Hardy Chicago Fig

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Ficus carica – Hardy Chicago Fig

A rich and sweet brown fig, excellent for potted culture and one of the most reliable outdoor figs. It thrives in Zones 6-8, requiring an 8' to 10' spacing in Zone 7.

Fruit & Growth Characteristics:

• Ripens from August until fall frost, with some fruit appearing as early as July.
• Has yielded up to 100 pints of figs in a single season.
• Performs exceptionally well in North Carolina and is recommended for northern growers due to its early fruiting tendency.
• Best results occur when planted in the warmest, most protected location.

History & Resilience:
Discovered in the 1970s through Fred Borne, a North American Fruit Explorer, who received cuttings from a man in Chicago. The plant, originally grown in a "U"-shaped house for protection, demonstrated exceptional cold tolerance. Unlike most figs, Hardy Chicago can regrow from its roots after winter dieback and still produce fruit by season’s end.

Plant Characteristics:

• Pest & Disease Resistance: Very good
• Drought & Heat Tolerance: Excellent
• Humidity, Wet Soil, & Shade Tolerance: Fair
• Sun Tolerance: Excellent
• Salt Tolerance: Good
• Deer Resistance: Good
• Thorns: None
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Soil Type: Well-drained
• Edible Type: Fruit
• Self-Fertile: Yes
• No-Spray Suitability: Good

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Comments and opinions are always welcome.