Ficus carica 'Celeste'
tree

Celeste Fig

Ficus carica 'Celeste'

$39.99
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

120 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Western Asia

Toxicity

Sap is a skin irritant

The Story

Plant Bio

Ficus carica, the common fig, is a deciduous tree or large shrub grown for its delicious, sweet fruit. It has large, lobed leaves and smooth, gray bark, and is native to the Mediterranean region. 'Celeste', also known as the 'Sugar Fig,' is a reliable and cold-hardy variety that produces small to medium-sized, violet-skinned figs with sweet, rich, rose-colored flesh. It has a 'closed eye,' which helps resist insects and fruit splitting.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe Celeste fig tree has a striking, sculptural form and large, deeply lobed, tropical-looking leaves that create a bold statement in the garden. Its smooth, pale gray bark is also attractive, providing winter interest. It brings a touch of the Mediterranean to any landscape.
Practical UsesThe primary benefit is the abundant crop of delicious, sugary-sweet figs that are perfect for fresh eating, drying, or making preserves. 'Celeste' is a parthenocarpic variety, meaning it does not require pollination to set fruit, making it a reliable producer for home gardeners.
Ecological BenefitsIn their native range, figs have a unique symbiotic relationship with a specific pollinator wasp. While 'Celeste' does not require this, the fruit is still a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife (often to the gardener's dismay). The dense canopy provides shelter and shade.

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select the sunniest, warmest spot in your yard, ideally near a south-facing wall.
  2. Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend with organic matter.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
  4. Plant at the same depth it was in the container.
  5. Water deeply after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.
  6. Water regularly during the first year and during dry spells thereafter.

Pro Tip

For sweeter figs, allow the soil to dry out slightly as the fruits are ripening.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide at least 8 hours of direct sun per day.
  • Protect young trees from winter cold in marginal zones.
  • Mulch heavily to protect roots and retain moisture.
  • Harvest figs when they are fully ripe for the best flavor.

Don't

  • Do not plant in poorly drained or wet soil.
  • Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization, which promotes leaves over fruit.
  • Don't handle the plant excessively without gloves, as the sap can irritate skin.
  • Do not prune heavily, as the main crop forms on old wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Warm and sunny edible garden featureLarge container specimen for patiosMediterranean or courtyard garden accent

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Origanum vulgare Fragaria x ananassa (Strawberry) Thymus vulgaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Celeste Fig questions

What zones can Celeste Fig grow in?

Celeste Fig is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Celeste Fig deer resistant?

Yes — Celeste Fig is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Celeste Fig bloom?

Celeste Fig typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Celeste Fig need full sun?

Celeste Fig does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Celeste Fig drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Celeste Fig handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Celeste Fig with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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