LSU Scott’s Black Fig — Zone 7b Cold Hardiness Performance Reference

Overview

LSU Scott’s Black is a dark-fruited fig variety developed within the Louisiana State University fig breeding program and added to the Giles County Figs collection in Fall 2025 for structured evaluation under Zone 7b growing conditions. LSU selections are often associated with vigor, disease tolerance, and productivity in warm, humid climates. This reference documents how LSU Scott’s Black behaves when grown outside its region of origin, with emphasis on establishment, cold response, recovery behavior, and long-term orchard suitability in Pulaski, Tennessee.

This page functions as a living reference. Observations are recorded as they occur and interpreted within the context of environment and management. Performance is not assumed based on breeding origin alone. Instead, LSU Scott’s Black is evaluated on whether it can function reliably within the constraints of a cold-edge orchard.

Why We’re Trialing This Fig in Zone 7b

LSU Scott’s Black was selected for trial to better understand how LSU-bred figs translate to cooler climates with winter dieback risk. While many LSU figs perform exceptionally well in the Deep South, their behavior in Zone 7b can differ significantly, particularly in relation to cold exposure, recovery timing, and fruiting reliability.

The central questions guiding this evaluation include whether LSU Scott’s Black can recover efficiently following winter stress, whether regrowth supports fruit development within the available growing season, and whether the plant’s vigor remains an asset rather than a liability in a cooler climate. These questions are critical when considering whether warm-climate selections can be integrated into a Zone 7b orchard without excessive intervention.

Plant Size & Establishment Status

This plant was grown from a fall cutting and advanced under controlled nursery conditions before orchard evaluation. Growth from a six-inch, four-node cutting to approximately 24 inches in height reflects both varietal response and the growing environment. During establishment, plants were up-potted three times to support root development, and long terminal growth was intentionally topped to encourage lateral branching. Watering was consistent at approximately one gallon per plant twice weekly using collected rainwater, with a very dilute fertilizer solution applied throughout. Drainage was immediate, and excess water was captured and reused. Observations are interpreted in the context of these conditions rather than as fixed indicators of in-ground performance.

At this stage, focus remains on root establishment and structural response rather than fruiting potential.

Growth Habit & Vigor (Early Observations)

Early observations indicate that LSU Scott’s Black exhibits strong vegetative vigor under nursery conditions. Growth has been upright and assertive, with internode spacing tending toward the longer end of the moderate range. Following topping, the plant responded with lateral branching, though vertical dominance remains noticeable.

This level of vigor can be advantageous for rapid establishment but may require closer management in a Zone 7b orchard. Whether this vigor translates into productive balance or excessive vegetative growth after winter exposure will be a key factor in determining long-term suitability.

Orchard Use & Placement Strategy

LSU Scott’s Black is being evaluated as a potential in-ground orchard fig, with placement decisions guided by its vigor and recovery behavior. Initial planning favors a bush-form structure to allow multiple renewal points if winter dieback occurs. This approach also helps moderate excessive vertical dominance.

Spacing will be slightly more generous than for slower-growing varieties to accommodate vigorous regrowth. Site selection prioritizes full sun exposure while avoiding locations that exacerbate winter wind stress. Final placement decisions will depend on how evenly growth resumes after winter and whether vigor supports fruiting rather than extended canopy rebuilding.

Cold Hardiness Considerations (Zone 7b)

Cold hardiness is a central concern for LSU Scott’s Black when grown outside its intended climatic range. In this reference, hardiness is evaluated as a functional response rather than a fixed temperature rating. Observations focus on the depth of dieback, the speed of spring recovery, and whether the plant can return to productive growth within the local season.

LSU Scott’s Black is not assumed to be highly cold-hardy. Instead, it is evaluated on whether its vigor compensates for winter damage by supporting timely regrowth and fruiting. A fig that survives but requires most of the season to rebuild structure may be less suitable than one that rebounds efficiently with balanced growth.

This reference evaluates vigor, recovery, and orchard suitability, not LSU program yield claims or flavor rankings.

Winter Protection Strategy (Zone 7b)

Initial evaluation of LSU Scott’s Black will occur under standard Zone 7b winter conditions with minimal intervention. This allows natural dieback and recovery behavior to be documented without masking response through heavy protection. Root zones may be mulched to protect below-ground structure, but above-ground growth will be evaluated based on natural exposure.

If observations indicate that moderate protection improves recovery consistency without excessive effort, future strategies may be adjusted. The goal is to determine whether LSU Scott’s Black can be managed reliably without requiring warm-climate assumptions or intensive winter care.

Expected Ripening Window (Local Estimate)

Based on general characteristics of LSU-bred figs, LSU Scott’s Black is tentatively expected to ripen in the mid to late season under Zone 7b conditions. This estimate remains provisional and will be refined once fruiting occurs and timing can be compared with established orchard references.

Ripening window is evaluated alongside reliability. In a cold-edge orchard, a fig that ripens slightly later but consistently may prove more valuable than one that ripens earlier but irregularly due to winter recovery delays.

Flavor & Fruit Notes

Fruit quality has not yet been evaluated under local conditions. Characteristics such as fruit size, sweetness, texture, and overall eating quality will be documented once LSU Scott’s Black begins producing fruit in the orchard. Flavor notes will reflect fruit grown in this environment rather than descriptions derived from warmer climates.

Consistency of fruit quality will be considered alongside peak flavor, recognizing that environmental stress can influence expression in vigorous varieties.

What Early Growth Can — and Cannot — Tell Us

Early vegetative vigor provides insight into how a fig responds to favorable conditions, but it does not determine long-term orchard value. Strong early growth may reflect nursery environment rather than inherent resilience to cold stress.

For this reason, early observations of LSU Scott’s Black are treated as contextual information rather than conclusions. Each growing season adds data, allowing interpretation to evolve without contradiction or revision of earlier assumptions.

How This Fig Fits Into the Giles County Orchard Plan

LSU Scott’s Black plays an important role in evaluating whether warm-climate breeding programs can contribute viable varieties to a Zone 7b orchard. Its performance will inform decisions about cultivar selection, spacing strategies, and winter management for vigorous figs.

Whether it ultimately becomes a productive orchard staple or remains a comparative reference, LSU Scott’s Black adds clarity to how vigor, recovery, and fruiting interact under cooler conditions.