It isn't a Celeste, but has some similarities, and a very nice, rich, molasses/nutty flavor. I seem to recall that is was lacking in performance on the east coast, but will be a keeper, here.

The leaves on this fig tree caught my attention. They are very large and heart shape.
I think all figs would preform best in CA. :-)

Hi Jon:This is from Me.It is not that is not good,It got an open eye and it sour here because of the climate.
Otherwise is a good producer,and in your state I am sure is excellent.
Best Regards

Hi Jon,

Is Mega Celeste the same as LSU Giant Celeste(Tiger)?? My Mega Celeste has leaves about 12'' long(From toe to apex). Only has one fruit(main crop) and not ripe yet.

Paully22

If this is the large fig Herman got from Lowes and discarded. This is a good fig for me and is ripening now (I was climbing it earlier to get some at the top). An occasional fig sours, but no splitting. The skin is tougher than some figs and I don't eat it. Fully ripe there is a taffy/molasses flavor that is a little bit addictive. My favorite so far for fig preserves. Large heart shaped leaves and will grow somewhat in the shade (mine is under an oak tree).

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/Scott_GA/Dscn1906.jpg

Here's one compared with a regular Celeste. Sometimes they are more blue/purple.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/Scott_GA/CelesteandLowesCeleste.jpg

paully22,
>>>Is Mega Celeste the same as LSU Giant Celeste(Tiger)??
This is the same very exact question that I had asked earlier (somewhere?).
The answer I got was a no, no, no...
George (NJ).

Does not = LSU Giant Celeste, as I undestand it. I like the molasses/taffy description.

Jon's original post is what motivated me to order scions of this from Jon (mine were received today, I see he is now sold out!), but I've been confused by this discussion ever since I read it last year.  What's the background on this fig?  Where did it come from?  Is it the one Scott wrote about that Herman got from Lowe's?  Is it believed to be a mutation or some mis-labeled variety?

Thanks,

Harvey

I am pretty sure I got it from Herman. Probably something that was mis-labeled, and, so far, different from anything else I have fruited. It looks a lot like a very large Celeste, but the flavor is different as well, though rreminicent of Celeste.

Thanks, Jon.  Your description of it sounded good, worth trying.  The scions in the bag now.

Hi Harvey,

I think Herman got it and discarded it because of souring and splitting, but not before sharing it with Jon. I obtained it at Lowe's here, labeled as Celeste. As I recall, the label said something about large fig (which doesn't tally with Celeste). I don't think it has anything to do with LSU. Large heart shaped leaves + other shapes. I think you'll like the taste.

Scott

Okay, thanks, Scott.  Some of the above comments left me confused but now I understand since you obtained it independently.

Does this seem to fit the description of another variety or is it going to keep the name "Mega Celeste"?

My climate is dry so it should do well here in the Sacramento Valley.

Thanks again,

Harvey

Jon would know if anyone would. I haven't seen anything I could match up to it, but I have limited experience. Good luck

Just picked my first one today. The hot days ( ~105F) really helped ripen this one fast. Taste is very similar to Celeste a little bit sweeter perhaps. I like the larger size over regular Celeste. On the negative side the eye is a little larger so ants can easily get in. You can see some of them in one of the pictures.

I would agree. I got my first taste of mega Celeste today. Way better than my other Celeste. Best fig so far this year.

What a difference a little time makes. Herman was, as usual, right--in wet years sours and splits badly. There are better ones for this climate, cut down and discarded.Too bad, I like the taste.