Cold Hardy Food Forest Bundle

*Ships for FREE in spring. Very limited in quantity*

The Cold Hardy Food Forest Bundle from The American Fig Company is your complete starter kit for building a thriving, low-maintenance edible landscape and only requires as little as a 20x30 foot space. This diverse collection includes cold-hardy, productive fruiting plants: one of each Bob Gordon and Adams elderberries, two thornless Triple Crown blackberries, four flavorful figs (Chicago Hardy, White Marseille, Magnolia, and Petite Negri), one nutrient-rich Phoenix Tears goji berry, one of each Aurora and Czech 17 honeyberries, one Issai kiwi vine, one of each Fall Gold, English Thornless and Black Delicious raspberries, two custard-like native pawpaws grown from the seeds of amazing tasting fruit, plus one of each low-growing Anna and Sophia raspberry ground covers. Designed for layered planting, these perennials boost biodiversity, support pollinators and wildlife, improve soil over time, and deliver years of abundant harvests—from summer berries and kiwis to late figs and tropical-flavored pawpaws—with minimal care once established. Ideal for backyard permaculture, homesteaders, or anyone wanting resilient, homegrown food in Zones 6+!

Below you can find more information on each plant that comes in this package.

Bob Gordon Elderberry x1
Description: Fruits are sweeter and larger than other cultivars. Vigorous, productive plants; can be pruned to ground after dormancy for size control. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Smooth-stemmed multi-branched shrub, up to 12 ft tall/wide (pruning controls size).
- pH: 4.5–6.8
- Soil: Any
- Light: Full to filtered sun
- Spacing: Rows 6 ft; aisles 10–12 ft
- Mulching: Only in sandy soils
- USDA Zones: 3+
- Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis

How to Grow: Water weekly first 6–8 weeks to establish; Low-rate non-acid fertilizer.

Adams Elderberry x1
Description: Very large fruits on large clusters (up to 6 in. diameter). Complements other cultivars for pollination. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Smooth-stemmed multi-branched shrub, up to 12 ft tall/wide (pruning controls size).
- pH: 4.5–6.8
- Soil: Any
- Light: Full to filtered sun
- Spacing: Rows 6 ft; aisles 10–12 ft
- Mulching: Only in sandy soils
- USDA Zones: 3+
- Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis

How to Grow: Water weekly first 6–8 weeks to establish; then roots find moisture (tolerates high moisture). Low-rate non-acid fertilizer.

Triple Crown Blackberry x2
Description: Trailing, thornless blackberry with consistently high yields and vigorous growth. Medium, firm fruit; dense foliage prevents sunscald. Good for fresh eating. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Deciduous broadleaf trailing/erect cane.
- pH: 5.0–7.0
- Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam
- Light: Full sun
- Spacing: Rows 3–6 ft; aisles 10–12 ft
- Mulching: Not necessary
- USDA Zones: 5+
- Scientific Name: Rubus

How to Grow: Keep soil moist first year; established plants hardy and drought-tolerant. Medium-rate non-acid fertilizer.

Chicago Hardy Fig Tree x1
Description: Highly prolific in northern cold areas. Excellent flavor, purplish-brown. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Large fruiting deciduous shrub, soft woody stems.
- pH: 5.0–7.5
- Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam
- Light: Full sun
- Spacing: Rows 3 ft; aisles 6–12 ft
- Mulching: Beneficial in all soils
- USDA Zones: 6+
- Scientific Name: Ficus carica

How to Grow: Critical watering first year; then deep roots find moisture (apply if soil dry). Medium- to high-rate non-acid fertilizer.

White Marseille Fig Tree x1
Description: Large bright-yellow fruits with deep pink flesh; exceptionally sweet. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Large fruiting deciduous shrub, soft woody stems.
- pH: 5.0–7.5
- Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam
- Light: Full sun
- Spacing: Rows 3 ft; aisles 6–12 ft
- Mulching: Beneficial in all soils
- USDA Zones: 6+
- Scientific Name: Ficus carica

How to Grow: Critical watering first year; then deep roots find moisture (apply if soil dry). Medium- to high-rate non-acid fertilizer.

Magnolia Fig Tree x1
Description: Very large fruits (bigger than golf ball), yellow skin, pinkish flesh. Vigorous plants with high yields. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Large fruiting deciduous shrub, soft woody stems.
- pH: 5.0–7.5
- Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam
- Light: Full sun
- Spacing: Rows 3 ft; aisles 6–12 ft
- Mulching: Beneficial in all soils
- USDA Zones: 6+
- Scientific Name: Ficus carica

How to Grow: Critical watering first year; then deep roots find moisture (apply if soil dry). Medium- to high-rate non-acid fertilizer.
 
Petite Negri Fig Tree x1
Description: Compact size; ideal for backyard growing. Dark purple, sweet fruits with deep pink flesh. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Large fruiting deciduous shrub, soft woody stems.
- pH: 5.0–7.5
- Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam
- Light: Full sun
- Spacing: Rows 3 ft; aisles 6–12 ft
- Mulching: Beneficial in all soils
- USDA Zones: 6+
- Scientific Name: Ficus carica

How to Grow: Critical watering first year; then deep roots find moisture (apply if soil dry). Medium- to high-rate non-acid fertilizer.

Pawpaws x2 (seedling, 1 gallon pots)
Description: Native hardy trees with custard-like, tropical-flavored fruits (largest edible native North American fruit). Young seedlings; require cross-pollination from at least one other pawpaw variety/genotype for good fruit set. Trees mature 15–25 ft tall in sun (smaller in shade). 

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Understory tree/shrub; deciduous with large alternate leaves.
- pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained; rich in organic matter (avoid heavy/waterlogged clay)
- Light: Full sun for best fruiting; tolerates partial to full shade (young plants benefit from shade first 1–2 years)
- Spacing: 8–15 ft apart (for cross-pollination and air flow)
- Mulching: Beneficial (keeps soil moist and cool)
- USDA Zones: 5+
- Scientific Name: Asimina triloba

How to Grow: Plant in spring or early fall to minimize stress. Dig hole 2x wider than pot, no deeper than root level; protect taproot. Keep consistently moist first year (moderate drought tolerance once established). Low to moderate balanced fertilizer (e.g., compost or light applications in growing season); avoid high nitrogen. Prune minimally. Fruit in 3-4 years.

Goji Berry Phoenix Tears x1
Description: Deep orange, nutrient-rich (high carotene) jellybean-shaped fruits; sweet with slight acidity. Long mid-summer harvest. Multi-stemmed shrub 5–6 ft tall/wide. Self-fertile, cold/drought tolerant. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub; sprawling/arching canes.
- pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (adaptable)
- Soil: Well-drained; average to poor tolerated
- Light: Full sun (half day minimum; best fruit in hot/dry conditions)
- Spacing: 4–6 ft apart
- Mulching: Beneficial for moisture retention
- USDA Zones: 3+
- Scientific Name: Lycium barbarum

How to Grow: Water regularly first year to establish; drought-tolerant once rooted (prefers warm summers, cool nights). Low-maintenance; minimal fertilizer (compost suffices). Prune after fruiting to shape/train. Bears 1–2 years after planting.

Aurora Honeyberry x1
Description: Large powdery-blue elongated fruits (avg. 1.9 g); dry scar, excellent fresh/frozen. Sweet flavor when fully ripe. Upright vigorous shrub to 6 ft tall, 3 ft wide. Needs cross-pollination (pair with another variety like Czech 17). 6" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub; honeysuckle family.
- pH: 5.5–8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral preferred)
- Soil: Well-drained, rich/moist organic matter
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (full sun north; afternoon shade in hot zones)
- Spacing: 4–6 ft apart
- Mulching: Beneficial
- USDA Zones: 2+
- Scientific Name: Lonicera caerulea

How to Grow: Keep moist during establishment; moderate water once rooted (tolerates some drought). Low fertilizer needs (balanced, low-N spring). Prune after fruiting. Early ripening (before strawberries); abundant blooms make it a good pollinator.

Czech 17 Honeyberry x1
Description: Super vigorous; medium firm fruits with good flavor (best for desserts/juicing); 10–15 lb yields. Abundant long-blooming flowers (excellent pollinator for other honeyberries). Plants 5–6 ft tall, 3.5 ft wide. Needs cross-pollination. 6" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub; honeysuckle family.
- pH: 5.5–8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral preferred)
- Soil: Well-drained, rich/moist organic matter
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 4–6 ft apart
- Mulching: Beneficial
- USDA Zones: 2+
- Scientific Name: Lonicera caerulea

How to Grow: Similar to Aurora: consistent moisture first years; adaptable once established. Low fertilizer. Prune post-harvest. Extended flowering/fruiting (6+ weeks early summer); very cold-hardy and pest-resistant.

Issai Kiwi x1
Description: Self fertile variety; sweet round light-green fruits with green-to-yellow flesh. Compact vine; recommended for backyards/small spaces. Harvest late September. 3" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Deciduous climbing vine; needs support/trellis.
- pH: Adaptable (slightly acidic preferred)
- Soil: Well-drained, high organic matter
- Light: Half to full sun
- Spacing: 8–10 ft apart (along trellis)
- Mulching: Beneficial
- USDA Zones: 4+
- Scientific Name: Actinidia arguta

How to Grow: Provide sturdy support; train vines. Regular balanced moisture (critical for growth/fruit). Moderate fertilizer (balanced, avoid excess N). Prune in winter/dormant season. Bears 2–3 years after planting.

Fall Gold Raspberry x1
Description: Bright yellow, honey-sweet fruits (avg. 1.8 g); everbearing (moderate spring/early summer crop + heavy late summer/fall). Vigorous, reliable; great for U-Pick/markets/gardens. Self-fruitful. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Deciduous cane shrub; upright thorny canes to 4–5 ft.
- pH: 5.5–6.8 (slightly acidic)
- Soil: Organically rich, moist but well-drained
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: Rows 2–3 ft; aisles 6–8 ft
- Mulching: Beneficial
- USDA Zones: 3+
- Scientific Name: Rubus idaeus

How to Grow: Water 1 inch/week during growth/fruiting; mulch for moisture/weed control. Medium non-acid fertilizer (apply spring). Prune out fruited canes after harvest (everbearing: tip-prune for fall crop). Good drainage essential.

English Thornless Raspberry x1
Description: Thorn-free canes; sweet red fruits with good aroma. Vigorous, consistent yields; fruits early summer after black raspberries. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Broadleaf deciduous cane; upright to 6 ft from rhizomes.
- pH: 5.0–7.5
- Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam
- Light: Full sun
- Spacing: Rows 18–24 in.; aisles 4–10 ft
- Mulching: Beneficial but not necessary
- USDA Zones: 3+
- Scientific Name: Rubus idaeus

How to Grow: Good drainage; water to support spring/summer cane growth if dry. Non-acid fertilizer (medium rate); apply N early spring and 4 weeks later.

Black Delicious Raspberry x1
Description: Medium black fruits (~1/2 in. diameter); firm, small seeds, intense aromatic flavor. Easy harvest on terminal ends; erect self-supporting canes. 3.25" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Broadleaf deciduous erect cane to 6 ft from central crown.
- pH: 5.0–7.5
- Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam
- Light: Full sun
- Spacing: Rows 3 ft; aisles 8 ft
- Mulching: Beneficial but not necessary
- USDA Zones: 4+
- Scientific Name: Rubus occidentalis

How to Grow: Keep moist first year; established plants hardy. Medium-rate non-acid fertilizer.

Anna Raspberry Ground Cover x1
Description: Low-growing (5–6 in. tall) thornless herbaceous ground cover; spreads by rhizomes into thick mat of trifoliate leaves. Pinkish-lavender flowers late spring; sweet red fruits mid-summer. Excellent fall red/burgundy color. Plant at least two cultivars (e.g., Anna + Sophia) for cross-pollination. Pest/disease resistant. 3" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Low herbaceous perennial; mat-forming.
- pH: Adaptable
- Soil: Well-drained (all types tolerated)
- Light: Half to full sun
- Spacing: 12–18 in. apart for coverage
- Mulching: Not necessary
- USDA Zones: 1+
- Scientific Name: Rubus stellaticus (or arcticus variant)

How to Grow: Minimal care; no pruning needed (dies back winter). Moderate water to establish; drought-tolerant once spread. Low fertilizer (compost ok). Spreads naturally; great weed suppressor/edible landscape.

Sophia Raspberry Ground Cover x1
Description: Low-growing (5–6 in. tall) thornless herbaceous ground cover; spreads by rhizomes into thick mat of trifoliate leaves. Pinkish-lavender flowers late spring; sweet red fruits mid-summer. Excellent fall red/burgundy color. Plant at least two cultivars (e.g., Anna + Sophia) for cross-pollination. Pest/disease resistant. 3" pots.

Care Info:
- Plant Type: Low herbaceous perennial; mat-forming.
- pH: Adaptable
- Soil: Well-drained (all types tolerated)
- Light: Half to full sun
- Spacing: 12–18 in. apart for coverage
- Mulching: Not necessary
- USDA Zones: 1+
- Scientific Name: Rubus stellaticus (or arcticus variant)

How to Grow: Minimal care; no pruning needed (dies back winter). Moderate water to establish; drought-tolerant once spread. Low fertilizer (compost ok). Spreads naturally; great weed suppressor/edible landscape.