If you've been dreaming about growing your own figs, you've probably come across two popular varieties that keep popping up everywhere: the LSU Purple and the Brown Turkey. Both are solid choices, but they're quite different when you actually start comparing them side by side.
I've spent years watching these trees grow, tasting their fruit, and talking to gardeners who swear by one or the other. The truth is, there's no universal "best" fig tree. It really depends on what you want from your harvest and where you're planting it.
Let's break down everything you need to know about the lsu purple fig vs brown turkey so you can make the right call for your backyard.
Key Takeaways
Before we dive deep, here's what you need to know:
- LSU Purple produces sweeter, more complex fruit with deep purple skin and strawberry-red flesh
- Brown Turkey is more cold-hardy and reliable for beginners, with milder, light-colored fruit
- LSU Purple thrives in hot, humid climates while Brown Turkey adapts to cooler zones
- Brown Turkey typically gives you two crops per year, LSU Purple focuses on one heavy main crop
- Both trees are relatively easy to grow, but they have different strengths
Overview of LSU Purple Fig
The LSU Purple fig came from Louisiana State University's breeding program, which explains the name. Scientists there wanted to create fig varieties that could handle the South's brutal heat and humidity while producing amazing fruit.
And they succeeded.
This tree produces medium to large figs with a gorgeous deep purple skin that almost looks black when fully ripe. Cut one open, and you'll see bright strawberry-red flesh that tastes incredibly sweet with hints of berry flavors. Some people say it reminds them of jam straight off the tree.
The LSU Purple grows as a medium-sized tree, usually reaching 10-15 feet tall if you let it go. It has big, bold leaves and a fairly open growth habit. The tree puts most of its energy into one main crop in late summer, and when it decides to produce, it really produces. You'll be sharing figs with neighbors because you won't know what to do with them all.
One thing to note: this variety really loves heat. It was bred for Southern conditions, so it performs best in zones 7-10. If you live somewhere with mild winters and hot summers, the LSU Purple will thank you with incredible fruit.
Overview of Brown Turkey Fig
Brown Turkey is like the reliable friend who's always there when you need them. This variety has been around for ages, and there's a reason it's still one of the most popular figs in America.
The fruit is different from LSU Purple in almost every way. Brown Turkey figs have copper-brown skin (hence the name) and pale pink to amber flesh inside. They're not as intensely sweet as LSU Purple, but they have a mild, pleasant flavor that most people enjoy. Think of it as more subtle and less "in your face" sweet.
What makes Brown Turkey special is its reliability. This tree produces two crops in most climates – a small early crop in June or July, then a larger main crop in late summer. Having figs earlier in the season is pretty nice when you're waiting for everything else to ripen.
The tree itself is hardy and forgiving. It handles cold better than most fig varieties, surviving down to zone 6 (some say zone 5 with protection). It also bounces back quickly if winter damage does occur. For begginers, this resilience makes Brown Turkey the safer bet.
Brown Turkey grows slightly smaller than LSU Purple, usually staying around 10-12 feet, which makes it easier to manage in smaller yards.
Detailed Comparison Table
Here's a side-by-side look at how these two varieties stack up:
| Feature | LSU Purple Fig | Brown Turkey Fig |
| Fruit Color | Deep purple to black skin | Copper-brown skin |
| Flesh Color | Strawberry-red | Light pink to amber |
| Taste | Very sweet, berry-like, complex | Mild, pleasant, less intense |
| Fruit Size | Medium to large | Medium |
| Harvest Time | One main crop (late summer) | Two crops (early summer & late summer) |
| Cold Hardiness | Zones 7-10 | Zones 6-10 |
| Heat Tolerance | Excellent | Good |
| Disease Resistance | Excellent (bred for humidity) | Good |
| Tree Size | 10-15 feet | 10-12 feet |
| Growth Speed | Moderate to fast | Moderate |
| Beginner Friendly | Moderate | Very friendly |
| Drought Tolerance | Good once established | Very good |
| Container Growing | Possible but challenging | Easier |
Fruit Quality and Flavor Profile
This is where personal preference really matters in the lsu purple fig vs brown turkey debate.
LSU Purple Flavor
When you bite into a perfectly ripe LSU Purple fig, it's an experience. The sweetness hits you first – it's noticably sweeter than most figs. Then you get these berry undertones that make it taste more complex than your average fig. The texture is smooth and jammy, with just enough body to feel substantial.
These figs are amazing fresh off the tree. They're also fantastic for preserves, desserts, or anywhere you want that fig flavor to really shine. The only downside? They're so sweet that some people find them almost too rich if you eat too many at once.
Brown Turkey Flavor
Brown Turkey takes a different approach. The flavor is gentler and more balanced. You get figgy sweetness without it overwhelming your palate. This makes Brown Turkey more versatile in savory applications – they work great with cheese, in salads, or alongside roasted meats.
Fresh Brown Turkey figs are good, but they really shine when you use them in recipes. Their milder flavor lets other ingredients share the spotlight instead of dominating the dish.
If you're making fig newtons or fig jam for the first time, Brown Turkey is probably the better choice because it's more forgiving and easier to work with.
Growing Conditions and Climate Suitability
Where you live makes a huge difference in the lsu purple fig vs brown turkey comparison.
LSU Purple Climate Needs
LSU Purple was literally created for the Deep South. It laughs at humidity that would make other fruit trees miserable. The heat and moisture that cause fungal problems for many figs? LSU Purple handles it like a champ.
But here's the catch: it really needs those warm growing conditions to produce its best fruit. In cooler climates, the figs might not develop that incredible sweetness and complexity. They'll still be okay, just not mind-blowing.
If you're in Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, or anywhere with similar conditions, LSU Purple should be at the top of your list.
Brown Turkey Climate Needs
Brown Turkey is the adaptable one. It grows successfully from North Carolina to California, handling different climate conditions without much fuss.
In cooler zones (6-7), you might need to provide some winter protection, but the tree will usually survive and produce. In hot zones (9-10), it still performs well even though it wasn't specifically bred for those conditions.
This adaptability makes Brown Turkey the logical choice if you're unsure about your climate or if you're pushing the boundaries of fig-growing territory.
Tree Care and Maintenance Requirements
Both varieties are relatively low-maintenance compared to other fruit trees, but there are some differences.
Watering Needs
LSU Purple likes consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Don't let it dry out completely during hot spells, or the figs might drop before ripening.
Brown Turkey is more drought-tolerant once established. It can handle dry periods better and won't punish you as much if you forget to water occasionally.
Pruning Requirements
Neither variety needs extensive pruning, which is great news for busy gardeners.
LSU Purple benefits from shaping when young to establish good structure. After that, just remove dead wood and thin out crowded branches.
Brown Turkey is even more forgiving. Light pruning to control size and remove damaged branches is usually enough. It naturally grows in a fairly manageable form.
Fertilizing
Both trees appreciate a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Don't go crazy with nitrogen, or you'll get lots of leaves and fewer figs.
A layer of compost around the base each spring usually provides everything these trees need. According to gardening experts at Big Write Hook, organic amendments work better for fruit trees than synthetic fertilizers in most cases.
Disease Resistance and Common Problems
LSU Purple Advantages
The LSU Purple's biggest advantage is its resistance to diseases that thrive in humid conditions. It was specifically bred to resist:
- Fig rust
- Leaf spot
- Various fungal issues common in the South
This disease resistance means less spraying and less worry about losing your crop to disease.
Brown Turkey Challenges
Brown Turkey has decent disease resistance but isn't quite as robust as LSU Purple in high-humidity areas. You might see some:
- Leaf rust in wet years
- Occasional fungal spots on fruit
These issues rarely kill the tree or destroy the entire harvest, but they can reduce fruit quality in bad years.
Pests to Watch
Both varieties can attract the same pests:
- Fig beetles (they love ripe fruit)
- Birds (they love it even more)
- Squirrels (they'll take just one bite and ruin multiple figs)
Bird netting is your best defense once fruit starts ripening. Nobody likes sharing with birds.
Harvest Time and Yield Comparison
This is a big factor in the lsu purple fig vs brown turkey decision.
LSU Purple Harvest
LSU Purple focuses its energy on one impressive main crop. In most areas, this happens in late summer, usually August through September. The tree will produce heavily all at once, giving you a concentrated harvest period.
Yields are generous. A mature LSU Purple can easily produce 50-100+ pounds of figs in a good year. You'll have plenty for fresh eating, preserving, sharing, and probably still have some left over.
The concentrated harvest is great if you want to make preserves or process a lot of figs at once. It's less ideal if you prefer a steady trickle of fresh figs over a longer period.
Brown Turkey Harvest
Brown Turkey gives you options with its two-crop nature:
First crop (breba crop): Comes in June-July, smaller quantity but earlier fresh figs Main crop: August-September, larger harvest similar to LSU Purple's timing
Total yield per tree is often slightly less than LSU Purple, but the extended harvest window means fresh figs over more weeks. Many gardeners prefer this spread-out approach.
Pros and Cons of LSU Purple Fig
Pros
- Exceptional sweetness and complex flavor
- Excellent disease resistance in humid climates
- Heavy production when conditions are right
- Beautiful dark purple fruit
- Bred specifically for Southern heat and humidity
Cons
- Less cold-hardy than Brown Turkey
- Needs warmer zones to develop best flavor
- Single concentrated harvest (could be pro or con)
- Slightly more particular about growing conditions
- Can be harder to find at nurseries
Pros and Cons of Brown Turkey Fig
Pros
- Excellent cold hardiness
- Two crops per season in most climates
- Very reliable and forgiving for beginners
- Wide climate adaptability
- Easy to find at nurseries and garden centers
- Good drought tolerance
Cons
- Less intense flavor than LSU Purple
- Lower disease resistance in very humid areas
- Fruit can be less impressive in appearance
- Milder taste might disappoint if you want bold fig flavor
Which One is Better for Your Garden?
The answer depends entirely on your situation. Let's break it down:
Choose LSU Purple if:
- You live in zones 7-10 with hot, humid summers
- You want the absolute best-tasting figs possible
- You plan to make preserves and want a big harvest at once
- Disease resistance in humid climates is important to you
- You're willing to be a bit more attentive to the tree's needs
Choose Brown Turkey if:
- You live in zones 6-9, especially in cooler areas
- You're a beginner or want a low-maintenance tree
- You prefer a longer harvest season with two crops
- You want a more adaptable, forgiving variety
- You need reliable production regardless of weather variations
- You plan to use figs in cooking more than eating fresh
Consider both if:
- You have space for two trees
- You want to compare flavors yourself
- You want both early and late season production
- You enjoy experimenting with different varieties
Best Uses for Each Variety
LSU Purple Best Uses
The intense sweetness and jammy texture make LSU Purple perfect for:
- Fresh eating (just grab and go)
- Fig preserves and jams
- Desserts where fig flavor should shine
- Drying (they're sweeter than most dried figs)
- Impressing guests with your harvest
Brown Turkey Best Uses
The milder, balanced flavor makes Brown Turkey ideal for:
- Salads with cheese and nuts
- Pairing with savory foods like prosciutto
- Baking applications where you need balanced sweetness
- First-time fig growers who want guaranteed success
- Container growing on patios or decks
Final Verdict and Recommendations
After looking at everything in this lsu purple fig vs brown turkey comparison, here's my honest take:
For most home gardeners in the South (zones 7-10), the LSU Purple fig offers a superior eating experience if you can provide the right conditions. The flavor difference is real and noticable. If you want to grow figs for the pure enjoyment of eating incredible fruit, LSU Purple wins.
For gardeners in cooler zones, beginners, or anyone wanting a reliable, easy tree, Brown Turkey is the smarter choice. It will produce well with less fuss, adapt to your conditions better, and still give you plenty of delicious figs. You won't get that "wow" factor of LSU Purple, but you'll get consistent results year after year.
The good news? Both are excellent fig varieties that will reward you with homegrown fruit that's infinitely better than anything you'll find in stores. You really can't go wrong with either choice.
My personal recomendation? If you're serious about figs and have the space, plant both. Use Brown Turkey for your early season fresh figs and reliable production, then enjoy the incredible LSU Purple harvest in late summer. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
Remember, growing your own figs is about more than just the harvest. It's about walking outside on a warm morning, picking a perfect fig, and eating it right there in your garden. Both the lsu purple fig vs brown turkey will give you that experience – they just do it in slightly different ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can LSU Purple and Brown Turkey pollinate each other? A: Figs don't need cross-pollination. Both varieties are self-fertile, meaning each tree will produce fruit on its own without needing another fig tree nearby.
Q: How long until these trees produce fruit? A: Both varieties typically produce some fruit in their second or third year. You'll get a full harvest by years 3-5, depending on growing conditions and tree size at planting.
Q: Can I grow these figs in containers? A: Yes, both can grow in containers, but Brown Turkey adapts better to container life due to its smaller size and more forgiving nature. Use a large pot (at least 20 gallons) and expect less production than in-ground trees.
Q: Which fig is sweeter, LSU Purple or Brown Turkey? A: LSU Purple is significantly sweeter with a more complex, berry-like flavor. Brown Turkey has a milder, more subtle sweetness that some people actually prefer for its versatility.
Q: Do these figs need special soil? A: Both varieties tolerate a wide range of soils but prefer well-draining soil with pH between 6.0-6.5. They're not particularly fussy as long as the soil doesn't stay waterlogged.
Q: How do I know when the figs are ripe? A: Ripe figs will droop slightly on the stem, feel soft when gently squeezed, and may develop small cracks near the base. For LSU Purple, look for deep purple color. For Brown Turkey, the fruit should have full copper-brown color and give slightly to pressure.