Marianne's Response
Fig tree won’t produce
My fig tree produced bumper crops for several years, but last year and this year only a few figs have ripened. The rest stay small, hard, and green. I have heard that figs don’t require fertilizer or much water. Is it time for me to do something in the way of fertilizer and/or water?
Posted by on August 11, 2014
Marianne's Response
I assume your fig is in the same location as when it had a bumper crop. If so, check to see if new, overhead tree branches have been shading it from the sun. Figs love the heat and prefer moist soil on the acid side, but will thrive even in clay soil. Have you added a thick mulch in the spring that is perhaps shading the soil too much? Mature fig trees do not need a thick mulch. I suspect your fig tree would like more water as this will help the figs to ripen. Although fig trees will survive in low water situations they will not be bountiful or ripen quickly when thirsty. Give your tree at least one inch of water a week and see if your tree rewards your efforts with some squishy, soft fruit. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti