These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
12-18 inch bare root plant.
Key Characteristics of Celeste Fig:
Origin: The Celeste fig (Ficus carica 'Celeste') is a cultivar with a somewhat debated origin. While the common fig originates from the Old World Tropics, specifically Asia Minor and the Mediterranean region, the 'Celeste' cultivar's specific development is less clear. Some believe it originated in France, possibly being related to the 'Violette Marseilles' or 'Constans' varieties. It gained significant popularity in the southeastern United States and is considered a relatively old and well-established variety there. It is sometimes also known as 'Sugar Fig', 'Celestial Fig', or 'Blue Celeste'.
Patent Status: 'Celeste' is an older, open-pollinated cultivar that was introduced well before the widespread patenting of plant varieties. Therefore, 'Celeste' fig is not patented and is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces small to medium-sized figs with a light brown to violet or purplish skin. The flesh is rose-colored to light pink and very sweet, often described as having a honey-like or sugary flavor with melon and dried fruit undertones. It is a prolific producer, yielding abundant crops, typically ripening the main crop in July. 'Celeste' is a "closed-eye" fig, which means the opening at the bottom of the fruit is small and tightly sealed, helping to resist insect entry and spoilage from rain.
Ripening Time: 'Celeste' is an early to mid-season ripening fig, with the main crop typically maturing in July. In some warmer climates, it may produce a smaller breba crop (first crop) in late spring or early summer, followed by the main crop.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Celeste' is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height and spread of 7 to 10 feet, sometimes reaching slightly larger sizes. It often exhibits a multi-stemmed, shrub-like habit with an erect to spreading form. The leaves are large, typically 5-10 inches long and 4-7 inches wide, deeply lobed with 3 to 5 sinuses, and have a rough upper surface.
Flowers: Fig flowers are unique and located inside the developing fruit (syconium). The flowers of 'Celeste' are not outwardly showy. As a common fig, 'Celeste' is parthenocarpic, meaning it sets fruit without the need for pollination.
Hardiness: 'Celeste' is considered one of the more cold-hardy common fig varieties, generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9 for in-ground planting. It can sometimes survive in Zone 5 with significant winter protection. It is also heat and humidity tolerant, making it well-suited for the southeastern United States. Container-grown trees can be overwintered in protected, unheated areas in colder zones (down to Zone 2 with protection).
Pollination: 'Celeste' is a self-pollinating (parthenocarpic) common fig and does not require pollination from a fig wasp or another fig variety to produce fruit.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) for optimal fruit production and ripening.
Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types, including loamy, clay, and sandy soils, but prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.0-8.0). Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Watering: Benefits from regular and deep watering, especially during establishment and fruit development. Mature trees have some drought tolerance, but consistent moisture promotes better fruit quality and yields. Avoid oversaturating the soil.
Pruning: Generally requires light pruning to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to maintain a desired shape. Heavy pruning can reduce fruit production, as figs produce on new wood. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant.
Uses: 'Celeste' figs are highly valued for:
Fresh eating due to their exceptional sweetness and flavor.
Drying, as their closed eye helps prevent spoilage.
Preserves, jams, and jellies.
Baking and cooking.
Their edible leaves, which can be used for grilling, steaming, or making tea.
Wildlife Value: Fig trees can attract birds and other wildlife that may consume the fruit.
Ornamental Value: 'Celeste' figs can be attractive landscape trees with their distinctive lobed leaves and interesting branching patterns.
