Ficus carica 'Celeste'

Celeste Fig

Ficus carica ‘Celeste’ — commonly called Celeste Fig or Sugar Fig — is a compact, deciduous fruiting tree/shrub valued for its excellent cold tolerance and very sweet fruit. It forms a rounded, multi-stemmed plant with large, deeply lobed green leaves that create a bold, tropical appearance. In mid to late summer, it produces small to medium figs with brownish-purple skin and rich, sugary flesh. It is considered one of the more cold-hardy fig varieties, often ripening earlier than others, which improves reliability in cooler climates.

Mature Size:
Width: 8–12 ft
Height: 10–15 ft (smaller in containers or colder regions)

USDA Zones: 6b–10b (best production in 7a–9b)
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soils; adaptable
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates some drought

Wildlife: Fruit may attract birds and small wildlife


Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Rounded, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub
Produces very sweet, high-quality figs with good reliability
Earlier ripening helps fruit mature in shorter growing seasons
Excellent for edible gardens, patios, and containers
One of the better fig choices for colder regions


Cold Hardiness Notes (Important):



Among the most cold-hardy common figs, but still needs protection in colder climates



Established plants can tolerate temperatures around 10°F (-12°C); some strains may survive slightly lower with protection



Top growth often dies back in zones 6–7, but roots can survive and resprout



Reliable fruiting in colder areas depends on winter protection and growing season length



Hardy into Zone 6 with protection, but best performance occurs in Zones 7 and warmer



In cold winters, fruiting may be reduced since figs often produce on previous year’s wood




Maintenance:
Prune to shape or control size in late winter
Mulch heavily in colder climates to protect roots
Wrap, bury, or grow in containers in colder zones for best survival
Fruits on previous season’s wood (main crop), so winter protection improves yield

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

10-15'

Width

8-12'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Fruit

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No