As its name suggests, the Chicago Hardy Fig tree is known for being especially tolerant of cold weather while also producing a heavy crop of yellow-green to dark purple colored figs. The inside of the fruit is colored a lovely shade that resembles strawberry jam. Productive and easy to grow, this fig also exhibits superb drought-tolerance once established. Bears fruit early on the new growth, an abundance of figs appear in early summer. Chicago Hardy is also self-pollinating, meaning that it does not need to be planted near another variety of fig to produce fruit! An excellent choice to accent your patio as this tree grows quite well in containers. 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 as necessary in colder climates. 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. The Chicago Hardy Fig can reach heights between 10 -15 feet.
- Endures cold temperatures
- Heavy producer
- Self pollinating
- Dark purple figs
- Bears fruit sooner than other fig varieties
