LSU fig trees, developed through the Louisiana State University AgCenter’s breeding program, offer a robust option for home gardeners. They were cultivated to thrive in challenging climates and address common fig tree issues. Their development focused on creating reliable varieties that produce well, making them a popular choice for consistent fruit production.
Distinctive Traits of LSU Fig Trees
LSU fig trees have distinct characteristics, making them well-suited for specific growing conditions. They exhibit improved disease resistance, such as to fig rust, and resilience against nematodes, a common soil-borne pest. This helps ensure healthier trees and more consistent yields.
The breeding program prioritized increased productivity, resulting in trees that yield substantial fruit. Many LSU varieties adapt to humid climates, a significant advantage where high moisture can lead to fruit spoilage. They often have a longer fruiting season, sometimes producing two crops annually: an early “breba” crop on old wood and a main crop on new growth, providing a more extended harvest period.
Popular LSU Fig Varieties
The LSU fig breeding program has introduced several varieties, each with unique characteristics. LSU Purple is a popular cultivar, producing medium-sized, glossy reddish to dark purple fruits with a sweet flavor and a reddish-brown interior. This variety is known for consistent production from mid-summer through fall, yielding two to three crops per year. LSU Purple is resistant to pests and diseases, and its closed eye helps prevent spoilage, particularly in humid conditions.
LSU Gold yields large, yellow-skinned figs with light red to pink pulp. Its fruits have a honey-sweet flavor, suitable for fresh eating or preserves. LSU Gold trees are vigorous and can fruit within one to two years. LSU O’Rourke, also known as Improved Celeste, produces medium-sized, light brown, bell-shaped fruits with a partially closed eye and an amber pulp. This early-ripening variety produces sweet, sugary fruit, similar to Celeste, and is a strong producer. LSU Tiger has a purple exterior with light striations and a deep red to maroon flesh. It offers a sugary-sweet, berry-like flavor and is well-suited for both shorter growing seasons and hot, humid climates.
Cultivating LSU Fig Trees
Cultivating LSU fig trees requires proper site selection and planting. Fig trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production. They prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, incorporating organic material to enhance soil structure and fertility. The best time for planting is typically in early spring or fall, allowing the tree to establish before extreme temperatures.
Consistent watering is important, especially for newly planted trees and during fruiting periods. While fig trees benefit from frequent watering in well-drained soils, it is important to avoid oversaturation. During dry periods, established trees may need deep watering every five to seven days. Applying a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization supports healthy growth and fruit production. A general recommendation is to apply a balanced fertilizer, such as an 8-8-8 blend, in late winter or early spring. For young trees, one pound of fertilizer per year of age, up to a maximum of ten pounds for trees ten years or older, can be applied annually. Over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen, can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruit production, so moderation is advised.
Pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape and encourages fruit production. Basic pruning techniques involve removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. While not strictly necessary, pruning can also be used to control the tree’s size, particularly for container-grown plants, making them easier to move indoors for overwintering. For colder climates, in-ground fig trees may require protection when temperatures consistently drop below 20°F, such as covering them or bringing containerized trees indoors to an insulated, unheated space.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Despite their robust nature, LSU fig varieties can still face common issues. Fruit drop can occur due to inconsistent watering or nutrient deficiencies. Consistent moisture and proper fertilization can mitigate this. Lack of fruit production can stem from insufficient sunlight, as figs need at least six hours daily. Most varieties start significant production in their third or fourth year.
While LSU figs are bred for disease resistance, pests can appear. Spider mites, thriving in hot, dry conditions, can cause leaves to brown and drop. Scale insects attach to stems and leaves, weakening trees and reducing fruit. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can treat mites and scale.
Fig rust, a fungal issue, appears as brown specks on leaves and may intensify in warmer months, but generally does not severely harm the tree. Removing fallen debris can prevent its spread; neem oil or liquid copper can be used preventatively in late winter. Fig mosaic virus, indicated by yellow spots on leaves, is widespread and typically a cosmetic issue, not requiring tree removal.