Fig, Celeste

Celeste Fig (Ficus carica 'Celeste') 

Celeste Fig, often called the “Sugar Fig,” is a cold-hardy, productive fig variety prized for its small to medium-sized, violet-brown fruit with sweet, rich, honey-like flavor and amber-colored flesh. It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with attractive large, lobed leaves and a spreading growth habit. It is one of the best figs for hot, humid climates and has excellent disease resistance, particularly against rust.

Growing Zones:

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–10 (can survive in Zone 6 with winter protection).

Height and Width:

• Mature Height: 10–15 feet (can grow taller if unpruned).
• Mature Spread: 8–12 feet
• Can be pruned to maintain a smaller size for container growing.

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily for best fruit production).
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5. Avoid heavy clay.
• Watering: Regular watering during fruit development but avoid waterlogged soil. Drought-tolerant once established.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring and summer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage over fruit.
• Pruning: Best pruned in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches and to control size.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Resistant to many common fig pests; may require protection from birds and squirrels.

Uses:

• Fresh Eating: One of the sweetest figs, excellent for eating straight off the tree.
• Drying & Preserving: Ideal for drying due to its naturally high sugar content.
• Cooking & Baking: Great for making fig preserves, jams, and baked goods.
• Container Growing: Suitable for pots and large containers if pruned regularly.
• Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators and provides food for birds and small mammals.

Native Range:

• Ficus carica is native to the Middle East and Mediterranean region, but Celeste Fig thrives in the Southeastern U.S., particularly in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.