LSU Gold Fig is a Louisiana-born fig variety that delivers an abundant harvest of medium to large golden fruits with a honey-sweet, floral character that feels almost ambrosial. The figs begin their development pale green and gradually ripen to a rich golden hue from late July through early September, with a mature tree producing 10 to 15 pounds of fruit annually. The amber to light red interior flesh offers a delicate, naturally sweet flavor with a warm richness that keeps you reaching for more. This self-fertile, common fig type thrives in full sun and grows at a fast pace, making it rewarding even for newer growers.
Full Sun
—
?-?
?in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
LSU Gold figs develop their signature honey-like sweetness and floral depth as they transition from pale green to golden over the late summer season. A single mature tree can yield 10 to 15 pounds of fruit per year, making it exceptionally productive. The fruits feature an open eye and soft skin, and they carry excellent rain resistance characteristics that protect your harvest during variable weather. Container growing is viable, and the tree produces a breba crop, rewarding you with early season fruit before the main harvest arrives.
LSU Gold figs are enjoyed fresh off the tree, where their honey-sweet flavor and soft flesh make them an ideal snack during ripening season. The fruits work beautifully in fresh fruit platters, desserts, preserves, and fig paste preparations. Their natural sweetness means they rarely need added sugar when processed into jams or dried for storage.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Honey- offers a delicate and smooth sweetness with a warm, golden richness. It brings a soft, floral depth to the flavor, creating a naturally sweet and mellow experience.
Fig trees are typically planted bare-root or from containers in early spring or fall, depending on your hardiness zone. Choose a location with full sun exposure and ensure the planting hole is dug deep enough to accommodate the root ball without cramping roots. Space plants to allow good air circulation around the canopy.
Harvest LSU Gold figs when they fully transition from pale green to golden in color, typically from late July through early September. The fruits should feel soft to a gentle squeeze and may begin to droop slightly from the branch. Ripe figs will often have a small droplet of nectar at the open eye. Simply twist gently or cut with pruning shears to avoid damaging the branch. Morning harvest when the fruit is cool yields the best flavor and texture.
Prune LSU Gold lightly in early spring to shape the tree and maintain an open canopy. The variety produces a breba crop, so be conservative with pruning to avoid removing fruiting wood. Focus on removing any dead or crossing branches and thinning dense interior growth to improve air circulation, which is important given the low rain resistance noted for this variety.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“LSU Gold emerged from Louisiana agricultural breeding work, carrying the designation DFIC-264 and known locally by several names including Cajun Honey, LSU Yellow, and L59-46-63. This variety represents the commitment of Louisiana State University's fig development program to create cultivars suited to the Gulf South climate and capable of producing reliable, flavorful yields in challenging growing conditions.”