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Chicago Hardy Fig
Chicago Hardy Fig
Chicago Hardy Fig
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Chicago Hardy Fig

205 ReviewsAsk Questions
$22.99
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Description

Also called bensonhurst purple fig

Productive and easy to grow. Bears delicious medium-size figs. Exhibits drought-tolerance once established. May die back in colder climates and resume growth in spring. Bears fruit early on new growth. Fruit produced on the older wood will appear in early summer and fruit on new growth will appear in early fall. Ripe fruit has a dark mahogany color. Originates from Sicily. Grows well in containers! Heat-tolerant. Ripens in July through frost. Self-pollinating.

Characteristics

Fruit Color Purple
Fruit Size Medium
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest July Through Frost
Shade/Sun Partial Shade - Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 6.5
Taste Sweet
Texture Fine Grained
Years to Bear 1 - 2
Zone Range 5 - 10

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 5 - 10
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatability range of this variety before ordering.

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

When your tree matures, it will be approximately 15 - 30' tall x 15 - 35' wide.

Recommended Spacing

We recommend spacing these trees 35 - 40' apart to ensure room for growth.

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow fig trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Read about how to grow fig trees »

Shipping Information

Estimated Delivery Date

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Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

Our Promise of Satisfaction

1 Year Warranty

Every order comes with our promise of satisfaction. If you aren't completely satisfied with your order, let us know within one year for a free one-time replacement or refund.

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Questions & Answers

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Browse 67 questions Browse 67 questions and 217 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
Best fig trees I???ve had. Want to increase
JOHN T on May 23, 2020
I've had a Chicago Hardy Fig for three years. I lost it over the winter last year and need to replace it. This fall I'll but a big brick of peat moss early in the season so I can properly protect it over the winter. Love fresh figs in my garden and can't wait to have them again.
Sue G on May 17, 2020
Best fig trees I???ve had. Want to increase
JOHN T on May 23, 2020
Because I live in Maine. It has to be hardy but not tardy.
MEHMET I on May 21, 2020
I've had a Chicago Hardy Fig for three years. I lost it over the winter last year and need to replace it. This fall I'll but a big brick of peat moss early in the season so I can properly protect it over the winter. Love fresh figs in my garden and can't wait to have them again.
Sue G on May 17, 2020
It may go well with my Brown Fig. I hope.
KhongLo on May 10, 2020
Mainly because the leaves are so pretty,
such a nice looking plant - and can live for now on a balcony.
Ava G on May 5, 2020
Figs are delicious healthy snacks. They are a good source of fiber, calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
Elizabeth A on May 4, 2020
We like it
Nivin S on May 3, 2020
It has the most positive reviews and there were individual reviews from people that grew them in containers which is what I want to do.
Thomas B on Apr 28, 2020
I live in a colder climate and didn???t want to winterize. Plus the fruit taste described sounds very good. If this one goes well, may try one that needs to be winterized.
Melissa on Apr 25, 2020
I love figs and a neighbor in Virginia had them, they were SO good. Surprised this was compatible in upstate New York so I thought I would give it a try. I have 2 fig trees in North Carolina I just bought, so I'm hoping the yields will be good!
Kathy on Apr 17, 2020
We already have one and had good luck with it.
Cynthia L on Apr 15, 2020
It will great to raise figs in Michigan. We are on the Lake Michigan coast.
Patrick H on Apr 7, 2020
Can grow in a pot.
Melissa V on Apr 6, 2020
I chose this for the winter hardy trait and to increase production on my existing brown turkey fig.
Melanie M on Apr 5, 2020
figs are great
FITZROY F on Mar 29, 2020
These are great producers in my zone.
Kevin M on Mar 25, 2020
most cold hardy for my area
Sandra R on Mar 1, 2020
Like figs
Steven T on Feb 28, 2020
For a school education garden that parents stated they wanted to learn about figs. This one will work in our zone.
Kathleen W on Feb 20, 2020
Enjoy figs and needed a variant that could withstand occasional, though rare freezing, and could be pruned to stay relatively small. Will try to experiment with these a lot once fruit bears.
William J on Feb 8, 2020
Need a (very) hardy fig.
David D on Feb 3, 2020
I have tried many figs in pots---they all died eventually. I am going to try to plant this in the ground and if killed by the cold, will hopefully re-sprout each year.
Pamela D on Jan 28, 2020
Fig for my zone.
Cheryl H on Jan 25, 2020
Hardy enough to survive the area I live in.
Zainab A on Jan 13, 2020
Best fig plant for my zone of 7b.
Dave Q on Jan 3, 2020
To be planted in Zone 5, hope it takes.
Donna A on Jan 2, 2020
I love figs and needed one that is cold-hardy. Tried one in a container before, but couldn't keep it alive.
Bryan L on Dec 19, 2019
For a container plant
Richard E on Dec 13, 2019
On our acre we have Brown Turkey Fig trees. I wanted another variety for my zone -7b - because my family is large and we all love figs.. So the more the better! :)
Raphia D on Oct 15, 2019
Chicago Hardy is listed as the hardiest variety for my zone - for outdoor in-ground planting, with adequate winter protection.
Manny O on Oct 14, 2019
It will thrive in Ohio cold weather. They are fast growing fruit trees.
John S on Sep 21, 2019
recommended
Ronald Z on Sep 13, 2019
I???m going to prepare it for container growth in Atlanta as a gift to my daughter and it appears to be well suited to the climate and growing conditions there.
William M on Sep 8, 2019
I bought a fig tree off Craigslist that bears fruit that is unfit to eat. I hope to plant my 2 new fig trees plus graft some of their trimmed branches onto the dud tree.
Joanne D on Sep 2, 2019
Already have some and they are delicious! They are easy to grow!
Susan G on Aug 13, 2019
I live in the NY/NJ area and need something that will survive the winter
Imtiaz H on Aug 1, 2019
Lots of great reviews, easy to maintain and good for my climate!
Christina V on May 4, 2019
Where I live it gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Perfect fit; that, I love figs and store bought can be pricey.
Sin N on Apr 29, 2019
Hardiness
Margarite P on Apr 26, 2019
I live in a northern Illinois/ southern Wisconsin area and I love figs. It???s a beautiful garden plant as well.
Julia Z on Apr 20, 2019
I have wanted a fig tree for a few seasons now and this one seemed like a good one to start with. Hoping it will grow vigorously in a pot.
Sara K on Mar 31, 2019
My husband loves figs and this one is hardy in our zone.
Susan N on Mar 30, 2019
Does well in a cold climate
Tom P on Mar 30, 2019
We used to have some when I was younger, and my grandmother would always make these fig jam cookies with the fruit from the tree, which we hope to continue at my new house.
David L on Mar 27, 2019
Looking for a fig that would actually be hardy in my area.
DANNY L on Mar 24, 2019
Brown Turkey has been recommended for our area here in northwest Oklahoma, but after reading about the hardiness of this fig, I'm thinking the heat tolerance might really work here....crossing my fingers.
Lamar A on Mar 24, 2019
I have 2 already they survive the Missouri winters at least mid Missouri.
We got 26 figs the first year off of one tree.
Harold on Mar 21, 2019
I Live in the North East and love Figs.
Joseph V on Mar 18, 2019
Yum
Wendy F on Mar 15, 2019
My climate and to grow something you can't find in stores. Fresh figs are great tasting.
Amy F on Mar 14, 2019
Because I live in Maine. It has to be hardy but not tardy.
MEHMET I on May 21, 2020
It may go well with my Brown Fig. I hope.
KhongLo on May 10, 2020
Which fig tree is best suited for a northern Indiana climate?
Karen on Feb 18, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I'm in Columbus, OH, and the Chicago Hardy is very happy here. (40th parallel, clay soil)
do you have the dwarf variety?
Patrick L on Apr 2, 2016
BEST ANSWER: No, we don't have the dwarf size, but many growers have had success keeping this tree smaller with pruning. Unlike most other fruit trees, fig trees typically don???t require routine pruning, but you can prune them to a size that works for your space. Many fig tree growers find that keeping them between 6-8 feet tall is most manageable, especially in a container environment.
Can you keep Chicago hardy fig as a houseplant?
rose b on Mar 16, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I bought two last year one for my mom and hers harvested about 30 figs last summer that she said were very tasty brought it in for the winter.. we are planting hers in the yard this spring. mine did not do so well in the harvesting department maybe got 3 figs were not eatable.. maybe this year we both brought our fig trees in for the winter I rent my home so it will stay on my porch in a large pot I can let you know how it harvests this year both have not harvested any fruit over the winter. hope that helps you have not had it long enough to advise indoor plant or not.
can I plant outside in Bedford, ohio ?
rose b on Mar 16, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Heck yes! I'm a couple of degrees of latitude North of you I think, and in USDA Planting Zone 5b. I just planted this fig last summer and it established well. This will be its first winter survival - a meek winter. I cannot say for sure that it survived yet. Check back with me in May? -Brian
found 3 figs in my tree bought in June 2015 but inside is white and not sweet or any flavor?
Cecilia R on Jul 11, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Your fruits are not ripe if white inside. When ready a fig's inside is red to brownish red. and should be some what juicy, not dry.
I bought Chicago Hardy fig tree last year and planted it in a large pot the tree is doing well but it is growing like a long poll with no side branches except for the very top how can I get some side branches to come out of the lower part of the tree any advice would be appreciated....Thank You ?
Anthony T on May 12, 2017
BEST ANSWER: My tree is growing the same as yours, which seems to be common for this variety. You should be able to prune the "pole" back to a lower bud and the remaining buds below your cut will grow into a new scaffold of branches and leaves, but I would recommend waiting to prune until the tree goes dormant for the winter so that you don't lose any potential fruit that may develop at the branch/trunk tip this year.
I would like to purchase a chicagohardy fig tree for a large ( 2' x 2' x 2' ) square container - in my back yard in Philadelphia PA - would this be a suitable tree for this environment? I will not be able to bring it inside in the winter - so can i cover it with something ? thanks
MaryAnn K on Oct 19, 2016
BEST ANSWER: We have both Brown Turkey and Chicago Hardy and live in Springfield, Illinois. We cover them with three feet of straw and they do very well. They are in the ground (ground level) and die back in our area. Regrow bigger and more productive each year.
Can i plant this outside in Fitchburg,mass?
J costa on Sep 19, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. This is a remarkable fig variety that is quite cold-hardy and will do fine in your zone, which is 6A.
My Chicago Hardy Fig was delivered at the beginning of April. It is in the house in the same pot until the temperatures warm up here in NH. It has 2 small figs developing at the top along with the leaves. Should I pinch the figs off or let them develop? Thank you.
Karen W on Apr 19, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I would let them develop. I got my fig tree last year and they produced three figs. I wasn't sure if they'd be edible or not, but I let them do their thing. When they became dark and slightly soft, we picked them and ate them. They were delicious!
can I plant my Chicago Hardy Fig in the ground? I am in SE Michigan. Have had it in a pot for two years now, bringing it in in the Winter.
SUSAN F on Aug 14, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Hi, Susan. This is Kathy from Omaha, Nebraska. We planted our fig in the
ground last year and it came back fine. A couple of things: 1) it was a little slow to break dormancy this spring, and 2) it dies back to the ground, so it's more like a shrub instead of a tree. Having said that, however, it is extremely vigorous and is at least five feet tall and three feet wide with numerous figs. Hope this helps!
fig tree was indoors for 4 yrs and did fine, although no figs. put it outside for first time on patio and leaves are starting to brown and curl. why?
nick r on Aug 20, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Your tree is suffering stress from being moved to a full-sun environment. This needs to be done gradually; the leaves are "sunburned." They will grow back. The tree may not be producing because it has outgrown its pot. Check the roots and see if they are growing out the bottom of the pot or have reached the sides of the pot. You can either air-prune the roots and keep it in its current pot, or transplant it to a larger pot. Make sure it stays moist (not wet) and allow it to dry out between waterings.
I am in zone 6B, but we do get at least a few nights of negative 5-10 below 0. Can I plant the chicago hardy fig out in the ground? if so, should I cover with a tarp or other protection in winter? Thanks
Kathleen H on Mar 4, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Hi, I live in Bayside NY and also it's zone 6B. I planted Chicago hardy fig from Stark Bro's last year and harvested 5 figs. These figs are small but taste is like sweeter than honey. The stem get twice thicker than first I got. I planted it on the ground at front garden and I didn't do anything to protect from frozen temperature. I just got out to see and I found new buds on the stem. So Chicago hardy fig has a tolerance to cold temperature. I hope it helps you to make a decision.
Ok to store in garage during zone 5 winters that get to -10?
GARY M on Feb 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I???m from West Michigan, zone 5, and left mine outside during the 2018/19 winter. It was our tree???s first winter with us and it was a very harsh winter getting to -25 F. Our tree didn???t come to life until the end of July (thought it was dead) but it was also an unusually cold summer in 2019. Your tree should come back to life but it might not get fruit after recovering from such cold temperatures. This is our first try with a fig tree so sorry I couldn???t be more helpful but that???s what we have learned so far!
How do I winterize a fig tree?
Christina D on Aug 11, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I've buried the entire plant in leaves as well as the bottom foot of the plant.
In either instance, the plant still froze almost to the soil line. They always grew new tops and bore fruit. I gave up trying to save the tops when I can get delicious figs without all the effort. I've threatened to build a greenhouse over a fig plant but why when we get figs with no heroic efforts?
We'd get more fruit but is it worth the extra work? I think not. I hope this helps.
Last year I purchased a dwarf hardy chicago fig tree from you. It grew a few figs and leaves. They fell off and I brought it inside and put it in my closet for the winter. This spring I took it out and there was a 3 ft. yellow stem coming out the middle with three tiny leaves on top. Should I trim this back so more branches will grow?
Shirlee B on Mar 29, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Trimming the ends of the branches back will cause more growth to develop from buds that remain. If you like the look and location of this growth, you can trim it some to encourage more growth that will appear during the growing season.
I live in Ct... I have tons of figs in my Chicago Hardy but can???t get them to ripen in time to eat them .. what am I doing wrong ???
Gloria R on Oct 7, 2018
BEST ANSWER: No, you???re doing awesome raising Chicago figs in CT!!! The only things you can do now to quicken the whole process is at the beginning or at the end- Try to overwinter them with straw bales to act as insulation around them or tons of light much to help keep the roots warmer but remove as soon as last frost passes- try to get an earlier jump on ???waking??? them back up- once buds and leaves open- fertilize for roots and leaf growth once or twice in early spring then stop- with a 5-5-5 or 10-10-10 then keep that watered to set fruit earlier and have that longer rgrowing/ ripening period starting earlier- also having figs planted on/ near a south wall baking all that sun into waking them up earlier- then picking and storing some with apples/ bananas to ripen faster- good luck!
From what part of the branch do Hardy Figd originate?
Shirley G on Aug 17, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Hello Shirley,
Just like in the picture, the figs are at the top of the branches, and are usually covered by the big leaves. Mine is in its second year, and the leaves have formed a beautiful canopy to prevent the fruit from scorch.
Are Chicago hardy fig trees able to grow in Michigan?
jtsnake on Sep 15, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Absolutely. These trees will survive temperatures down to zero. The tree may die back like a perennial, but it will sprout new limbs in the spring, larger each year.
I have a Chicago fig tree in a pot, 2 years old. I it too late to plant in the ground ?
L O on Sep 7, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Not at all! Just make sure you dig a hole 2' wider and deeper than the existing root ball.
If I wanted to plant this tree in the ground but still control size to keep it dwarfed, could I plant this tree in a root pouch and then put it in the ground? Or would this be achieved just by pruning?
Maggie on Feb 25, 2016
BEST ANSWER: In my experience, when I tried to keep my trees in pots to restrict their mature size, I dug holes and "planted" the pots in the ground. The trees' roots eventually grew through the holes in the pots into the ground. I'm not sure how durable a root pouch is. Root girdling and other harmful problems might arise, so, playing it safe, I would say pruning is the better method at controlling the mature tree size of your fig tree if you plan on planting it in the ground.
how big is this tree now ?
Johnpaul B on Apr 17, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Ah, it's still a wee thing. Perhaps I had too much enthusiasm, given how far north I am. This will be my third spring--and each year it has died back to the roots, starting fresh up from the ground. I'm currently debating whether to dig it up and relocate it to a spot on the south side of the house. I am unwillling to do the recommended winter protection where you encase it in straw bails, or actually flatten it to the ground for the winter. At this rate, the tree will never get any higher than my knees.
can this be grown in a large pot on a deck?
Vince on Mar 6, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Vince, I planted two Chicago Hardy bareroot [Stark Bros] last year in 24" wood wiskey barrels and they are doing fine. The young "non-hardy" golden figs died from cold weather the year before in the same barrels despite mt effort to protect them from freezing. Now proven to survive I will be investing the effort to espalier these Hardy's. I was careful to use good shrub grade potting soil and trace element amendments and during the first dormant season I pruned the first growth slightly to train them to the shape I wanted. I removed the small fruit that emerged the first year and will probably do the same the second year. It's a relatively warm March and the buds have begun to swell. Caution: feed lightly until well established and ready to set fruit. I expect that the more confined space for roots will force faster fruiting which might not be desirable when the trees are young. Proper pruning will yield better results. These guys are trees and will get big and wild, even in a pot. The fruit will be worth the effort and should you move you can take them with you.FYI, I am also growing espalier'd apples, peaches & plums in 24" barrels.Bob from Atlanta zone 7.
I purchased a chicago hardy in feb last year. I got lots of leaves and one tiny fig before winter. Its now mid April with no new growth. I put in fertiiizer sticks. What else should I be doing? Its in a 20 gal pot on my deck. I used good soil and the coconut husk filler for helping with water. I understand its been chillier in Kentucky longer this year but I would have expected to at least see some growth from the top.
Vicki L on Apr 23, 2020
BEST ANSWER: fig trees are paradoxal: They are marked by strength and weakness. they are strong because their roots continue to be alive in spite of the weather's harshness. But they also are weak:: Full branch(es) may die because of the cold. Eliminate the dead branches and wait for the new ones to take shape.. if you have bought a small tree, it may be preferable to keep it in its pot the first two years, then plant it. I did not add any nutrient to my trees, but took care of placing them in a sunny spot. Best wishes.
How big is the Chicago Hardy fig when it ships?
Robin C on Mar 19, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I think it depends on the size you have selected - mine were about 3 ft. The trunks are thin but don???t let that fool you. I also have one that has multiple trunks. So it is more like a bush.
How tough is the skin or covering on the
figs ?
Hilde on Aug 18, 2019
BEST ANSWER: The skin is very tender. They are really sweet although not real big. I got fruit the first year. I haven't planted mine outside yet but am planning on it this year before winter or next spring. We had an exceptionally cold winter last year & it survived in my garage which is not heated..I hope this helps. Margaret
Do I need to cover the tree in the winter since we are living in zine 5 b?
Linda M on May 31, 2016
BEST ANSWER: We are in zone 6 and almost all our several fig trees have died down to the ground line nearly every year. They have mostly resprouted to form small shrubs with very little fruit, no matter what variety we had at the time. I've even tried burying the entire plant in leaves with a structure to keep the leaves in place.No good either. I'm ready to pot both our current figs up and bring them into our heated greenhouse to see if we can get more than 2or 3 ripe figs. The few we've gotten that ripened were worth nearly any effort to produce them. Figs are not for,lazy people but the fruit is the best we've ever grown. No insects or diseases seem to bother them, just cold temperatures. Lots of luck with your figs Enjoy them any you get.
can plant this Chicago hardy fig outdoor at MA. Can this fig be survive at the Winter in MA? Thanks, Sue
Sue L on Apr 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I'm not sure what winter cold is like where you live, but I planted a Chicago fig with the assurance that it could withstand temperatures a few degrees below zero. That proved false. We had a succession of nights a bit below zero, so I spread insulation on the ground around, then covered both the seoond-year tree and the ground with blankets. Niether the top-growth or the roots of the tree survived the winter. So when it is still young I think the tree needs to be brought in for the winter. I have had excellent success with brown turkey figs treated that way in the past, having to give up only when the tree became too large for my small house. I switched to the Chicago Fig because of its vaunted hardiness, but even that could not withstand the cold spells in southern Iowa.
I have a 3-year old tree with a 3-inch trunk. It's been kept dormant in the garage over the winters but kept moist. It's been outside for a couple of weeks now, but only the bottom branch is leafing. Should I cut the trunk down to ground level?
Sam D on May 6, 2017
BEST ANSWER: If you scratch the trunk and see green it should be fine. Unless it looks dead, I would not touch it right now. Give it a few more weeks. My figs didn't die back to the roots this year so I cut the dead parts off. They have started leafing out and I can see it will keep leafing out more.
DO I need to wrap this tree during the winter in zone 6b?
Peter W on Apr 22, 2017
BEST ANSWER: I live in zone 6a. I've had this tree for two years. In year 1, I left it outside and it died back and I almost tore it out to throw it away. I had protected it with burlap I didn't wrap it tightly. When I was going to pull it out, I noticed that there were tiny shoots emerging from the roots so I left it alone and voila - it grew to about 4' but produced no figs, alas. This winter, I dug up the tree and moved the pot it's in to a very cold bedroom and away from direct light (cold is usually around 60) and it started budding in February and now has many large green leaved. The last frost date up here is around Memorial Day so, after checking the weather, I plan to replant it in the same warm spot and hope for the best. My advice is that fig tree does need protection.
Do rabbits like to chew on the fig plants? Just wondering if I need to put a cage around it to get any fruit.
Steven S on Jan 16, 2017
BEST ANSWER: I have not had any trouble with rabbits. I did however have a major raccoon attack last summer.. I doubt that any animal will eat the leaves. They have a strong scent, and probably are not too tasty.

Customer Reviews

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4.2 / 5.0
205 Reviews
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4 Stars
3 Stars
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1 Star
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31
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15
Great Fast Growing Fig
No stock meant I had to wait until last fall to get my Chicago Hardy Fig Supreme, But, it has grown profusely here in Alabama since receiving it. It already has figs on it this May and is now five feet tall and spreading out! Very healthy tree. I have been using Stark Tree Pep on it every ten days since planting early this spring.

I also have a Stark Brown Turkey Fig Standard I planted last summer. It is growing well, but has no figs and looks like a runt compared to the Chicago Hardy Fig Supreme!
May 24, 2019
Ten Years and Counting in Colorado
We are a solid Zone 5 in Northern Colorado and my Chicago Fig has survived for over ten years. Granted, it dies to the ground each year but it resprouts a little bigger and more vigorous the next time. Our season is so short that I have only eaten a ripe fig fruit once or twice, but the foliage alone makes this a show-stopper. I have yet to try protecting the stem with a ring of chicken wire and dried leaves, but I think it would give the plant a leg up.
July 18, 2016
awesome fig trees
Ordered two for the yard in nw Illinois ,zone 5. They came in pretty much as to be expected as sticks . After spring planting and weekly watering they budded out,made a few branches ....AND ..midway thru summer they blossomed and then gave us 4 figs!!!! I had 3 and I think a squirrel had the other. Not bad for less than a year growth.
Buried them over winter,uncovered them in April and now they both are leafing out already. Can't wait to see what we get this year!
Thanks Starks,you've never let me down!
May 23, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
My favorite fig for withstanding cold
We are in middle Tennessee. We have one of these trees in the garden and last winter it suffered no cold damage (probably down to 5 or 10 degrees F). We have three more in Smart Pots that we keep in our unheated garage. When they start to leaf out, we open the garage door during the day and close at night. They are about a month ahead of the one in the garden. We get lots of figs.
May 10, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Chicago Hardy Fig
I planted two figs outside the year before last. They are slow to bud Spring 2015, but once they leafed, they were nice bushes. Last year they were loaded with figs but due to the late bloom and odd weather during the growing season only about 1/3 matured. The ones we ate were delicious. They are just starting to bud this year. Dayton, OH
May 10, 2016
Purchased
 over 6 years ago
Year later, still healthy
Living in Michigan help decide on this tree due to bitter winters. Lost a couple of branches but that may be due to the winterizing process. Overall, no complaints.
June 27, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
So pleased!
As soon as I received my tree, I planted it in a half-barrel. The only problem with it was that it was taller than I expected. I was told I could shorten it, which I did. That caused it to branch out very nicely. It set fruit fairly late in the season, several of which ripened, but the rest remained on the tree when I brought it into the garage for the winter. This Spring I roll it in and out of the garage as the weather permits and it is growing with huge leaves and the fruit left on in the Fall is maturing beautifully. I also see buds that will be this year's fruit. I am so proud of this tree and it is great fun to watch. Besides the fruit is absolutely delicious.
May 16, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Plant healthy and growing well
Plants arrived in perfect condition. Got them in the ground in early November and already they've added a twelve inches stem growth despite a chillier than expected winter.
February 25, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
Beautiful.
I purchased this fig tree last year and potted it up. I kept it in the garage through the winter and before our weather was warm enough for it to go out, I had buds on it. I purchased one for a friend and he planted his in the ground last year and had figs! His survived the winter just fine. Mine is in the ground this year and is growing like crazy....very healthy! Excited to see what happens.
May 18, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
CHicago Hardy Fig
SO FAR SO GOOD, I Think.
I received your shipment in excellent shape. Fine packaging. I planted it, per your instructions. We decided to put it in a whiskey barrel rather than into the ground. This should allow us to move it into winter storage. This was the main reason for selecting this type of fig.
There has been no activity on the trunk all winter. Not very surprising. I scratched a small spot on the upper trunk and it's good and green under the skin. All should be good.
February 23, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago

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