LSU Purple Fig
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.
125% Survival Guarantee!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will issue a one-time merchandise credit to your account equaling 125% of the original product purchase price. Read more about our warranty policy.
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.
Shipping Information
Estimated Delivery Date
This item is currently out of stock.
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.
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!
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.
Like everything else in life. We???ll see.
Garcia M
on Aug 19, 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?
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.
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- brian c on Feb 15, 2020
Can LSU purple be planted in pots?
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.
Hope this helps. Be sure to use a big pot or the tree will get "root bound" fast.
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- CARROLL D on Mar 16, 2016
- Purchased on Oct 5, 2015
Does the LSU Purple fig need winter protection like the celeste fig?
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.
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- Sandy on Jul 24, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 28, 2018
What will happen if I get a lsu purple and a lsu good? Will they cross pollinate?
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.
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- Sarah D Staff on May 9, 2016
do I have to cover the fig tree in winter with burlap for it to survive new jersey winters.?
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.
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.
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- REBECCA A on Oct 8, 2016
- Purchased on Sep 6, 2015
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?
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
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- LeAnn Staff on Apr 18, 2017
How do you prevent figs from being eaten by critters? Do I need to cage?
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.
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- James C on Feb 15, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 7, 2018
How tall does the LSU fig tree get?
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.
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- Peggy D on Jul 14, 2019
- Purchased on Aug 16, 2017
Return policy?
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.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Sep 1, 2020
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?
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.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jul 14, 2020
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?
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!
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!
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jul 1, 2020
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
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!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
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- TiffanyF Staff on May 8, 2020
when to plant a fig tree in Coastal Mississippi?
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.
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.
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- LeAnn Staff on Oct 8, 2018
how soon will you have the dwarf lsu purple fig tree?
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.
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- LeAnn Staff on Jul 4, 2018
Customer Reviews
4.4 / 5.0
29 Reviews
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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April 9, 2018
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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