Chicago Hardy

About

Chicago Hardy is legendary for cold tolerance, reliably surviving zone 5–6 winters (down to approximately −20 °C / −4 °F) by dying back to the roots and reshooting vigorously the following spring. The figs are medium-sized with reddish-brown to purple skin and soft, sweet pinkish flesh with a mild, clean flavour. While not the most complex fig in the world, its unmatched hardiness opens up fig growing to climates previously considered too cold.

Growing Notes

• Exceptionally cold-hardy — the benchmark variety for cold-climate fig growers.
• Even if top growth is killed by frost, roots typically survive and resprout.
• Mulch roots heavily before winter in marginal climates for extra insurance.
• Fast-growing; can fruit in its first season after a hard die-back.
• Suitable for in-ground planting in zone 6 and warmer; container-worthy in zone 5.

My Notes

Planted in the ground as an experiment to test winter survival. It died to the ground in a harsh frost its first winter, but came back with extraordinary vigour the following spring and fruited by late summer. Remarkable resilience.