Why are the fruit on my fig tree dropping before ripening? (2024)

FAQs

Why are the fruit on my fig tree dropping before ripening? ›

In short, Smyrna figs need a pollinating caprifig, a fig wasp and perfect timing regarding the release of the wasp. Sadly, if these conditions aren't met, figs like the ones on your unmated tree will drop before they ripen.

Hi Pam, figs have a very superficial fibrous root system and so are very susceptible to stress caused by drought, which is the most likely cause of the fruit drop, a lack of consistent watering throughout the growing season. Mulching around the tree in spring is good, the bark should help conserve soil moisture.

To avoid fruit drop as a result of overbearing, we recommend thinning the young fruit before the tree drops it. In general, it is best to leave 4-6 inches between each fruit and break up any clusters that may form. You may use small, sharp pruners to remove the fruit or simply pluck it off with your fingers.

Figs might not ripen because of environmental factors, such as temperature, water, nutrient levels and amount of light in addition to weeds, pests and disease. Stress, however, is the main reason figs won't ripen. And, the most common stress factor is a lack of water in high-heat conditions.

To do this, simply dip a Q-tip in some olive oil and brush it lightly over the little belly button on the bottom of the fig, opposite the stem. Anointing the figs like this helps seal the eye of the fruit, preventing ethylene gas from escaping and encouraging the fig to ripen faster.

Overwatering Symptoms: The signs of overwatering are easy to spot. Brown spots or brown shaded areas in the middle of the leaves along with around the edges, yellowing leaves, and leaf drop (lower leaves often dropping first). Overwatering is one of the most common Fiddle Leaf Fig problems.

What months are best for figs? Figs typically have two main cropping seasons. The “breba” crop ripens in late spring to early summer, while the main crop matures from late summer to early fall. However, the exact months can vary based on the region and fig variety.

Potassium Deficiency

Fruit are smaller, have smoother, thinner rinds and may be subject to splitting and/or drop (Figure 5). Potassium deficiency is likely to occur on calcareous soils due to elemental antagonism, and where large crops of fruit are produced with high nitrogen rates.

If there is too much fruit forming, “survival of the fittest” kicks in, and the tree drops fruit. If the competition for nutrients is between the young fruit and the tree itself, your tree will sacrifice the lot so that it can live to fruit another year.

Green figs will not ripen off the tree. Figs picked just before full ripeness will continue to soften and become sweeter if left in a dry location with a moderate temperature. For more information on growing and producing figs, see HGIC 1353, Fig. As ripening begins, most figs become larger in size and change color.

What fertilizer to ripen figs? ›

Let's discuss tips on fertilizing figs. Please use a fertilizer with an analysis of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Apply fertilizer three times a year to bushes you are trying to bring into full production: early spring, mid-May, and mid-July. Mature bushes can be fertilized just once a year in the early spring.

Drought or inconsistent watering is the most common reason that fig fruit falls off the tree. This is also the reason that this fig tree problem commonly affects fig trees in containers. To correct this, make sure that your fig is receiving enough water.

One hard fact about figs is, unfortunately, green figs will not ripen off the tree. However, fruit picked just before full ripeness will continue to soften and become sweeter when they are stored at room temperature in a dry location, such as a pantry.

Factors that Influence Fig Ripening

Soil Temperature: This is the most critical factor. The soil temperature controls our tree's metabolism. If the soil is cold around 30-50F, our trees will grow slowly and ripen their figs slowly. Instead of an average of 90 days to a ripe fig, it may take 120 or 150 in cooler soils.

Lack of Water Causes Dropping Figs

To correct this, make sure that your fig is receiving enough water. If it's in the ground, the tree should receive at least 2 inches (5 cm.) of water a week, either through rainfall or watering.

Fig souring isn't a disease in and of itself, but rather the result of any of a large number of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts entering into the fig and essentially rotting it from within. These things enter the fig through its eye, or ostiole, the little hole at the base of the fruit that opens up as it ripens.

The yellow leaves may be a coincidental sign of stress – either from fig leaf rust or dry weather. Fig leaf rust can cause defoliation which eventually weakens the tree. If symptoms develop, or threaten, use copper spray on the underside of the leaves. Remove fallen leaves to reduce repeat infections.