Fig
Chicago Hardy Pollination Guide
Chicago Hardy is self-fertile — a single tree will produce fruit without a pollination partner.
You don't need a second tree to get fruit from Chicago Hardy. It can pollinate itself. That said, having a compatible variety nearby can sometimes improve fruit set and yield through cross-pollination.
Chicago Hardy Quick Facts
Chill Hours
100 hours
Hardiness Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Harvest
August to October
Pollination Note
Common figs are self-fertile — no pollinator needed
Planning Your Orchard
Chicago Hardy is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. For best results, ensure good pollinator habitat by planting bee-friendly flowers nearby and avoiding pesticide use during bloom.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Pollination Partners
Chicago Hardy is self-fertile and doesn't need a pollination partner. A single tree will produce fruit on its own.
Can I Grow Chicago Hardy?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Chicago Hardy. Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Chicago Hardy
Chicago Hardy is the cold-hardiest fig — surviving Zone 6 winters when mulched heavily or grown in containers. The medium-sized purple fruit has rich, sweet flavor.
Growing Challenges
Dies to ground in cold winters (regrows from roots); may not ripen second crop before frost in short seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Chicago Hardy?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Chicago Hardy. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Chicago Hardy tree?
Yes! Chicago Hardy is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. You don't need a second tree, though having one nearby can sometimes improve yield.
Other Fig Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Chicago Hardy?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.