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LSU Purple Fig
LSU Purple Fig
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LSU Purple Fig

29 ReviewsAsk Questions
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Item #131619, EZ Start®. Ships 1' 6" - 3' tall with advanced root system in a 4x4x10" EZ Start® Pot.
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Description

Grow glossy purple fruit, enjoyed fresh or dried! Fruit is medium-sized with a mild flavor, high sugar content, and white flesh. The pulp is light amber to light red when ripe. Tree is a vigorous, upright grower. Highly productive. Pest- and disease-resistant. Louisiana State University introduction. Grows well in containers! Heat-tolerant. Ripens from July through frost. Self-pollinating.

Characteristics

Fruit Color Purple
Fruit Size Medium
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest July Through Frost
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 6.5
Taste Good Sweet
Texture Fleshy Soft
Years to Bear 1 - 2
Zone Range 7 - 10

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 7 - 10
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatability range of this variety before ordering.

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

When your tree matures, it will be approximately 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide.

Recommended Spacing

We recommend spacing these trees 10 - 12' apart to ensure room for growth.

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow fig trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Read about how to grow fig trees »

Shipping Information

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

Our Promise of Satisfaction

1 Year Warranty

Every order comes with our promise of satisfaction. If you aren't completely satisfied with your order, let us know within one year for a free one-time replacement or refund.

Questions & Answers

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Browse 15 questions Browse 15 questions and 46 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
I wanted to try a different type of fig and I also needed a back up to my Brown Turkey fig.
Anna D on Aug 26, 2020
It???s been a dream of mine to grow and harvest my own fruit for a loooong time. Plus I ?????? figs. I???ve hesitated buying for years out of fear of failure & thinking I have time but with COVID & the food crisis happening I decided this is the year I take the plunge.
Stark Bros. has been the only nursery I???ve wanted to get my trees from since I discovered them almost 10 years ago. They also come highly recommended from many of the homesteaders I subscribe to on YouTube. So...I???m ready!
Nasiruddin on Jul 22, 2020
I wanted to try a different type of fig and I also needed a back up to my Brown Turkey fig.
Anna D on Aug 26, 2020
Maybe I???ll live two more years, and see it produce fruits. The company sounds responsible enough and trustworthy.
Like everything else in life. We???ll see.
Garcia M on Aug 19, 2020
It???s been a dream of mine to grow and harvest my own fruit for a loooong time. Plus I ?????? figs. I???ve hesitated buying for years out of fear of failure & thinking I have time but with COVID & the food crisis happening I decided this is the year I take the plunge.
Stark Bros. has been the only nursery I???ve wanted to get my trees from since I discovered them almost 10 years ago. They also come highly recommended from many of the homesteaders I subscribe to on YouTube. So...I???m ready!
Nasiruddin on Jul 22, 2020
Want them for canning. My aunt has one & they're very good & big. Candid sweet figs!
Jane D on Jul 8, 2020
This Fig Looks Yummy
Deborah P on Apr 26, 2020
I want to try different varieties and research several sources to help with my choices. Have read a lot of positive reviews about this variety. I want the gold one also, but currently sold out. I grew up with Brown Turkey, in NC. It does well here, but isn't my favorite fig. I will give this lots of TLC and look forward to seeing how it does. Stark's always offers nice, healthy plants too. Great service, and I trust them. Thanks for offering!
Sandy on Apr 29, 2018
LSU fan--can't have gold without purple.
Monica C on Feb 28, 2018
I love figs and the way different varieties taste. I thought this would be a perfect companion to the LSU Gold Fig.
Peggy D on Sep 10, 2017
Bought an LSU Gold Fig and I didn't want it to get lonely. I'm not an LSU fan (go Longhorns), but the Purple and Gold just seemed to go together.
Richard A on Mar 24, 2017
Heat tolerance was the first thing I considered when purchasing the LSU purple fig and the LSU gold fig. I also look for plants that the wildlife will eat if I do not. And figs are considered a "keystone" species, because so many species eat the fruit.
JESSICA M on Feb 14, 2017
Pest +disease resistant, highly productive, heat tolerant, growth is more upright than others and it only grows to around 8-10" high.
Judith W on Oct 3, 2016
My spouse is a HUGE LSU fan, and he loves figs, and the color purple. So he gets three things he loves together, all in one tree.
Carrie D on May 26, 2016
I'm planting new fig trees at a new residence
Anna S on May 17, 2016
This is one of my spouses favorite figs.
Scott C on May 6, 2016
size when mature
Tarry W on Apr 17, 2016
looking for cold hardy
Dan O on Feb 18, 2016
it's mature size will work best in my garden.
Ouida T on Feb 17, 2016
Maybe I???ll live two more years, and see it produce fruits. The company sounds responsible enough and trustworthy.
Like everything else in life. We???ll see.
Garcia M on Aug 19, 2020
Want them for canning. My aunt has one & they're very good & big. Candid sweet figs!
Jane D on Jul 8, 2020
Hello I live in kansas zone 6a. But I am very fond of this particular variety. If I pot it and bring it in over winter will it do ok here?
Jared D on Jan 21, 2020
BEST ANSWER: yes, very well. I winter my potted Chicago figs in a crawl space that can get to a little below freezing and they return to growing with minimal damage in spring.
Can LSU purple be planted in pots?
Jinyun W on Mar 15, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I Hope so! I bought the fig tree in question last fall & placed in an approximate 10 gallon pot.I left them in the basement all winter but moved then outside this past weekend. I plan to leave them in pots for 2-3 years then plant them permanently in the ground.
Hope this helps. Be sure to use a big pot or the tree will get "root bound" fast.
Does the LSU Purple fig need winter protection like the celeste fig?
Barbara K on Oct 6, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Yes. I live in foothills of NC, zone 7B. Wrapped it only lightly last year and thought I'd lost it. We had a couple of rather cold periods, around 20 deg. It did come back nicely, but it was such a nice large plant when I set it out. Thankful it survived, and will take more care in future so I don't lose it. I did some research and will pack straw into a Bulap wrap this winter so it doesn't freeze back so hard.
What will happen if I get a lsu purple and a lsu good? Will they cross pollinate?
Deb C on May 7, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Each LSU fig variety is self-pollinating and will set fruit without cross-pollinating with another variety. Even if they cross pollinate, your LSU Purple tree will still have purple figs and your LSU Gold tree will still have yellow figs.
do I have to cover the fig tree in winter with burlap for it to survive new jersey winters.?
louie d on Oct 7, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you should winter protect a fig tree (especially when young) in your area. There may be some winter die-back, but the tree should spring back with plenty of new growth if the roots are established.

You may want to consider a different fig variety given where you live. Chicago Hardy is a much more cold tolerant fig and is worth considering.
I live in south west Florida and all we have here for soil is sand and some broken sea shells mixed in. Will a fig tree grow in this environment?
Georgette W on Apr 18, 2017
BEST ANSWER: You'd be far better off (and have a lot more figs) if you plant the tree in good, fertile soil in a large container, where it will do beautifully. This excellent article will answer your questions and provide good advice. Please see "Growing Fruit Trees in Containers" //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-trees-in-containers-pt1
How do you prevent figs from being eaten by critters? Do I need to cage?
Carolyn B on Feb 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We have wild Javelina and deer in the area so yes we use a 3' high by 2' diameter cage made of what is referred to as wire fabric. This is secured to a single 4' metal stake and two smaller ground stakes. Do irrigation first (we have drip feed) because after you install the cage you won't be able to. All parts at Home Depot. So far so good, two years without intrusion.
How tall does the LSU fig tree get?
Ladell H on Jul 14, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I purchased mine in the Fall of 2017. It is now about 8 feet tall with lots of figs on it. The taste is excellent! These are the best of my 5 figs I purchased.
Return policy?
Md M on Aug 31, 2020
BEST ANSWER: This is a Q&A forum for product questions: I'm sorry, but we don't have access to orders and customer information here. If you would kindly call Customer Support at 800.325.4180, email info@starkbros.com We do have a 1 year replacement, credit or refund policy.
I purchased 3 Purple Palatin fig cuttings that shipped dirctly from Turkey. I used rooting mixture and planted them already a month ago. I do not see anything sprouting yet. How long does it take for anything to show shooting branches or nubs like shoots?
Dietrich L on Jul 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Figs are one of the first woody plants many gardeners try to propagate via cuttings due to their ease of rooting and rapid, vigorous growth when young. Most varieties root very quickly, usually in about 3 weeks. But the roots do have to be established before growth appears it could be months before you see anything significant.
For the last two years my 30 year old tree has produced no fruit. It bears on new wood. The tree is 30 years old and 25 feet tall. It has only had a big crop once ( a couple of years ago) How can I get it to produce fruit again?
Michelle D on Jul 1, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. A common reason that a fig tree is not producing figs is because of too much nitrogen. This commonly happens when you are using a fertilizer that is too high in nitrogen. Nitrogen causes the plant to have lush growth in leaves and branches, but very little, if any, fruit.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Why A Fig Tree Is Not Producing Fruit https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/fig-tree-is-producing-fruit.htm

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Mu LSU Purple Fig tree in large pot has very tiny white flying insects w/white powder(?) on some of the branches. Can wipe off but how to get rid of
Barbara M on May 7, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect certain indoor and outdoor plants. For all natural control, Combine one tablespoon baking soda and one-half teaspoon of liquid, non-detergent soap with one gallon of water, and spray the mixture liberally on the plants. If you prefer chemical control, you may use Bonide Fruit Tree Spray.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
when to plant a fig tree in Coastal Mississippi?
Barbara M on Oct 7, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. Because weather and soil conditions vary so much from year to year and even within your zone, it's best to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time.

You can plant new plants and trees: 1) when the ground is not frozen, 2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32??F) and below 90??F, and 3) when extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast. Be sure to keep plants watered if you're transplanting in warm and/or dry weather.
how soon will you have the dwarf lsu purple fig tree?
RAY1928 on Jul 3, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Probably not until fall; we have the supreme dwarf available right now. When shipped, regular trees are about 3-4' tall and/or with a 3/8" or larger trunk diameter. A Stark?? Supreme Tree is one of the season's top-grade, bare-root trees that gives you a head start on growing. When Supreme trees are shipped, they are about 4-5' tall and/or with a 5/8" or larger trunk diameter.

Customer Reviews

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4.4 / 5.0
29 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
19
5
3
1
1
Awesome experience with LSU Purple
I ordered 2 LSU Purple figs and then forgot about them until it was shipping time and I noticed I was billed. They arrived quickly and I'll admit I was concerned to see 2 sticks sticking out of a small rectangular pot.

I got them planted and both started shooting out growths almost immediately. Both are doing well and one even has 2 small figs on it. Could not be more impressed with Stark Bros!!!

Just saw my catalog arrived and am deciding what else to order.
February 26, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
better than advertised
weathered the winter better than my 4 20 year old turkey figs. grows more like a tree.fruited first year. will do well this summer.
June 8, 2017
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
First-Rate Stock
I recently purchased four different fig trees to add to my collection. Due to wanting specific varieties, I purchased from four different suppliers, as to the variety I wanted that was available from that supplier. I paid four different prices ranging between $9.99 to $29.99, with the latter coming from Stark Bros. However, the old saying you get what you pay for sure is proved here. The sizes of the trees I received corresponded inversely to the prices I paid. The $9.99 was approximately 4 inches tall and the width of a #2 pencil, the next 10 inches same thickness, the next, 16 inches only slightly thicker, but the Stark Bros was at least 4 feet tall with a good stout trunk at least a 1/2 inch across! Guess which will bear sooner? I have purchased trees and plants from Stark Bros for many years and have never been disappointed. I always check Stark Bros first. All the trees are doing well after transplanting and have all put on leaves. I live in the beautiful northeast Texas piney woods area just south of Tyler, TX in zone 8b. Winters with lows in high teens and with hot humid summers. I fully expect this LSU purple fig to do well, as it's my understanding it was bred with our climate in mind. Hope this has been helpful.
April 9, 2018
Looking good so far
Thus far, we like this variety ... Since we are pretty new to growing figs, and since these were just planted last year, it may be a few years before we have enough experience to give a fair review. We also planted two other fig varieties in hopes that at least one or two of them would work in our area of south central Oklahoma; we had a rather mild winter for 2015-2016, so all of the figs are leafing out. We already are thinking that the LSU Purple may be ahead of the rest and is the one likely to be ordered again to replace any others that don't make it; again, it may take a few years to be certain. We certainly did love the small harvest we had in late summer/early fall of 2015 from this variety ... absolutely heavenly fresh figs!
May 11, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
So far, my favorite fig
Purchased this late last summer and planted it between my deck and garden. I covered it during the winter months. The figs started showing in May, and ripening in late July. Of the first crop, we had about 10. I'd guess there are 30 - 40 figs left to ripen The fruit is a lovely dark color, and when it droops the taste is amazing! I will purchase another one of these when they are available. It's a great fig.
August 22, 2018
Purchased
 over 3 years ago
Purple fig
One is still in perfect condition. The other suffered winter damage and it looks as though something was chewing on the terminal end of the new branches. Wasps? I do have leaves lower down coming out. I expect it to recover.
May 18, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
LSU Purple Fig
I planted this one in a container. It actually made a couple of figs the very first year! I put it in my garage for the winter. It over wintered quite well and now has a number of figs on it.
July 11, 2017
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
Beautiful large tree upon arrival
I was so surprized to see how large and healthy this tree was when it arrived. It quickly became established and added leaves. It's only been planted 6 mths, so no fruit yet, but doing well in piedmont of NC. Looking forward to next summer. I will protect her through the winter and see what she does upon awakening in spring. It's my first fig from Starks, but will order again. It was even larger and nicer than other figs at home stores. THANK YOU AGAIN STARKS!
November 9, 2018
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Response from Stark Bro's
Thank you so much for your 5 star review. We really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience with this tree. We are proud to be your partner at growing your own legacy.
November 19, 2018
Tabitha R
So far, so good
My LSU purple fig tree arrived safe and sound in November. It has survived our mild rainy winter and seems healthy, hasn't begun to leaf out yet. Planting instructions were helpful.
February 18, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Southern Palm Beach County, Florida Planting
We received two (2) of the "enhanced" offering fig trees via courier/US Mail in good shape and planted them immediately in areas of at least half-day direct sunlight and within the radius of the lawn irrigation system (mixed-in some fertilizer to the burial (8-3-9 blend that I use on my mangos, avocados, citrus and other tropical (Diamond R. Fertilizer, Winter Garden, FL)) and a couple of Vigiro fertilizer stakes to the mostly silica sandy soil they are bedded in. Got new flush buds within a couple weeks, leaves within a month, and a single fig fruit on one of the plants the first growing season (the one with the more favorable sun exposure)). Got three figs from that same plant this season (fruit had good sugar for its having grown on a juvenile plant and did not color (was green)). All in all, I'm pleased. My Middle Eastern in-laws laugh at me in my excitement regarding these plants (figs are called, "teen", in Arabic) owing to their belief that these plants will take a long time to size-up and be appreciable producers.
May 30, 2017
Purchased
 over 4 years ago

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