Sorry to answer a question with a question ... how was the fig labeled ... was there a specific variety (i.e. was "Chicago" the variety or did you buy it in Chicago?)

Don't overlook the method of planting the tree in a large container and burying it for the spring/summer/fall seasons. This way you can dig it up each fall and move it to an unheated space for the winter (garage, root cellar etc.) I do this for 18 trees and find it works very well. For me, the effort of moving the Figs in and out are less onerous than the task of wrapping.

The general rule is that things get a bit dicey with figs below 20 deg F. Depending on the variety you can start getting die-back. Also, you want to keep them below 40 deg F or they will start to grow prematurely.

Take a peek at the attached link ...

-Steve

Here is a link that might be useful: Will a fig survive my garage in this zone 5 winter?

I grew figs for years in New York City, and my trees fared well without protection after they were established. I had minimal to NO dieback as long as it stayed above 5 degrees or so. Of course, planting the right varieties helped! I had the best success with what I THINK is Eastern Brown Turkey, White Marseilles ( THREE crops one year!!! ), and Desert King. My Hardy Chicago perished after a moderately cold winter while my nearby BT was okay. In fairness to the HC, it had some of its roots exposed when my neighbor dug the soil away from the side of his garage because my yard was much higher than his, and he was worried about the soil against his garage. Both trees were compromised by this digging, but the HC was affected a little more, I think. In any case, you can probably get figs without anything more than a mulch. You will, of course, likely lose the top growth, and will have to depend on root sprouts for fruit. This can ONLY work for you IF you have a hot sheltered spot, and some cooperation from the weather!

In zones colder than 7, you will need to protect your fig. Many people who live in colder zones grow figs by mummifying them for the winter (you can get info on the web). For a deciduous tree, figs can be surprisingly tender to winter dieback--though they frequently regrow from the roots in zone 6b without protection. Regardless, they leaf out rather late--waiting for really warm weather. I have Brown Turkey and Petite Negron. I see the green buds on all so looks like they made it (I'm too busy and lazy to protect them). My Petite Negron was even left out in a container and it seems okay. If you containerize you should NOT generally leave them outside as they will be much more vulnerable to cold. Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

stevec, Chicago is the variety.

Another question. How easy are fig trees to propagate? Can I root branch cuttings?

Yes you can propagate from branch cuttings, there are many good ways to do so!

Here is a link to one good way

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/figs4funforum/vpost?id=2137711&pid=20287748#post20287748

Cecil
Good luck