Chicago Hardy Fig
Chicago Hardy Fig (Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’)
The Chicago Hardy Fig is a cold-tolerant variety of the common fig, prized for its sweet, medium-sized fruits and ability to withstand colder climates than most fig trees. Native to the Mediterranean region and adapted for northern gardens, this deciduous shrub or small tree is both ornamental and edible, producing purplish-brown figs with rich, strawberry-colored flesh.
We produce Chicago Hardy Figs in 10″ orange plastic patio pots as well as 7″ grey clay pots.
Common Name:
Chicago Hardy
Mature Size:
Usually 4-6 ft tall and 3-4 ft wide when planted in a container. Can get 10-15ft tall when grown outside in the ground.
Growth Rate:
Moderate to Fast
Optimum Temperature:
65-75 degrees fahrenheit
Characteristics:
Large lobed leaves with rough texture. Multi-stemmed shrub or tree with medium-sized purplish-brown fruit.
Light:
Indoor: Well-lit room, with bright light. South or west facing windows.
Outdoor: Hardy to USDA zones 5 to 10. The plant prefers full to partial sun.
Water:
Indoor: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when the plant goes dormant. Avoid overwatering.
Outdoor: Water the plant deeply once a week.
Fertalizer:
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer..
Common Pests/Issues:
Watch carefully for scale, spider mites, and mealybugs on this plant’s foliage. Other common problems frequent to this plant is root rot and leaf drop poor light or humidity levels are common issues indoors.
Additional Notes:
In far northern climates (zone 4 or colder), bring plants indoors to overwinter. Prune the plant after blooming. If you wish for it to grow into a small tree, simply remove the spent blooms and clean out any dead or diseased wood. For a hedge, sheer the plant to the size desired. Bonsai and topiary forms take more training, which should be started in infancy. You can truly shape rosemary to almost any form you like.
