While I was away last week, my young LSU Purple surprised me by ripening its first couple of figs. The bigger surprise was that, despite all the accounts of this variety being tasteless for the first few years, these were quite sweet and on par with some of my other varieties. Maybe it's the heat?? At any rate, it will be interesting to see how the flavor develops over the next several years.

I had wrapped three nearly-ripe Black Mission figs with newspaper before leaving town, mentioning to the house-sitter that they'd be ripe and ready to eat in a couple of days. However, when I got home again they were still on the tree, shriveled, dry, and quite delicious! It's a good thing I got home when I did--we got two inches of rain this afternoon, which probably would have ruined them.

Hover mouse for photo captions.

Way to go!

Ken,

Looks good.  I'm glad that your LSU Purple has good flavor right off the bat.  I think Jon had the same experience.  I find it to be a healthy and productive tree that does well here in AZ.  Your Black Mission fig looks very nice.  Thanks for posting.

How old is your LSU purple tree? It is on Jon's list of his top 5 figs for his area, and since I'm in SoCal too, I got it. Mine is still in it's first year. I purchased a small plant that had a lush shoot on the bottom, and a spindly main stem, so actually made 2 cuttings and now have 3 small trees growing vigorously.

I really can't wait to try some of these figs. :)

By the way, what's all that wet stuff? Is that the 'rain' of which you speak? I've heard the word before.

Still no word on nematode problems with figs.   Anyone?  Also does
anyone know if lsu purple dries well?   Good?   Canned?   If I get a
 lot of figs I will have to do something with them.  The ones I have
tried are ok but from 3 ft trees so likely will much improve with age.

Hi Noss, mine had one this past spring, if I remember right, that was one of the reasons some members believe it is not a Celeste.  Here is the link to the thread

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/My-first-fig!!!!!-5858028

Noss,

My LSU Purple had a few brebas this year.