URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig varieties, Illinois growers can add this delicious, interesting fruit to home gardens.
Growing Figs
The Chicago Hardy fig (Ficus carica ‘Chicago hardy’) is the most cold-weather tolerant of fig trees and performs well in all areas of Illinois. Not only does the fig produce delicious fruit that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, but fig trees are also a great specimen planting as an ornamental with their deeply lobed, large leaves and interesting bark.
Cold-hardy figs can be grown in the ground or in a large container. Even though they are cold-hardy plants, choosing a site that is protected and sheltered from intense winds is best. Figs require six to eight hours of full sun and prefer a rich, loamy soil. Newly planted figs should receive regular watering, but after the first year, figs are very tolerant of mild drought conditions.
Figs are generally low-maintenance and free from significant pests. Figs can tolerate severe pruning. The Chicago Hardy fig grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 9 to 12 feet wide, but can be pruned and maintained at a height of six feet. Unlike other fig varieties, the Chicago Hardy fig is self-pollinating and does not require an insect pollinator.
Excitingly, figs produce fruit the very first year. With other fruit trees, the wait is usually several years. Figs should be harvested only when they are fully ripe, as they will not ripen once they are off the tree. Ripe Chicago Hardy figs are a deep purple or brown and yield slightly to the touch. Figs that are soft are overripe.
An easy, delicious way to use figs is to grill them with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Overwintering Figs
To overwinter figs, if they are planted in the ground, apply a thick layer of mulch. If in a container, move the fig to an interior space once the leaves start to fall in autumn. The containerized fig will go dormant to overwinter and does not require a heated area. Water infrequently when the top two to three inches seem dry, just to keep the roots hydrated.
If the winter is incredibly harsh and the fig branches are winter-killed, the roots usually will send up new branches in spring. Figs are a phenomenal addition to the garden.
For questions on gardening and growing, connect with a local University of Illinois Extension office from the statewide map.
Nancy Kuhajda is an Illinois Extension horticulture educator for Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. Gardeners Corner is a quarterly newsletter from gardening experts around the state. Each issue highlights best practices that will make your houseplants, landscape, or garden shine in any season.
Caption: Figs can be a great addition to an outdoor or container garden. Photo: Adobe Stock.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.