How to Grow and Care for an LSU Purple Fig Tree

The LSU Purple fig tree is a variety developed by a breeding program at Louisiana State University for home gardeners. It is a reliable producer of sweet, high-quality fruit and was created to be well-suited to challenging climates. This makes it a choice for gardens across the southern United States and other warm regions. This variety combines durability with productivity, offering a positive experience for many growers.

Unique Characteristics of the LSU Purple Fig

This fig is the result of a 15-year breeding program at the LSU AgCenter, which released the cultivar in 1991. The primary goal was to develop a fig that could thrive in the heat and humidity of the Gulf Coast. This background gives the LSU Purple an innate resilience to conditions that cause other fig varieties to struggle.

The tree has a growth habit suitable for residential spaces, reaching a height and width of 8-10 feet. It grows in a naturally bushy, upright form, which is practical for smaller yards. This compact size also makes it a good candidate for growing in large containers on patios or decks, offering versatility for gardeners without much ground space.

A primary trait of the LSU Purple fig is its “closed eye,” or ostiole. This small opening at the bottom of the fruit is naturally sealed, which helps prevent insects from entering and causing spoilage. This characteristic is beneficial in humid, rainy weather, as it reduces the likelihood of the fruit souring. The medium-sized figs have glossy, dark purple skin and light amber or strawberry-colored flesh with a high sugar content and sweet flavor.

Another reason gardeners select this variety is its productivity. An established LSU Purple can produce more than one crop per year. It yields a “breba” crop, which develops on the previous year’s wood, followed by a larger main crop that grows on new wood from the current season. This production begins as early as July and can last late into the year, ensuring a long harvest period.

Planting Your LSU Purple Fig Tree

Timing the planting is important for a healthy start. The best times to plant are in the fall or early spring. Spring planting gives the tree an entire growing season to establish its root system before winter, while fall planting in milder climates allows roots to grow before summer heat arrives.

Site selection is a key step for a productive tree. LSU Purple figs require a location that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Abundant sunlight is directly linked to vigorous growth and robust fruit production, and without enough light, the tree will produce a sparse crop.

The soil must be well-draining to prevent root problems, as figs do not tolerate “wet feet” where water sits around the roots. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it by mixing in organic matter like compost or aged pine bark to improve drainage. For sandy soils, adding compost will help it retain moisture and nutrients.

When ready to plant, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper. Gently remove the tree from its container and inspect the roots, teasing them apart if they are circling. Place the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground. Backfill the hole with the native soil, firming it to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Consistent watering is important, especially during the tree’s first year. For a newly planted tree, provide a deep watering two to three times a week to encourage a strong root system. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, but a regular watering schedule is still beneficial for fruit quality. During hot summer months and as fruits are developing, ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilize to support growth without forcing weak, leggy branches. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer is a good choice. Apply it in the early spring as new growth emerges, and consider a second, lighter application in mid-summer to support main crop development. Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen formulas, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

Pruning is performed during the tree’s dormant season, in late winter before new growth appears. The goals of pruning are to maintain its shape, promote good air circulation, and remove problematic branches. Start by cutting out any wood that is dead, damaged, or diseased. You can also thin out branches that are crossing to open up the canopy and allow sunlight to penetrate the interior.

Because the LSU Purple produces a breba crop on old wood and a main crop on new wood, be mindful of how much you remove. Heavy pruning can reduce the size of the breba harvest. For this variety, the focus is on structural pruning to create a strong framework and maintain a manageable size.

Fruiting and Harvesting

The LSU Purple is a precocious bearer, and many young trees begin to produce figs within the first or second year after planting. While these initial harvests may be small, production will increase as the tree matures and establishes a more robust root system.

Knowing when to pick the fruit is key, as figs will not continue to ripen once removed from the tree. A ripe LSU Purple fig signals its readiness through visual and tactile cues. The fruit will deepen to its characteristic dark purple color and will feel soft when gently squeezed. A reliable indicator is the fruit’s position; a ripe fig will hang downward, or “droop,” on its stem.

When you have identified a ripe fig, the harvesting process is straightforward. Gently take hold of the fruit at its stem and twist it upwards. A ripe fig should detach easily with minimal effort. If you have to pull hard, it likely needs another day or two. Using pruning snips to cut the stem is also an effective method that can help avoid tearing the fruit’s skin.

Common Problems and Solutions

A potential issue for fig trees in the southern regions is the presence of root-knot nematodes in the soil. These microscopic pests feed on the roots, causing galls or knots to form, which hinders the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. The best approach is prevention; amend the soil with organic matter like compost before planting to create a healthier soil environment.

A common disease that can affect the foliage is Fig Rust. This fungal issue appears in warm, humid weather and is identified by small, yellowish-orange to brown spots on the undersides of the leaves. While it can cause leaves to drop prematurely, it is not a serious threat to the tree’s health. Managing Fig Rust involves promoting good air circulation through pruning and cleaning up any fallen leaves at the end of the season to reduce fungal spores that can overwinter.