"Chicago Hardy" Fig tree

[pintail_drake2004]

Hey Yall,
I've been gone for a while, thought I'd check in and ask a question. Does anyone have any experience with "Chicago Hardy" Figs? I've been looking at adding some different fruit to my farm. I currently have apples, pears, peaches, plums, thornless blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, some blueberries, etc so I'm no stranger to fruit tree/plant up keep. This year, I'm planning on completing my greenhouse and adding some strawberries & citrus trees (Meyer lemons & lime) but was curious about a Chicago Hardy fig. I know they say can grow in my zone, but does anyone have experience doing so? How does it do when put in the ground in Zone 6b, or would it be best to keep it in a container? Does anyone have any other suggestions for a fig in my zone? As always, pictures are welcome.

Thanks for the help.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

Nobody have any fig trees?

 

[Tonyroo]

Figs are a warm climate plants, not everyone will grow them and some don't care for the fruit.

I've never heard of that strain of figs you mentioned. Maybe looking up that strain might give you better insight of how to manage it for your climate.

 

[nchls school]

Nobody have any fig trees?

I grow different varieties of fig and we have several Chicago Hardy; both standard and dwarf. What would you like to know about them?

I used to live in Northern WI and tried the Chicago Hardy there. While the tree lived the growing season was way too short for any fruit to ripen. This may be a problem for you.

Her in TN the tree does well giving an abundant supply of figs to eat.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

Our Growing season is just short of 200 days. Here in So. IL our temp ranges from 0* to 100* and extremely humid. Does the Chicago Hardy do well in the ground, or should it be potted up and sheltered in the winter?

Another one I was looking at was Brown Turkey for my zone. I do not know of anyone in my area with a fig, so I asked here. I know they can only grow in certain regions, so I was hoping to find someone in my zone to get some insight on maintenance. Though I am nearly 400 miles south of Chicago, when I saw the name "Chicago hardy" I was a bit curious. But I know sometimes plants don't live up to the hype.

 

[LizzzyJo]

I live in zone 6. Close enough to Lake Erie to be zone 5ish microclimate with the wind and I have had many Chicago hardy fig trees. They can survive. I get about 20 figs a year off of good ones. About 1/2 die their first winter. Wrap them in hay, straw, and burlap for the winter. They’re delicious. I do cut the tops once I have a good sized crop of green fruit in September so they focus their energy on ripening. Works well. Buy a few and enjoy

 

[LizzzyJo]

 

[pintail_drake2004]

Thank you! Do the figs need pruned yearly like apples/pears? I have read figs root easily, so if pruning is required I'd try to propagate some.
My Father was stationed in Greece for several years, and my in-laws are from Eastern Europe (Poland). I would like to grow some of the fruit they talk about. Figs being one of the items on the list.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

Lizzy, those are beautiful!

 

[nchls school]

Our Growing season is just short of 200 days. Here in So. IL our temp ranges from 0* to 100* and extremely humid. Does the Chicago Hardy do well in the ground, or should it be potted up and sheltered in the winter?

Another one I was looking at was Brown Turkey for my zone. I do not know of anyone in my area with a fig, so I asked here. I know they can only grow in certain regions, so I was hoping to find someone in my zone to get some insight on maintenance. Though I am nearly 400 miles south of Chicago, when I saw the name "Chicago hardy" I was a bit curious. But I know sometimes plants don't live up to the hype.

I'd suggest trying both ways; container and in the ground-possibly a sheltered south side spot.

Chicago Hardy should grow for you. Once you have one tree, others are easy to start. I have started many cuttings.

A draw back of the fruit is that it does not keep and needs to be used when ripe quickly; one day after ripening the fruit is not as good and loses flavor.