O'Rourke Fig
Ficus carica ‘O’Rourke’
‘O’Rourke’ is a Celeste-type fig selected from a 1956 cross between Celeste and a caprifig known as C1, introduced by the University of California at Riverside. The selection was made by Dr. E.N. O’Rourke in 1960 and tested under the code L57-11-103. The cultivar was named in honor of Dr. O'Rourke’s contributions to the fruit industry.
The tree produces medium-sized fruit with a longer stalk than typical fig cultivars. The fruit has a golden interior with red tones near the center when fully ripe. Although the eye (ostiole) is not completely closed, the fruit is still relatively resistant to splitting and spoilage.
‘O’Rourke’ ripens earlier than Celeste, around late June in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the crop typically matures over a 15-day period, continuing into the fall. The fruit hangs downward when ripe, indicating readiness for harvest.
This cultivar is also more resistant to fig leaf rust (Cerotelium fici) and related leaf spot issues than Celeste, making it a more robust option in humid regions.
- USDA Zones: 7–9 (may vary slightly by microclimate)
- Ripening Time: ~Late June (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Recommended Spacing: 8–10 feet
Plant Characteristics
- Pest Resistance: Very Good
- Disease Resistance: Very Good
- Drought Tolerance: Good
- Heat Tolerance: Excellent
- Humidity Tolerance: Very Good
- Sun Tolerance: Excellent
- Wet Soil Tolerance: Poor
- Shade Tolerance: Poor
- No-Spray Needs: Excellent
- Salt Tolerance: Good
- Kid-Friendly (Fresh Eating): Excellent
- Deer Resistance: Good
- Thorns: No
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Edible Type: Fruit
- Self-Fertile: Yes
This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Comments and feedback are always welcome.