Guide to fig varieties (Part 1): From Celeste to Negronne
Figs - Part 1: From a Sugar Classic to a Royal Delicacy
Do you dream of your own harvest of sweet figs, straight from your garden or balcony? With so many varieties available, it can be hard to choose the right one. I've prepared an overview of four exceptional and proven varieties that differ in taste, color, fruit size, and growing method.
All four varieties are from the MP edition, which means I have personally tested them at home, with family, or with friends and acquaintances.
Quick Overview: One or Two Crops a Year?
- Once-bearing figs: Produce one main crop on the current year's growth, usually from late summer to autumn. They are reliable and often less demanding to overwinter.
- Twice-bearing figs (or "bifère"): Produce two crops. The first, the spring crop (called breba), ripens on last year's wood. The second, main crop, ripens on new shoots.
Introducing 4 Proven Varieties
1. Celeste – The "Sugar Fig"
The Celeste variety has Mediterranean origins and is considered a classic, reliable, and one of the most resilient varieties. Thanks to its compact shape, it's ideal for pots or smaller gardens.
- Crop Type: Once-bearing (mid-August – October).
- Growth Habit: Weak and compact, reaching a height of 2-2.5 m in the ground.
- Fruits: Small to medium-sized (approx. 30 g), pear-shaped, violet-bronze.
- Flesh: Very sweet, dense, pink to red, with a taste of honey and brown sugar.
- Frost Hardiness: down to -15°C.
- Special Feature: It has a closed eye (ostiole), making the fruits resistant to insects and splitting.
- Conclusion: A perfect choice for growing in pots as well as in the ground.
2. Dorée – The "Golden Drop"
This gourmet variety comes from France, and its name "Golden" perfectly describes the color of its fruit. It is considered one of the tastiest yellow figs.
- Crop Type: Twice-bearing (July and from mid-August).
- Growth Habit: Moderately vigorous, spreading, height of 2.5-3 m. Requires full sun.
- Fruits: Large (summer crop up to 100 g), oblong, with a vibrant golden-yellow skin.
- Flesh: Light pink to amber, very juicy and syrupy. The taste is sweet with notes of honey and melon.
- Frost Hardiness: down to -17°C.
- Conclusion: A luxurious, twice-bearing fig suitable for pots and the ground.
3. Madeleine des deux Saisons – The Reliable "Madeleine of Two Seasons"
As the name suggests, this classic French variety is prized for its ability to produce two abundant crops a year. It's an excellent choice for a long harvest season.
- Crop Type: Twice-bearing (early August and from mid-September).
- Growth Habit: Moderately vigorous, upright, height of 2.5-4 m.
- Fruits: Large and plump (summer crop up to 120 g), with golden-brown striped skin.
- Flesh: Amber-red to bright red, sweet and very pleasant.
- Frost Hardiness: down to -15°C.
- Conclusion: A very productive and reliable variety, ideal for planting in the ground.
» Buy 'Madeleine des deux Saisons' variety «
4. Negronne – The Royal Delicacy "Violette de Bordeaux"
This highly esteemed variety from the Bordeaux region of France is among the most popular dark figs. Its flavor is considered top-tier. Even King Louis XIV grew it at Versailles.
- Crop Type: Twice-bearing (July and from mid-August).
- Growth Habit: Compact and moderately vigorous (2.5-3 m), ideal for smaller gardens and pots.
- Fruits: Rather small (40-55 g), nearly round, with dark purple to black skin.
- Flesh: Deep strawberry red. The taste is exceptionally rich, complex, and jammy, with notes of forest berries.
- Frost Hardiness: down to -17°C.
- Conclusion: A gourmet experience for the discerning grower, suitable for pots and the ground.
Conclusion: Which Fig Is Right for You?
Whether you're looking for a compact and resilient classic like Celeste, the gourmet golden beauty Dorée, a reliable double crop from Madeleine, or the unmistakable flavor of the royal Negronne, each of these figs offers a unique experience.
Consider your space, climate conditions, and taste preferences, and choose the fig tree that will bring you joy for years to come. All 4 varieties are completely trouble-free with standard care.
P.S.: This is the first part of a planned fig trilogy. Follow our blog!
Do you have experience with any of these varieties? Let us know in the comments!