are small, but beautiful. Thank you for such great service. I would recommend anyone to buy what ever this company sells. I am not paid to write this. They have excellent customer serice! Can't wait to have figs in Utah. (provided I care for them properly in the fall and overwinter as directed)

J
J.G. (Illinois)
Hardy Fig trees

So Happy with my fig tree’s. They came boxed so well. I live on the southern tip of Lake Michigan and I think I will bring them in for the winter. I have them in large pots for now. Ordered them in the spring and I have figs already developing. First time I have ordered plants here and couldn’t be more pleased from the plants to the packaging you can tell the care and quality of what they sell.

C
C.J. (Kansas)
Fig

Growing well so far.

H
H.N.L.

I never expected figs within three months. OMGoodness I am in love with this tree. We planted it where a maple tree was removed so its in a raised garden. Lovely!

E
E.U. (Michigan)
Great fig trees

Well packaged. Arrived healthy with green leaves. I put them in pots for this year to be able to give them a little extra attention and get a good root system started.they are already putting on new growth. Very pleased.

M
M.C. (Maryland)
Two alive one dead

I received these plants and one was dehydrated. Sent a photo showing all three and haven't heard back from you on the replacement or refund.

We're sorry you're having trouble with your plants. It seems that we haven't received photos of the plant in question. Please double check all contact information and reach out to us at [email protected] with your order number and photos of the plants so we can better assist you. All orders are covered by our 60-day guarantee. We look forward to helping! https://bit.ly/ggp-guarantee

T
T.C. (New York)

One of the figs is doing great and the other one died

Hello! We're sorry you're having trouble with your plant. Our team of horticulture experts would love to take a closer look! Please contact [email protected] with your order number and photos of the plants, and we'd love to assist you. All orders are backed by our 60-day guarantee. We look forward to helping! https://bit.ly/ggp-guarantee

C
C.B. (Idaho)
Chicago Hardy Fig

It arrived in great shape and seems to be thriving so far.

C
C.C. (Maine)
Me encanta / I LOVE it!!!

The little fig tree was very conscientiously, thoroughly and well packaged. It arrived promptly, with adequate moisture in the surrounding soil, and its leaves all looked vibrant and healthy. I'm so excited to witness the growth and sprawling branches that may potentially develop.

J
J.J. (Alabama)

Nice plants,smooth transaction.

R
R. (Kentucky)
Excellent purchase

The plant has been growing ever since the day 1.
Will definitely purchase more plants

l
l.j. (Georgia)

Will purchase another!

D
D.L. (Illinois)
Yes I gave a fig!

The Chicago fig was ordered as a gift for my son's and daughter-in-law anniversary.It arrived healthy and happy and has been outside gaining growth weekly. It will have many more years too - just like their marriage.

M
M.s. (Indiana)

Nice Quality plant

K
K.R. (New York)
Chicago Fig Tree

My trees arrived on time and in great condition. I repotted them and so far they are both thriving. I will be ordering more from this company. The plants are really exceptional.

H
H. (Pennsylvania)
Figgy puddin'

These 2 little trees came in such healthy condition with tons of leaves. I haven't planted them in my yard yet, I plan to overwinter them inside this year. I was (am) very happy with them so far.

J
J. (Pennsylvania)
Chicago hardy Fig

Got in the ground, looks like it's taking, hope I have it a good spot! Surviving our wet weather. Hopefully it survives the winter.

J
J. (Connecticut)
Beautiful plant

Well packed, arrived in beautiful condition with multiple branches. Started making figs 2 weeks after I planted it but I removed them so it could put its full energy into roots & leaves. I will wrap it up for the winter in a month and look forward to good growth & a few figs next year. Very happy with this fig tree!

C
C.N. (Kentucky)
Chicago Hardy Fig

So far so good, plant is healthy and if it produces, figs next year I will be in heaven. Figs are so yummy

S
S.C. (New Hampshire)
Chicago Hardy

I just received the fig tree. It looks very healthy. I am very happy about the packaging. Frankly, I did not know what to expect. I will be ordering more plants in the future for certain. Thank you!

J
J.G. (Massachusetts)
Chicago Hardy Fig

Arrived healthy and full of leaves and appears happy on the south facing wall where it was planted. Will know more after a winter here in the Northeast zone 5b! High hopes.

J
J.S. (Pennsylvania)
Awesome play! Excellent service!

I have never been more impressed with an online garden company. This is the best one I have ordered from BY FAR!

S
S.H. (Washington)
Beautiful plant, not root bound, arrived healthy.

I’ve only just planted the fig outside. It was still too cool here when it arrived several weeks ago. It’s a great plant, really healthy, good roots but not root bound. I hope it thrives.