Chicago Hardy Fig Tree

Sold Out Save $30.00 *BEST SELLER*
✓ Ships in 1–5 days How we ship your plants
1 YEAR GUARANTEE

all our plants and trees are now covered by our 1 year guarantee. Learn more

Size
Regular price $128.00 Sale price$158.00you save $30.00
SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES
Video thumbnail play
Video thumbnail play
Video thumbnail play
Video thumbnail play
Video thumbnail play
Video thumbnail play
Video thumbnail play
Video thumbnail play
Video thumbnail play

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

Chicago Hardy Fig Tree is a resilient, deciduous tree known for its sweet, dark purple figs and attractive, lobed green leaves. This variety is well-suited for colder climates and can tolerate frost better than many other fig varieties.

  • Botanical name: Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy'
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun

WATER:
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 5-10; thrives in cool to warm climates with well-draining soil

Note: Chicago Hardy Fig Tree is known for its cold tolerance but may benefit from winter protection in very harsh climates.

*We cannot guarantee the Chicago Hardy Fig Tree you receive will already be bearing fruit. This depends on the season and the overall growth pattern.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Chicago Hardy Fig Tree, scientifically known as Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy', is celebrated for its remarkable cold hardiness and ability to produce sweet, delicious figs even after enduring winter freezes. This resilient fig variety is known for its robust growth and high yield of dark purple fruits with rich, red flesh, perfect for fresh eating, preserves, and baking. Ideal for gardeners in cooler climates seeking to grow their own figs, the Chicago Hardy Fig thrives in a range of conditions and is particularly suited for urban gardens, patios, or orchards, offering both ornamental beauty and bountiful harvests.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate, typically increasing by 1-3 feet in height each year. Reaches a mature height of 10-15 feet and width of 9-12 feet.

Sizing: Our fruit and citrus trees are primarily utilized as outdoor patio or indoor plants and are potted. Accordingly, we measure our fruit and citrus trees from the bottom of the pot to the top of the tree for accuracy.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Chicago Hardy Fig Trees benefit from regular watering during their establishment phase and thrive in full sun. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system; once established, water deeply, occasionally during dry periods. They are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a fruit tree that provides both visual appeal and a rewarding harvest.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune Chicago Hardy Fig Tree in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In colder regions (below USDA Zone 6), protect the tree with mulch around the base and burlap if needed to shield it from winter chill.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Plant the fig tree, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Space trees 10-15 feet apart to allow for mature growth.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-10

The Chicago Hardy Fig is adaptable to USDA Zones 5-10, offering a wider range of cultivation compared to other fig varieties due to its cold hardiness. It performs best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal fruit production. This variety prefers well-drained soil and is suitable for a variety of landscape applications, including container gardening, which allows for additional protection in winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago Hardy Fig typically grows 10–15 feet tall and 9–12 feet wide when planted in the ground. It can be kept smaller with pruning or when grown in containers.

Chicago Hardy Fig has a moderate to fast growth rate, often growing 1–3 feet per year under ideal conditions with full sun and regular watering.

Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Choose a warm, sheltered location, such as near a south-facing wall, to help protect the tree and encourage better fruit production.

Space trees about 10–15 feet apart to allow for their mature size and proper airflow.

Chicago Hardy Fig produces fruit in late summer to early fall, typically from August through September depending on climate.

Chicago Hardy Fig thrives in USDA Zones 5–10. It is one of the most cold-hardy fig varieties and can tolerate colder climates better than most figs.

Yes, Chicago Hardy Fig is known for its cold hardiness and can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°F. In colder climates, the top growth may die back in winter, but the roots often survive and regrow in spring.

Yes, Chicago Hardy Fig grows well in containers, which is especially helpful in colder climates where the tree can be moved indoors or protected during winter.

Yes, the Chicago Hardy Fig is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another tree to produce fruit. A single tree can reliably produce figs on its own, making it a great option for smaller spaces or container growing.

Yes, pruning helps control size, improve airflow, and encourage fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak branches and shaping as needed.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.