Chicago Hardy Fig Tree

About Chicago Hardy Fig Trees

The Chicago Hardy Fig tree is known for being especially cold hardy and producing small, brown to purple colored figs. The inside of the fruit is colored a lovely shade that looks like strawberry jam. This plant is also known as the Bensonhurst Purple fig or the Hardy Chicago.

It is productive and easy to grow, exhibiting drought-tolerance once established. The Chicago Hardy may die back in colder climates and resume growth in the spring. It bears fruit early on the new growth. Figs that grow on the older wood will appear in early summer. This plant is heat tolerant and self-pollinating, meaning that it does not need to be planted near another variety of fig to produce fruit.

This is the perfect plant to accent your patio—with the bonus of fresh figs! The cheerful foliage has attractive broad leaves, and the figs grow green until ripening into darker fruit. When planting in containers, the fig can be brought indoors during the winter months.

Using the Fruit and Leaves

Fig trees, ficus carica, have been a favorite fruit tree since ancient times, loved for their sweetness and rich flavor. They are enjoyable to eat fresh and can be used in salads, charcuteries, and with cheese. Chefs use their sweet flavor for desserts, and they can be dehydrated, canned, and frozen.

Figs are a good source of fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. They are also high in vitamins A and C.

Even the leaf is a source of food from this productive tree! The broad, flat leaves are often used for grilling, steaming, and baking, where they impart a smoky flavor to other foods. Additionally, the dehydrated leaves can be made into tea.

Growing Chicago Hardy Fig Trees

Grown in the ground, the Chicago Hardy Fig can reach between ten to fifteen feet in height. In a garden pot, the tree’s height will be reduced by the size of the container. Outdoor potted trees should be brought indoors for the winter.

Buy a Chicago Hardy Fig tree and enjoy delicious figs and from this hardy plant.