Fig 'LSU Gold' (Ficus carica)
Regular price $26.95 Sale price $24.95Sweet Southern Favorite with Golden Skin and Honeyed Flavor
Fig 'LSU Gold' is a standout variety developed by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center for heat, humidity, and productivity in the Southeastern U.S.—and it’s one of the most flavorful golden-skinned figs you can grow.
This medium to large fig ripens to a soft yellow-gold and boasts rich, honey-sweet amber flesh with subtle berry notes. It’s perfect for fresh eating, preserves, or sun-drying. With its vigorous growth, disease resistance, and ability to produce a main crop and occasional breba crop, LSU Gold is ideal for warm-climate gardeners seeking high-yielding, low-fuss fruit trees that shine in edible landscapes and food forests.
Why Grow Fig 'LSU Gold'?
- Bears large, golden-yellow figs with sweet, honeyed flesh
- Heat- and humidity-tolerant—bred for Southern gardens
- Reliable main crop producer with occasional early crop (breba)
- Low-maintenance, self-pollinating, and disease-resistant
- Ideal for edible landscaping, containers, or espalier training
Growing Tips
LSU Gold prefers full sun and well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Water regularly during dry periods, especially while fruits are forming, but avoid soggy roots. In USDA Zones 8–10, it thrives in-ground; in colder zones, grow it in containers and protect during winter. Prune annually in late winter to shape and encourage airflow and productivity. Figs benefit from a thick mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Propagate by hardwood cuttings or air layering. Expect fruit within 1–2 years from planting under ideal conditions.
Growing Tips
Plant figs in full sun and provide well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Figs are adaptable and drought-tolerant once established, though consistent watering during active growth and fruit development encourages strong growth and reliable fruit production. All varieties are self-fertile, so a single tree can produce fruit, and they can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground. Figs are perennial, deciduous fruit trees that can begin producing within 1–2 years. Propagate by cuttings, and prune as needed to maintain a manageable size and encourage healthy new growth. Larger varieties can be kept smaller with regular pruning, while Little Ruby naturally remains a compact dwarf variety.
Most varieties are suited to Zones 7–10, while Olympian and Chicago Hardy are especially cold-hardy choices for colder climates. Olympian is cold-hardy to approximately 0°F, while Chicago Hardy can die back during severe freezes and regrow from the roots. Protect young trees from extreme cold, particularly during winter, and consider growing figs in containers that can be moved to a sheltered location in colder climates. Figs are generally dormant during winter, with fruit developing on new wood for most varieties.
Quick Care Guide
| Variety | Size | Harvest | Fruit In | Growth | Zones | Food Forest Layer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Honey | 10–15 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Yellow Long Neck | 8–15 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Violette de Bordeaux | 6–10 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Moderate–fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Olympian | 8–12 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 6–10 | Understory |
| Royal Vineyard | 8–12 ft. | Mid–late summer | 1–2 years | Moderate–fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Brown Turkey | 10–20 ft. | Early + late summer | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Little Ruby | 3–6 ft. (dwarf) | Summer–fall | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Celeste | 8–15 ft. | Summer; early breba possible | 1–2 years | Fast | 7–10 | Understory |
| Chicago Hardy | 8–15 ft. | Summer–fall | 1–2 years | Fast | 6–10 | Understory |
All varieties are self-fertile and prefer full sun, moderate water, and well-draining soil. They are perennial, deciduous trees and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
We ship every plant plastic-free and planet-friendly—using compostable packaging, recyclable pots, and carbon-conscious shipping from start to finish. 🌎🌱👉 Our Commitment to Packaging & Shipping Sustainability
