Celest Fig Tree

The Celest Fig (Ficus carica 'Celeste', also sold as Celeste) is a compact, reliable backyard fig carrying small purple brown fruit with unusually sweet, honeyed flesh. It reaches about 5m tall and 3.5m wide, or far less in a container, and it is self fertile, so a single tree crops on its own. For a warm, dry, sunny corner you want producing something, few trees ask for less.

Why you'll love it

• Fruit worth growing for. Small figs with purple brown skin and dense sweet flesh, grown for flavour rather than size. It eats far better fresh than shop bought.
• One tree is enough. Self fertile, so there is no second tree to buy and no pollination to arrange.
• It thrives on neglect. Drought tolerant, heat tolerant and happy in poor soil. Figs crop best when they are not pampered.
• Summer shade, winter light. Broad lobed leaves make a dense canopy over a seat through the hot months, then drop in winter. A fast grower that reaches a productive size in a few seasons.

Where it works best

Feature and shade planting. The pale sculptural branches are worth seeing bare in winter, and the big leaves give a Mediterranean look and proper shade through summer. Allow the full 3.5m spread, and keep the planting hole well back from paving.

Pots and containers. Figs fruit well with restricted roots, so a pot 500mm or wider is a legitimate way to grow one rather than a compromise. It also holds the tree to a manageable 2m to 2.5m.

Growing the Celest fig in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, and the hotter and drier the better. This suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi arid gardens, and it is frost hardy, going dormant through winter. Humid tropical and subtropical summers are not its fit, where wet weather at ripening splits the fruit.

Soil. Almost anything with drainage. It tolerates poor, stony and alkaline ground that defeats a stone fruit. Wet heavy clay is the one real enemy, so mound the planting site.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first two summers, then only in long dry spells. Steady moisture while fruit is swelling prevents splitting. Go light on nitrogen, because a well fed fig grows leaves at the expense of figs.

Roots and pruning. Fig roots are vigorous and will find pipes, paving joints and drains, so plant at least 5m clear of services and hard surfaces or use a container. Prune in winter while dormant to keep the centre open and the tree pickable. Wear gloves: the sap and leaves irritate skin, and pets too.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as a 200mm pack of six, which suits an orchard row or a shared order. These are young trees rather than advanced specimens, and being deciduous they may arrive as bare stems with dormant buds if they ship in winter, which is normal and not a fault.

Expect the first light crop within two to three years, building steadily from there. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Planting and caring for backyard fruit trees
• Compare the fig tree range
• Browse all fruit trees
• See more edible plants for the garden

Common questions

Do I need a second tree for fruit?

No. Celest is self fertile, so a single tree sets a full crop on its own without a pollinating partner nearby.

How far from the house and pipes should I plant it?

At least 5m from paving, drains, tanks and plumbing. Fig roots are genuinely vigorous and go looking for water, and a container is the safer option on a small block.

Is it safe around pets, and can I keep it small?

The milky sap and leaves are irritants to skin and to animals, so plant it away from where a dog digs or chews. Winter pruning holds it comfortably at 2.5m to 3m, and a large pot restricts it further while often improving the crop.