Your goal is
consistently moist
, but not soggy, soil. As it develops deeper roots it’ll become very drought-resistant. An older Chicago hardy fig should get about an inch of water every two weeks. Give it a bit more during hot weather, but don’t over-water.
Are Chicago hardy figs good?
Chicago Hardy FigFicus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’
Very hardy fig shrub that is a great container tree. Has very attractive bark and large dark green leaves that are 4”-10” long. Fruit is
edible
and ripens in late summer or fall on new wood.
Are Chicago hardy figs self pollinating?
With generous, extended yields of the most delicious mahogany-colored fruit, there’s plenty to love about Chicago Hardy Fig Trees! Amazingly, these prolific plants are hardy to zone 5 when given winter protection and
self-pollinating
, which means they can be grown independently without other varieties present.
How big does a Chicago hardy fig get?
The cold-hardiest (hence ‘Chicago’) fig available, handsome trees can grow
up to 30 feet
; or you can keep them at 6 feet: it’s up to you. Low upkeep trees can grow just about anywhere. Drought-tolerant, pest-resistant.
How fast does Chicago hardy fig grow?
This variety will grow
2-3 feet per year
up to maximum of 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide in the garden. In pots they grow according to pot size.
What is the most cold hardy fig tree?
The Common Fig (Ficus carica)
is the most cold hardy species of edible fig and the one we plant in Philadelphia; unlike other fig species, it is also self-fertile and doesn’t require pollination to produce fruit. Figs can be eaten fresh, dried, or even turned into a nice preserve.
What temperature can a fig tree tolerate?
Fig trees are native to subtropical climates and are hardy to United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 and warmer. Although they can tolerate
temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit
, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experimentation Station states that figs need mild winters to survive.
How cold can Chicago hardy fig tolerate?
All figs thrive in organically rich, moist, well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Chicago fig stems are
hardy to 10 F. (-12 C.)
and the roots are hardy to -20 F.
How do you overwinter Chicago hardy figs?
The tree will want to
go into dormancy
and will look unhealthy all winter long. Once all of the leaves have fallen off the fig tree, place the tree in a cool, dry place. Often, people will place the tree in an attached garage, a basement or even closets indoors. Water your dormant fig tree once a month.
How long do Chicago hardy figs take to fruit?
These terrific trees are heat and drought-tolerant once established, very easy to grow in containers, and even easier to love. Plus, they typically begin bearing fruit
within two years
, making them an excellent return on investment! Learn how to plant, grow, and care for Chicago Hardy Figs with our comprehensive guide.
How do you prune a Chicago hardy fig tree?
PRUNING If temperatures go below 10F, you will need to prune main stem down until you reach solid wood. You may need to cut as much as four inches above soil. The best time to prune is
early spring after the winter rest
. They can take a light or hard pruning because fruit forms on both new and old wood.
What type of fig is a Chicago Hardy?
Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy’
This attractive garden tree produces wonderfully sweet,
light purplish brown figs
with pink flesh that ripen in late summer. One of the hardiest of its kind, Chicago Hardy endures colder zone 6 winters, providing an interesting winter silhouette.
Do Chicago hardy figs have wasps?
A fig is actually the stem of an inflorescence, very enlarged and fleshy, that surrounds the tiny flowers inside. … Such a unique flower requires a unique pollinator. All fig
trees are pollinated by very small wasps of the family Agaonidae
.
How big do dwarf fig trees get?
Many dwarf fig trees reach
up to 10 feet tall and wide
like the “Celestial” fig tree (Ficus carica “Celestial”). This dwarf fig grows well in USDA zones 7 through 11, producing small sweet figs, which ripen in the middle of June.
Can a fig tree survive winter?
As a result, fig trees can be found in urban and suburban backyards in many USDA growing zones. Because of these diverse climatic growing areas, a fig tree cover or wrap for winter is often a necessity. Fig trees are
tolerant of mild freezing temperatures
, but extreme cold may kill the tree or damage it irreparably.
How do I grow bigger figs?
During the dormant season, be sure to remove all dead, diseased, or weak branches to encourage growth. If you have an abundant growth of figs, you
can thin the fruit
to encourage larger figs. In colder regions, bring container-grown fig trees indoors for the winter. Keep the soil moist.
