Buy Chicago Hardy Fig

Scientific Name: Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy'

Also Known As

Bensonhurst Purple Fig

Plant type

tree, shrub, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 3'-20'
W: 3'-20'

planting zones

6a-11

2-4 inch bagged root ball | $19

UPS shipping based on order size & location

Fewer than 4 at Cistus Nursery

2 inch wide, 4-6 inch deep tube | $19.95

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46 at Forestfarm

More Options

Chicago Hardy Fig plant details

Chicago Hardy Fig is a moderate-growing broadleaf deciduous fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree with green foliage. In summer flowers emerge followed by brown and purple fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Chicago Hardy Fig

Plant type: fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree
Plant family: moraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 20 FT - wide, 3 FT - 20 FT - tall
Uses: edible

GROWING CONDITIONS for Chicago Hardy Fig

USDA Zones: 6a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: seaside / salt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

"As the name would imply, this long-grown selection comes from indeed Chicago IL, where often steps are taken to protect the woody parts of the plant in winter, it has produced reliable fruit. Here in the west often two crops of juicy flavorful dark purple figs. To about 15 feet with an upright habit, easily kept lower with pruning. Fully sun/ warmth and at least occasional summer water where dry for best fruit set. Not picky about soil as long as decently drained. Cold hardy in USDA zone 6

By: Cistus Nursery

This fabulous cultivar brings wonderful, sweet figs to colder climates! The delicious fruits are medium sized and dark-purple with pretty pink flesh. The large lobed leaves bring a textural almost tropical feel to the garden or patio and it can easily be container grown. The roots of this fine specimen can withstand temperatures of -20 Fahrenheit; it produces its fruit on new wood so it will produce figs even if it dies back to the ground. Mature height is variable, 3-4' if it dies back and up to 15' in warmer zones. S/M

By: Forestfarm

Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy' is one of the most cold hardy figs available with a valuable early fruiting season compared with other cultivars. It produces brown, medium-sized fruit in summer with a rich, sweet flavour. It also has the unique ability to produce some fruit even when stems have been killed to the ground, though the greatest production will be from plants with over-wintered wood. A good container candidate. Also known as 'Bensonhurst Purple', this cultivar is originally from Sicily.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

The Chicago Hardy fig is one of the most cold hardy figs around. Fruits ripen to warm brown with a sweet taste. Growth Rate medium, 6-12" annually

By: Garden World

This edible fig can take subfreezing temperatures, dying back in the fall and resprouting in the spring. The medium-sized fruit ripens to a delicious, sweetness in late summer and early fall. For northern growers, give it a heavy mulch with hay or leaves when dormant. An excellent candidate for pot culture, this easy-to-grow fig is also known as 'Bensonhurst Purple.' Its origins are from Sicily.