Constantine de Algiers
Ficus carica ‘Constantine de Algiers’About
Constantine de Algiers is a North African heirloom originating from the Constantine region of Algeria. It is a standout variety: the figs are large to very large with pale greenish-yellow skin and vivid strawberry-red flesh that is among the most visually striking of any fig variety. The flavour is intensely sweet with a bright, clean quality reminiscent of berry jam. A sought-after collector's variety.
Watch the Tasting
See the flavour for yourself. Here is my Constantine de Algiers tasting from the collection:
Growing Notes
- Large fruit size requires consistent watering as figs swell to prevent splitting.
- Full sun is essential — this is a variety bred for the North African climate.
- Vigorous grower; give it space or prune firmly to keep in check.
- The green skin can make judging ripeness tricky — look for slight softening and a droop of the fig neck.
- Cold-tender; best suited to containers for overwintering in colder climates.
My Notes
The strawberry-red interior makes this one of the most dramatic figs to cut open. Guests are always amazed. Growing in a large pot that comes inside for winter. The flavour justifies every bit of extra effort.
Where to Find Constantine de Algiers
Mislabeled figs are the collector’s oldest problem, and you usually don’t find out until the tree finally fruits years later. I list my own cuttings on Figstead — a marketplace I built and run, because I had been on the buying end of that problem too many times. That is also why the bar to sell there is where it is: 150+ verified sales at a 98%+ positive feedback rating before a seller is approved, and accountability for true-to-type accuracy resting on the seller personally. I sell under the same standard I set.
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