Cold Hardy Fig Trees for Sale
Most fig varieties can withstand temperatures as low as 5F and only a rare few can endure 0F." These are the varieties marked cold hardy in my directory. Pick a pot size and add a tree to your cart
Cold Hardy Fig Trees Tested Through Real Winters
I grow near Philadelphia in zone 7A, and I mark a variety cold hardy based on my own winters and what other growers have reported. During the winter of 2021–2022, I left over 100 varieties completely unprotected through a low of 6°F to see which would make it.
One thing to know: if a variety isn't marked cold hardy, that doesn't mean it isn't hardy. It takes years of testing to know, so I only add the label once I'm confident.
How Cold Can a Fig Tree Get?
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Most fig varieties can withstand about 5°F, and only a rare few can endure 0°F.
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With winter protection, fig trees can be grown in USDA zones 5A–6B. In 7A they can grow without protection, though I still recommend it. In 7B and higher, protection is usually unnecessary.
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Roots are more vulnerable than branches and can be damaged below 10–15°F. In colder zones, mulch the soil, and move potted trees into winter storage.
Hardiness Is More Than Genetics
The real key is lignification, the process that turns green growth into hard, woody branches. A poorly lignified Hardy Chicago can take severe damage at 20–25°F, while a well-lignified tree of a less hardy variety can survive much lower. New growth needs to stop 3–4 months before frost to lignify fully. Protect young trees for their first one to two winters, because heavy winter dieback also cuts down next year's figs.
Read my full guide to cold hardy fig trees and lignification, my masterclass for zones 5, 6 & 7, and how to wrap fig trees for winter.
Where I'd Start
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Hardy Chicago: the gold standard. It reliably survives 0°F and still fruits after winter dieback.
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Campaniere: exceptionally hardy, very early and intensely flavored.
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Celeste: hardy, early and one of the most humid-tolerant figs there is.
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Longue d'Aout: one of the hardiest fig varieties in existence, with massive figs. It prefers drier climates.
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Vagabond: one of the hardiest trees I grow, with no damage during the brutal 2024–25 winter.
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Dalmatie: a very large, hardy, early fig with an exquisite eating experience.
My full list of hardy fig varieties has more, and my fig variety directory has my notes on each variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most cold hardy fig tree?
Hardy Chicago (also called Chicago Hardy) is the gold standard. It reliably survives 0°F and produces fruit even after winter dieback. Celeste, Florea (Michurinska 10), Teramo, St. Martin, Campaniere, Dalmatie and Longue d'Aout have also shown resilience at 0°F or lower.
How cold can a fig tree survive?
Most fig varieties can withstand about 5°F, and only a rare few can endure 0°F. Roots are more vulnerable than branches and can be damaged below 10–15°F.
Can I grow a fig tree in zone 5 or 6?
Yes, with winter protection. Fig trees can be grown in USDA zones 5A–6B with protection. In 7A they can grow without it, though I still recommend it, and in 7B and higher protection is usually unnecessary.
Do cold hardy fig trees still need winter protection?
Young trees do. Protect them for one to two winters until they're well lignified. Even Hardy Chicago can take severe damage at 20–25°F if its branches haven't lignified properly.
Why isn't a variety I like marked cold hardy?
No mark doesn't mean a variety isn't hardy. It takes years of testing to know, so I only mark a variety cold hardy once I'm confident.
How do I protect a potted fig tree in winter?
Bring it indoors to a winter storage area. Fig tree roots are more vulnerable to cold than the branches and can be damaged below 10–15°F.
Every variety on this page (Cold Hardy Fig Trees): Anconetana · Barbillone · Becane · Black Celeste · Black Madeira · Black Mission · Brooklyn White · Campaniere · Carmelitana · Celeste · Chios Yellow · Coll de Dama · Colonel Littman’s Black Cross · Columbaro Nero · Constans · Dall’Oso · Dalmatie / Stella · Demos Unk · Desert King · English Brown Turkey / Olympian · Fignomenal · Filacciano Bianco / Norman’s Yellow · Florea / Michurinska 10 · Green Michurinska · Hardy Chicago · Hivernenca · Hunt · ICON (Improved Celeste O’Rourke Not) · Improved Celeste · Italian 258 · Kadota / Dottato / Peter’s Honey · Kutfeji Black · Little Ruby · Longue d’Aout · LSU Hollier · LSU O’Rourke · LSU Purple · LSU Tiger · Moro de Caneva / Figo Moro da Caneva · Nerucciolo d’Elba · Osborne Prolific / Godfather · Pastiliere · Ronde de Bordeaux · Salam Piacentino · Sefrawi · St. Martin · Sucrette / Cul Noir · Sultane · Torbole / Verte e Arte / Fico Lungo di Portogallo · Vagabond · Val Camonica Long Green / Verdino Valsessia · Verdolino · Violette de Bordeaux · White Adriatic / Verdino · White Marseilles · White Triana