By Heather Kirk-Ballard
LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
(08/21/20) Fig season is well underway, and many fig varieties are wrapping up their production while others are still producing and ripening. Fig season can begin in Louisiana as early as mid-June and end as late as early October, depending on the varieties. Your trees may still have green figs that just won’t seem to ripen, and that can be for many reasons.
First off, fig trees have a long juvenile period where they will not make fruit. Depending on the variety, they may take anywhere from two to six years to begin producing fruit. Those mature enough to produce fruit can take up to two months from fruit formation to optimal ripeness. In this instance, you just need to be patient.
Beyond the age of plants, the next possible cause for figs to not ripen could have to do with environmental factors such as temperature, water, nutrient levels and amount of light in addition to biotic pressures such as weeds, pests and disease.
Stress is the main reason why fig fruit will not ripen. Fig trees are extremely susceptible to stress, which causes them to slow down or even stop ripening their fruit. The most common stress is lack of water in high-heat conditions. Fig trees have a shallow root system, and irrigation is extremely important. If a fig tree does not receive an adequate water supply, fruit may not form or will not ripen.
Annual rainfall in Louisiana is typically very high — 60 or more inches of rain annually. However, rainfall data from 2020 for the months of May through July are showing an average of 2.45 inches less than 2019 rainfall for those three months. August data will likely show a further decrease in some parishes.
Stressed trees will go into survival mode, conserving their energy in an effort to help them stay alive and reproduce by conserving their seeds. Trees conserve energy by diverting it from the ripening process. Fruit will not ripen or will drop prematurely in addition to dropping leaves in their effort to stay alive.
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.
Ripeness is most often determined by enlarged size and a color change from green to brown or purple and sometimes gold, depending on the variety. You can feel for ripeness by gently squeezing the fruit, and it feels soft to the touch. Unripe figs are hard and have a rubbery feel to them. Additionally, ripeness can be determined by sweetness: the riper the fig, the sweeter it is.
Other possible reasons fruit will not ripen are a lack of nutrients, insufficient sunlight, too much nitrogen, pests or disease. In an effort to protect itself from pests or diseases, a tree will divert energy from fruit production and ripening into fighting off pests and disease. Scout often for pests and disease, and treat affected trees as soon as you spot them.
Fig leaf rust is a common disease that affects the trees. It is a fungal disease that affects mostly the leaves, and it thrives on humidity and moisture that is prevalent here in Louisiana. Trees respond by dropping their leaves in late summer or early fall. Fruit is not typically affected, but the disease can cause premature ripening of the fruit.
When planting fig trees, provide adequate spacing to improve air circulation in addition to using good pruning practices to open up the canopy. Avoid overhead watering, but water at the base of the trunk. Remove fallen, diseased leaves and discard them in the waste to prevent further disease spread.
No fungicide is registered for use during fruit production. Rust can be treated when trees are bare during the winter or dormant season followed by repeated treatments every two to three weeks to help prevent rust from reoccurring on the next year’s foliage. Never spray when fruit is present.
Making fruit can take a great deal of energy and work by the tree. A tree requires extra nutrients to support both itself and fruit. If the tree lacks proper fertilization, the figs slow the ripening process or may even stop. Additionally, over-application of nitrogen can also reduce ripening.
Regular fertilizing will help promote fruit production and ripening. Do not fertilize in late summer because succulent growth is more susceptible to cold injury in the winter. Wait until late winter or early spring and apply 1 pound of 8-8-8 fertilizer per year of age of the tree up to 10 years old.
Prune back one-third to one-half of the plant in early spring after the danger of the last frost has passed, typically March 15 for south Louisiana and after April 1 in north Louisiana.
To help improve fruit production and ripening of fruit, make sure the tree has plenty of water, especially during extremely hot temperatures, proper nutrients and proper maintenance. And scout for pests and disease regularly.
Fig fruit ripens on the tree. Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter
Ripe figs are sweet and juicy. Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter
Fig leaf rust on a fig leaf. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter
FAQs
The most common stress responsible for when figs don't ripen is lack of water, especially in high heat conditions. Fig trees in containers are especially prone to this. If a fig tree does not have enough water, the figs won't get ripe because the tree is trying to preserve itself and its seeds.
Why are my figs not ripening properly? ›
Stress is the main reason why fig fruit will not ripen. Fig trees are extremely susceptible to stress, which causes them to slow down or even stop ripening their fruit. The most common stress is lack of water in high-heat conditions. Fig trees have a shallow root system, and irrigation is extremely important.
What to do with figs that don't ripen? ›
Eat them green: If all else fails you could try one of the many recipes for green figs. In Italy, green figs are added to frittatas and served on pasta. We particularly like this recipe for unripe figs and fettuccine which is adapted from the Italian version online here.
Why are my figs taking so long to ripen? ›
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.
Will figs ripen if picked green? ›
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.
Do figs need sunlight to ripen? ›
Two of the main reasons for figs on a mature tree not to ripen are insufficient sun and lack of water. Figs are sun-loving plants. They have really shallow root systems and so are susceptible to water stress. Mulching can help keep the soil moisture level more even.
What month do figs ripen? ›
Fresh figs are not tasty until soft and ripe. Therefore, pick them just as the fruit begins to soften. The fig varieties common to Texas usually ripen their fruit during July or August but because of winter freezes, fruit harvest can be delayed until new growth is forced out.
Should I leave unripened figs on the tree? ›
Why are there lots of unripe figs at the end of summer? These are probably figs that formed on the current season's growth and they seldom ripen outdoors in the UK. They should be removed in autumn. Only figs that grew from the overwintered pea-size embryos will ripen outdoors.
How to ripen figs on the counter? ›
Figs do not ripen very well once they've been picked, however. Your best chance for getting them to ripen a little more is to leave them on a sunny windowsill for about a day. Once they soften a little more, eat immediately! You can hold them for an extra day in the fridge, but they will spoil quickly.
The best way to enjoy figs is raw, with the skin and seeds intact. You can also remove the peels and scoop out the seeds, if you like, or cook figs by baking, broiling or grilling them. But, the quickest and easiest way to enjoy these gems is by removing the stem and taking a bite right out of the raw fig.
Why are my figs rotting before they ripen? ›
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.
Why did my figs not ripen? ›
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.
What can I do with unripe figs? ›
In a climate such as the UK's, where figs don't often ripen fully, it's good to know that this glorious fruit doesn't have to go to waste. Green figs preserved in syrup, or vye konfyt, as they're called in South Africa, can be enjoyed on cheeseboards, pancakes and other desserts, or even eaten straight from the jar.
Can figs ripen without fig wasps? ›
You may have read that fig trees require a special "fig wasp" for pollination and fruit production. You may have also read that each variety of fig requires its own species of special wasp. While this is true for certain varieties of figs, wasps are not needed for every fig variety.
Why does my fig tree look healthy but no fruit? ›
When a fig tree is not fruiting, there are a few reasons why. The age of the tree (either too young or too old), too much nitrogen, or too much water are the main reasons for the tree not producing fruit.
How many days does it take for a fig to ripen? ›
Typically, once the fruit begins to form, it can take between 50 to 85 days for a fig to ripen on the tree.
Why are my figs hard and dry? ›
Fig trees are extremely shallow rooted and as such, are susceptible to stress. High temperatures and lack of water during summer months will certainly impact the tree, resulting in dry fig fruit on trees. Be sure to mulch heavily around the plant to retain water. Consider putting a soaker or drip hose under the mulch.
Why is my fig tree dropping unripe fruit? ›
Poor drainage and water logged soils can also cause problems with fruiting, make sure the soil is free-draining. Other causes can be sudden changes in temperature, regular applications of Tui Seaweed Plant Tonic will help your fig tree tolerate temperature fluctuations.
