O'Rourke Fig Tree (Improved Celeste)

Fig, O'Rourke (Improved Celeste)
Scientific Name:  Ficus carica 'O’Rourke’'

History/general species info: Developed in 1960 by Dr. E.N. O’Rourke at LSU University. The fig is actually a flower that is inverted into itself. Botanically not a single fruit, nearly fifteen hundred tiny fruits make up a fig, giving it its unique texture.

Characteristics: Vigorous, upright trunks with tendency to produce horizontal growth while young. Salt tolerant. Moderate resistance to freeze damage. Produces a small-to-medium-sized fruit, which is light brown in color with strawberry pink flesh. The eye is partially closed with the aid of a honey-like substance. The fruit ripens over a 15-day period and hangs down when fully ripe. Harvest time: June - August. Fruit is of good quality for eating fresh and for preserving. For more information click here.‘

Flower: yes; inconspicuous

Planting / Care: Prefers enriched, well-drained soil. Water deeply, regularly in the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency, once established. Requires less water in fall and winter, more in the growing season. Provide A sheltered spot. If damaged by a freeze it typically will die back and re-sprout from roots in spring. Apply fertilizer in spring.  For more information click here. 

Size and Spacing: 8’ to 10’ tall

Pollinator needed to bear fruit: Self pollinating

Links:

“Figs” by George Ray McEachern, Extension Horticulturist
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/fruit/Figs/figs.html

“Ficus carica” - NC State Extension
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ficus-carica/

Home Fruit Production - Figs
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homefruit/fig/fig.html