Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
This warm climate fig is well suited for growing in hot, humid locations. The fruit is up to 2.5 inches long with dark purple glossy skin and high sugar content. The edible flesh is light strawberry colored. LSU Purple Fig typically produces fruit the first year it’s planted, and the fruit quality continues to improve as the tree ages. LSU Purple Figs reach maturity in only five years. Once mature, it will produce three distinct crops: a light crop on old wood in early spring, a heavy main crop during the summer and a fall crop that can persist into December.
This fig tree can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10 in full sun conditions. LSU Purple Fig will grow to between 8 and 10 feet tall and wide. It can be grown as a specimen tree in your garden or landscape. It’s also a good choice for growing in a large container. They’re self-fertile so only one is required to produce an abundant harvest. LSU Purple Fig was introduced in 1991 by the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station.
LSU Purple Fig Care
Ficus carica L. 'LSU Purple' has above average resistance to leaf diseases and pests. Prune it in winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Pruning is only needed to create a more open habit and to remove dead or broken branches. Fig trees have shallow roots so make sure your tree receives one inch of water each week during its active growing season either from rainfall or watering.
LSU Purple Fig Spacing
Space plants at least 10 feet apart in the landscape or garden. Use a pot at least 24 inches wide and deep for container gardens.
LSU Purple Fig Tree Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 7 to 10 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 8 - 10 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 8 - 10 Feet
- Plant Spacing
- 8 - 10 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate to Fast
- Growth Habit
- , Upright, Spreading
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Green
- Blooms On
-
Both New and Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Lightly, right after the first flush of flowers
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Fall Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Plant Type
- Edible Plant
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!