Hey Gents,
I've been gone for a while, thought I'd check in and ask a question. Does anyone have any experience with Chicago Hardy Figs? I've been looking at adding some different fruit to my farm. I currently have apples, pears, peaches, plums, thornless blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, some blueberries, etc so I'm no stranger to fruit tree/plant up keep. This year, I'm planning on completing my greenhouse and adding some strawberries & citrus trees (Meyer lemons & lime) but was curious about a Chicago Hardy fig. I know they say can grow in my zone, but does anyone have experience doing so? How does it do when put in the ground in Zone 6b, or would it be best to keep it in a container? Does anyone have any other suggestions for a fig in my zone? As always, pictures are welcome.

Thanks for the help.

My mom has 2 fig trees. I don't know much about growing fruit but it is always interesting to see other fruit enthusiast on trapperman.

We always plant Brown Turkey. I live in NC however. I'd call the county extension agent for advice.

There is, or was, a dedicated fig forum on the net. Last I looked at it it was a pretty contentious site with lots of back and forth over varieties and who claimed discovery of what. But I'm sure if they are still around you can find lots of info on cold hardy figs as many of those guys were yanks, probably why all the arguing.

First I’ve heard of those, but we love figs and have 8-10 varieties between Dad and me. We’re a tad farther south than you though.


Not trying to derail your thread, but have any of you ever had a Smith fig? I tasted my first one last season, and it was like taking a bite of honey heaven. Will be planting some myself

Zone 6 sure beats zone 3-4

South LA is a hotspot for figs and fig breeding at LSU. Many different immigrant groups from fig growing regions around the world passed through or settled near New Orleans. Many brought their figs with them.
Immigrants entering through points north were not as lucky bringing their cold sensitive stuff in with them.

You will have better luck if you pot it up and keep it in a cold garage over the winter.

I kind of figured it would be best to pot it. Our temperatures range greatly here. It's around 0* this morning in So. IL, but 100* weather isn't that far off. How big of a pot should they be in? I try to pot my plants in cattle mineral tubs, would that be large enough, or should I go bigger?



I have not had a Smith fig. is it cold hardy? I'm trying to find something that will thrive in my area.

I have one in 6b for 3 years now and it dies back each year shooting a new growth from the roots but it produces alot of fruit each year. By fall id say its 8ft round with 40-50 figs and it gets bigger each year so far. Ive seen some people cut them back to where they can cover them with feed bags or wrap them with straw but i never really cared if it gives me some fruit each year.

Pintail drake, I can not say if it’s cold hardy, as cold for you and cold for me are entirely different. What I can say is that I mailed some Celeste and Brown Turkey cuttings to someone up in Virginia. If I remember correctly he said he’d had pretty good luck with Celeste but had finally had the severe freeze that shut it down. I’m not sure how those cuttings are doing now, I haven’t spoken to him in years.

Another one I was looking at was Brown Turkey for my zone. I do not know of anyone in my area with a fig, so I asked here. I know they can only grow in certain regions, so I was hoping to find someone in my zone to get some insight on maintenance. Though I am nearly 400 miles south of Chicago, when I saw the name "Chicago hardy" I was a bit curious. But I know sometimes plants don't live up to the hype.

I planted 4 Chicago figs last summer. Northern Iowa. Will see how they faired over winter. I mulched the heck out of the roots. I bought them as small plants. Won't be out much if they don't survive. We used to be Zone 4a, but now zone 5a.

From what I just read, if you’re going to have a chance with any, the Chicago Hardy is the one to try. You’ve probably already seen this website....

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/hardy-chicago-fig-trees.htm