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How to Grow LSU Purple Fig

LSU Purple Fig

Ficus carica 'LSU Purple'

fruit

LSU Purple Fig is a cold-hardy fig variety developed by Louisiana State University, known for its dark purple skin and sweet, full-flavored fruit. This cultivar is particularly valued for its ability to produce two crops per year and its exceptional cold tolerance compared to other fig varieties. It's an excellent choice for gardeners in cooler climates who want to grow figs successfully.

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Example LSU Purple Fig timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant LSU Purple Fig

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest LSU Purple Fig

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact LSU Purple Fig dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; more sun increases fruit sweetness
💧
Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Reduce watering in late summer to encourage fruit ripening. Drought-tolerant once established.
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Spacing: 120 inches
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Days to maturity: First crop 60-80 days after bud break; second crop 120-150 days
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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball for nursery trees; plant in spring after last frost

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure Perlite or sand for drainage improvement Potassium-rich fertilizer (wood ash is beneficial)

Growing Zones

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Zones 6-10; exceptionally cold-hardy for a fig variety, surviving temperatures to -10°F (-23°C)

6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 12 months

Young tree with 2-4 main branches; light green leaves appearing after planting

Water regularly to establish roots. Avoid heavy fertilizing first year. Mulch around base.

2

Vegetative Growth

Year 2-3

Vigorous branching and leaf development; tree spreading into its mature form with dense foliage

Prune to shape; remove crossing or crowded branches. Fertilize monthly during growing season.

3

First Fruiting (Breba Crop)

Late May-July

Large figs developing on previous year's wood in early summer before main leaves fully emerge

This is the earlier, larger crop. Ensure adequate potassium. Thin fruit if overcrowded.

4

Main Fruiting

August-October

Smaller but numerous figs developing on new shoots; fruit matures throughout late summer and fall

Reduce water slightly to concentrate sugars. Harvest ripe fruit regularly to encourage continued production.

5

Dormancy

November-March

Leaves yellow and drop; tree enters winter rest period

Stop fertilizing. Minimal watering. This cold hardiness period is when LSU Purple excels.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Thyme Oregano Basil Borage

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut trees Cabbage family plants

Common Pests

  • Remove infested branches; maintain tree health; use pheromone traps; ensure proper drainage to reduce stress

  • Regular misting of foliage; insecticidal soap; neem oil in early morning or evening

  • Horticultural oil in dormant season; prune affected branches; encourage natural predators

  • and

    Generally beneficial for pollination; avoid pesticides; harvest ripe fruit promptly to reduce attraction

Uses

🍳

Fresh eating and desserts

Culinary

LSU Purple figs are excellent fresh and can be used in jams, preserves, tarts, and baked goods. Their sweet, complex flavor makes them ideal for gourmet applications. [source]

💊

Digestive support

Medicinal

Figs are traditionally used to support digestive health and have mild laxative properties. Both fresh and dried figs contain compounds that promote gut health. [source]

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Dried fruit and storage

Household

Excess figs can be dried for long-term storage and enjoy year-round. Dried figs concentrate sugars and nutrients, providing a natural sweetener. [source]

🦋

Wildlife food source

Wildlife

Fig trees provide nectar and fruit for birds, bees, and beneficial insects. They're excellent for supporting local ecosystems. [source]

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Pairing with cheese and charcuterie

Culinary

LSU Purple figs pair beautifully with soft cheeses, prosciutto, and nuts for elegant appetizers and charcuterie boards. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pick figs when fully colored (deep purple), slightly soft to gentle pressure, and glistening with nectar. Harvest breba crop (early summer) when figs reach full size. Main crop ripens late summer through fall. Harvest in morning after dew dries. Handle gently as fruit is delicate. Best eaten fresh within 1-2 days of harvest.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 LSU Purple Fig was specifically bred by Louisiana State University for superior cold hardiness, allowing it to survive winters in zone 6 where most figs cannot.
  • 🌱 Fig trees produce two distinct crops per year: the breba crop (larger, on old wood) and the main crop (on new growth), allowing extended harvests from June through October.
  • 🌱 Figs are one of the oldest cultivated plants, mentioned in ancient texts including the Bible, and were believed by Romans to be a symbol of fertility and abundance.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch
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