LSU Purple Fig Tree
Description
About the LSU Purple Fig
Delight in the remarkable offering of the LSU Purple Fig, a testament to agricultural innovation. Displaying glossy purple fruits, this variety stands as a symbol of versatility, for fresh enjoyment or drying. Medium-sized, each fig brings forth a subtle yet delightful flavor, accentuated by its high sugar content and white flesh. The fruit shows signs of ripening when the color changes from amber, to burgundy, to deep purple.
Born from the expertise of Louisiana State University, this tree’s vigor and upright growth are testaments to its meticulous cultivation. Its exceptional productivity is complemented by its ability to ward off pests and diseases, offering a promise of resilience. Great for containers, the LSU Purple Fig shines even in confined spaces, making it a versatile addition to gardens of all sizes. Not only is it heat-tolerant, but its self-fertile nature guarantees a consistent supply of succulent fruits from the warm days of July all the way through fall.
Overwintering Fig Trees in Cooler Climates
If you experience temperatures below freezing, then additional winter protection is necessary for best results.
Potted figs should be placed in an insulated, unheated, preferably dark room or cool basement. Water them monthly until just moist so the roots do not dry out completely.
For fig trees planted in-ground, insulate as much as possible by getting creative. Use chicken wire and burlap or surround with straw bales stuffed with leaves. The pliable branches can be bent in to preserve as much as the plant as possible. What is not covered, will likely die back. Figs fruit on new growth and the insulated roots will send out new growth, even if the top dies.
Survival Guaranteed!


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 send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
Fruit Color | Purple |
Fruit Size | Medium |
Hardiness Zone Range | 2 - 10, Outdoor Planting: 7 - 10 |
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 | Sweet |
Texture | Fleshy Soft |
Years to Bear | 1 - 2 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
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
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
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.
If you need a cold-hardy fig, you might look at the Chicago Hardy Fig. It will withstand below-zero temperatures.
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.
Hi Sofya, Has the purple fig tree flowered? If its flowered and not fruited either the flowers are not getting pollinated or the flowers are getting damaged.
Our website has a special feature that will help you find the best plants for you to grow in your area. Simply enter your zip code in our Hardiness Zone Finder and as you browse our page, you’ll see a small check mark next to products that are hardy to your growing zone!
https://www.starkbros.com/zone-finder
Hi Jerry, They can produce approx. 20 to 60 figs per tree in a year.
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
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.
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.
Hi Bert, We do not have any organic fig trees available.
Customer Reviews
Will update in 2-3 years.
Cold hardy
It looks nice and big. I hope this will survive—the one I bought from Home Depot didn't!
I chose this fig tree to add purpose to my plant collection—something lush and fruitful. It thrives in containers, and I’ve always loved the sweetness of fresh figs.
Already have a brown turkey fig, since I’m an LSU fan, selected the LSU tree. Good clear pictures of figs and reasonable prices.