7 of the Best Cold Hardy Fig Trees | Gardener’s Path

In other words, if temperatures drop from 70°F to 10°F very quickly, the plant will be less likely to be undamaged than if the temperature had decreased more gradually.

Cold-Tolerant Varieties to Choose

Check out this list of cold-hardy fig varieties that could soon be enlivening your landscape and tickling your palate.

1. Brown Turkey

These big beauties can grow to 20 feet tall, but can also be pruned to a more manageable size – around 8 feet tall is most desirable. Some people even prune ‘Brown Turkey’ trees into bonsai plants!

‘Brown Turkey’

‘Brown Turkey’ does well in Zones 7 to 9, but with extra attention will overwinter in Zone 6, as well.

This tree has shallow, somewhat invasive roots, so keep that in mind when selecting a site.

Find a ‘Brown Turkey’ plant in a four-inch pot from Hirts: Edible Figs via Amazon.

You can also order live plants from Home Depot.

2. Brunswick

Also known as ‘Magnolia,’ the ‘Brunswick’ variety grows to about 10 feet tall by 12 feet wide.

This tree produces medium-to-large purple fruit, and the pink to amber flesh is especially well-suited for preserving.

‘Brunswick’

‘Brunswick’ does well in USDA Zones 7, 8, and 9. It is hardy to 5°F.

Live plants of three to eight inches tall for this variety are available from Wellspring Garden Store via Amazon.

3. Celeste

‘Celeste’ produces small, brown-purple figs that are rich and sweet – so sweet that another nickname for this variety is “sugar fig.”

The attractive tree can get quite large at 15 feet tall and wide.

‘Celeste’

‘Celeste’ is cold-resistant to 0°F – like what you will find in Zones 5 and 6 – and does especially well in Zones 7 to 9.

Keep in mind that you will have to offer the tree protection, as described above, in the colder zones.

This low-maintenance tree is self-fertile, meaning you need only one tree to get fruit. It’s not picky about soil, as long as it is well-draining.

You can find ‘Celeste’ plants in #3 and #5 containers available at Nature Hills Nursery.

Home Depot carries plants in two-gallon pots.

4. Hardy Chicago

This variety produces sweet, light purple-brown figs that ripen in late summer. The tree grows 10 to 15 feet tall, with a spread of nine to 12 feet.

‘Hardy Chicago’

Among the hardiest of fig trees, this one will withstand Zone 6 winters, and maybe even Zone 5, if planted in a sheltered location. Its stems are hardy to 10°F and its roots can withstand temperatures down to -20°F.

Stems that die back will likely resprout in spring and produce fruit on the new wood.

This cultivar is also known as ‘Bensonhurst Purple.’

You can find plants in #3 containers available at Nature Hills Nursery.

Or see our guide to growing ‘Hardy Chicago’ fig trees here.

5. Petite Negra (Negri)

With a mature size of three to four feet tall and wide, the highly prunable ‘Petite Negra’ is particularly well-suited for container growing.

It’s hardy to Zone 7, but if you grow it in a container, simply move it to a sheltered spot or indoors to overwinter.

This plant is self-pollinating. Its medium-to-large, deep purple-black fruit has a thin skin and is quite tasty, and you’ll likely get two crops a year.

6. Violette de Bordeaux

Also known as ‘Negronne,’ this variety is on the smaller side, growing to six to 10 feet tall and spreading four to five feet wide.

‘Violette de Bordeaux’

The blackish-purple fruit with purple-red pulp is known for its lovely fragrance and rich, sweet flavor.

This one does well in Zones 5 to 9, though it will need winter protection in Zones 5 and 6.

You can find ‘Violette de Bordeaux’ available at Nature Hills Nursery.

7. White Marseilles

This fig was apparently a favorite in Thomas Jefferson’s gardens; he is said to have discovered it in France and introduced it to the United States.

‘White Marseilles’

This variety is particularly well-suited to northern climates, and is considered appropriate for Zones 6 to 9.

Its fruits are greenish-yellow and have sweet yellow flesh. It grows to a height and width of 10-12 feet.

Live plants of this variety are available at Burpee.

Plenty of Fig Options for Colder Areas

If you’re looking to grow this Mediterranean favorite in a chilly part of the country, as you can see, you have choices.

You may have to take a little more care than those of us in the south do, but with the proper varietal selection and a bit of TLC come fall, your tree should do just fine.

Do you grow figs in the North? In the comments area below, tell us your favorite type and any tips you have for fellow cool-weather gardeners.

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