For sale is a source of Celeste from a grower named Lorayna. She happily contributed to my Celeste trial and send me cuttings from her very large tree.
Celeste is nearly indestructible. Light rain does not phase it. The skin is like a waterproof jacket. Meaning, the skin has an incredible ability to repel water rather than absorb it. The hang time is also short, the figs are small, they rarely split because of their perfect shape, and they dry easily on the tree. You could not dream of a better fig variety for humid areas.
It is the standard fig variety for humid climates. It’s no wonder that LSU used Celeste in their breeding program. It’s a parent of just about every fig they've released.
Similar to Hardy Chicago, (the next variety I'll be discussing), Celeste is so widespread worldwide that it has acquired many names. This has led to a confusing amount of synonyms for essentially the same fig. This is why I and other serious fig growers have put in the work to categorize them under a common name. To give you an idea, White Adriatic has at least 25 synonyms and Hardy Chicago has over 100.
Some of these synonyms might share the same genetic code. However, it's not rare to spot their differences due to epigenetic changes. Larger differences may be observed from genetic mutations, which are branches or single buds on a fig tree with a different genetic code.
Celeste (Lorayna) Fig Cuttings - 3 Per Order
Why choosing the right fig variety matters
Choosing the right fig variety can make all the difference in so many positive or even negative ways. A variety that is well suited to your climate and taste preferences will ensure that your getting the fig experience that you deserve.
It's heartbreaking when you put years of work into a tree to finally realize that it's just not suited to your location because it will rarely produce high quality figs and in some cases, may never produce fruit that's even edible!
Fig varieties are very location specific because they're so highly subjected to their environment while they're ripening. Unlike many other fruits, the fig can be destroyed in its final ripening stage. It's a soft fruit that can absorb water into its skin causing cracking, splitting, mold & fermentation all because the inside of the fruit gets exposed to the outside elements of nature.
An apple has a hard covering. A persimmon has a hard covering. Berries and other soft fleshed fruits are also susceptible to bad weather conditions, but they have a short window of time in which they're soft and ready to be picked. Figs can be soft hanging on the tree for 5, 10 or even 15 days!
How to choose the right fig variety for your climate
When choosing a fig variety, it's important to consider the climate in your area during the winter, summer and fall.
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Some fig varieties are more tolerant of cold weather and others can be grown in climates that have mild summers because of their reliable breba production or their early main crop harvest period.
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Others are better suited for humid climates because they don't need to hang as long on the tree and they have a skin that acts like a waterproof jacket. The water just slides right off.
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Others are better suited to warmer climates and have the ability to taste incredible even in 100-110F temperatures.
If you want fig variety recommendations, read through the description of each fig variety carefully, or better yet, don't be afraid to contact me. In your message, include your growing zone, location, annual rainfall, and how you want to grow them.
To read more about choosing the right fig variety, click here:
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