Fig 'Chicago Hardy' (Ficus carica)
Regular price Sale price $24.95Cold-Hardy, Sweet-Fruited, and Built for Backyard Bounty
The Chicago Hardy Fig is a cold-tolerant fruit tree that combines resilience and rich flavor, making it one of the best fig varieties for northern growers and subtropical gardens alike. Also known as Bensonhurst Purple Fig, this hardy cultivar is celebrated for its ability to survive winter temperatures down to 10°F and regrow from the roots even after heavy frosts.
What truly sets Chicago Hardy apart is its delicious fruit—medium-sized figs with deep purple skin and lush, strawberry-colored flesh that’s sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for fresh eating, drying, jams, and preserves, these figs ripen from mid-summer through fall, often producing two crops per year in warmer climates.
This self-fertile, fast-growing variety can be grown in-ground in USDA Zones 6-10, or in large containers for gardeners in colder regions. Its attractive lobed foliage, compact form, and productive habit make it an excellent choice for edible landscapes, urban gardens, and food forests.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’ |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Chicago Hardy Fig, Bensonhurst Purple Fig |
| Plant Type | Perennial Deciduous Tree or Shrub |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Small Tree / Shrub Layer |
| Mature Size | 10-15 ft tall (can be kept smaller with pruning) |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Harvest Season | Summer through Fall |
| Time to Fruit or Harvest | 1-2 years from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Native Region | Mediterranean origin; adapted for U.S. climates |
| Florida Native | No |
| Zones | USDA Zones 6-10 |
| Propagation Method | Cutting |
| Pot Size | 1-Gallon Plantable Biodegradable Coconut Coir Pot |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Deciduous; drops leaves in winter; frost-hardy |
Growing Tips
Plant figs in full sun and provide well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Figs are adaptable and drought-tolerant once established, though consistent watering during active growth and fruit development encourages strong growth and reliable fruit production. All varieties are self-fertile, so a single tree can produce fruit, and they can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground. Figs are perennial, deciduous fruit trees that can begin producing within 1–2 years. Propagate by cuttings, and prune as needed to maintain a manageable size and encourage healthy new growth. Larger varieties can be kept smaller with regular pruning, while Little Ruby naturally remains a compact dwarf variety.
Most varieties are suited to Zones 7–10, while Olympian and Chicago Hardy are especially cold-hardy choices for colder climates. Olympian is cold-hardy to approximately 0°F, while Chicago Hardy can die back during severe freezes and regrow from the roots. Protect young trees from extreme cold, particularly during winter, and consider growing figs in containers that can be moved to a sheltered location in colder climates. Figs are generally dormant during winter, with fruit developing on new wood for most varieties.
Quick Care Guide
| Variety | Size | Harvest | Fruit In | Growth | Zones | Food Forest Layer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Honey | 10–15 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Yellow Long Neck | 8–15 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Violette de Bordeaux | 6–10 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Moderate–fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Olympian | 8–12 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 6–10 | Understory |
| Royal Vineyard | 8–12 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Moderate–fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Brown Turkey | 10–20 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Little Ruby | 3–6 ft. (dwarf) | Summer–fall | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Celeste | 8–15 ft. | Summer; early breba possible | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Chicago Hardy | 8–15 ft. | Summer–fall | 1–2 years | Fast | 6–10 | Understory |
All varieties are self-fertile and prefer full sun, moderate water, and well-draining soil. They are perennial, deciduous trees and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
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