Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work.

This wasn’t your average ornamental tree doing its polite “I’ll just sit here quietly” thing. No—this giant was showing off. Broad, lush green leaves the size of dinner plates fanned out like tropical umbrellas, shading clusters of plump, sun-kissed figs. Some hung low, practically begging to be picked. Others peeked from deeper within the branches, still wearing their green coats, waiting for the perfect ripening moment.

Babulyа, ever the provider, reached up and plucked a handful of the ripest figs—small, smooth-skinned treasures the color of sun-faded plums, with a little golden tear-drop at the bottom. She handed one to Neil, who gave it an inquisitive sniff before taking the tiniest of bites. His face said it all—”Interesting, but… no, thank you.” I suspect it was the seeds—those tiny pops inside the soft, strawberry-colored flesh—that threw him off.

Leon, however, took a different approach. He bit in, eyes wide, then kept going. Not only did he devour the sweet fruit, but he made an ambitious attempt to chew the stem. (For the record: stems are not recommended for culinary enjoyment.)

Meanwhile, I sat there savoring one for myself. And let me tell you—fresh Celeste figs are nature’s candy. They smell faintly floral, like a bouquet left out in the sun, with a hint of warm sugar. The taste? A sweet, honeyed rush with little sparkles of tartness, the texture a luxurious mix of jammy pulp and tiny, nutty seeds. If the month of August had a flavor, this would be it.

What Exactly Is a Celeste Fig Tree?

Known as the “sugar fig,” the Celeste fig (Ficus carica) is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant fruit tree beloved across the southeastern U.S., especially in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.

These trees can grow 10–15 feet tall, making them perfect for backyard shade and fruit production in one neat package.

Celeste figs are typically small to medium in size with smooth skin ranging from light brown to deep purple. Inside, their flesh is a gorgeous pinkish-red with a strawberry-jam vibe.

One of their best features? They’re sweet even without perfect ripening, making them a reliable choice for home gardeners.

Growing Your Own Celeste Fig Tree

If you’re now dreaming of figs in your own backyard (and who could blame you?), here’s the lowdown on how to make it happen.

1. Where to Plant:

Celeste figs need full sun—at least 8 hours a day. Choose a spot with well-drained soil; figs hate wet feet. If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting on a slight mound to improve drainage.

2. When to Plant:

In Texas, the best time to plant is late winter to early spring, once the risk of frost has passed. If you’re planting a container-grown tree, you can get away with a bit later in the season, but spring gives it the best start.

3. How to Plant:

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper.

Gently loosen the roots with a garden spade before placing the tree in.

Backfill with soil and water deeply.

Add a layer of mulch (but not touching the trunk) to retain moisture.

4. Watering:

Celeste figs are drought-tolerant but produce better with regular water. In the first year, give them a deep soak once a week in the absence of rain. Once established, they can handle dry spells, but during fruiting season, a little extra water will reward you with plumper, juicier figs.

5. Care & Maintenance:

Pruning: Remove any dead or weak branches in late winter. Thin out crossing branches to keep good airflow. You’ll need some good pruning shears and gloves.

Fertilizing: Figs generally don’t need much fertilizer, but a light feeding in early spring with a balanced fertilizer can give them a boost.

Pests: Birds and squirrels love figs as much as you do—netting or harvesting early in the morning can help you beat them to it.

A Fig in Texas History & Ecosystem

Figs have been cultivated for thousands of years, originating in the Mediterranean before making their way to the Americas with European settlers.

In Texas, the Celeste variety has been a backyard staple for generations, partly because it’s one of the few figs that can handle our hot summers and occasional cold snaps.

Historically, fig trees were a symbol of prosperity and self-reliance. They provided not just fruit, but also shade for livestock, a gathering spot for families, and even habitat for pollinators like wasps and bees.

Though the Celeste fig doesn’t rely heavily on pollination for fruit set (it’s parthenocarpic), its flowers still contribute to the backyard ecosystem by attracting beneficial insects.

In rural Texas, a mature fig tree in the yard often meant summer pies cooling on the porch, homemade preserves lined up in the pantry, and a steady snack supply for kids playing outside. They’re part of the Southern gardening legacy—resilient, productive, and just a little bit showy.

What Do You Do With All Those Figs?

If you plant a Celeste fig, you’ll quickly learn that when they ripen, they ripen all at once. Here are a couple of quick and simple ideas for putting them to use:

1. Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini

Slice fresh figs and layer them on toasted baguette slices with a smear of goat cheese. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme for a sweet-savory appetizer that looks like it belongs in a gourmet magazine.

2. Fig-Infused Herbal Tea

Steep sliced figs with chamomile and a cinnamon stick for a naturally sweet, calming tea. Figs contain minerals like potassium and magnesium, and they’ve been used traditionally to soothe digestion and even help with sore throats.

Why You Should Plant One

Watching the kids interact with the tree, tasting something fresh-picked, and sharing a moment that felt like it could have been pulled from a hundred years ago reminded me why nature is so worth preserving.

A Celeste fig tree is a backyard centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a living connection to history. It thrives in Texas heat, asks for little in return, and rewards you with fruit so sweet you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought figs. And who knows—maybe one day Neil will give figs another shot. Or maybe he’ll just pass them all to Leon, who seems perfectly willing to handle the entire crop himself—stems and all!