Chicago Hardy - Fig

Ficus carica called the common fig, It is noted for its spreading habit, attractive foliage and edible fruit. The fig tree does well in a variety of soils but require at least 8 hours of sunlight during the growing season. Cold injury can be reduced by choosing sites without direct sunlight early in the morning or later in the afternoon. In USDA Zone 5 and 6, figs can be grown as low-branching shrubs that are "laid down" in winter (branches are bent over and covered with soil also mounded over the main trunk). It may also be grown in a pot and brought indoors or keep in a cool garage. Begins bearing fruit 2-3 years after planting, the main fruit crop ripens in late summer or fall on new wood. In some areas, a lesser crop may appear in spring on new wood. It will gorw 10-15 ft. tall although it may only grow 3-4 ft. in cold climates.