The fruits of figs (Ficus carica) north of the Alps often do not ripen. You can accelerate fruit ripening with simple measures. Read here about common causes when the fruit on the fig tree does not ripen with tips for effective countermeasures.
What to do if the fruit on the fig tree doesn't ripen?
Bymid-Augustthinning out afig tree you can accelerate the ripening of the fruit. Cut back strong growing branches to 5 cm above a half-ripe fig. Cut off herbaceous shoots and shade-casting fig leaves. If the fruit is too dense, thin it out.
Why aren't the fruits ripening on my fig tree?
On autumn figs, cool summer weather causesfruiting too late, so that the fruits on the fig tree no longer ripen. To make matters worse, late fig varieties constantly invest growth energy in the creation of new inflorescences, so that ripening fruits lack nutrients. These are further reasons why the fruits do not ripen on the fig tree in the garden and in the container:
- Frost damage has destroyed the fruit sets.
- The fruit sets have fallen victim to incorrect pruning.
- The fig tree is a non-self-fertile variety that relies on fertilization by the Mediterranean fig wasp.
How can I speed up fruit ripening on the fig tree?
The best way to accelerate fruit ripening is to thin out aFig tree The best time is mid-August. Please wear gloves (€9.00 on Amazon) to protect yourself from the sticky, toxic milky juice. Cut back strong growing shoots to 5 cm above a half-ripe fig. If the figs are sitting close together on a branch, thin out a third of the fruit. Remove fig leaves that shade ripening fruit. Pinch off herbaceous shoots in the shoot axils with two fingers.
How can I prevent figs from not ripening on the tree?
Proven prevention measure against unripe fruits on the fig tree is to plant aself-fertile varietyin asunny, wind-protected locationin conjunction with aWinter protectionandcorrect pruning careThe following tips get to the heart of important details:
- Only hardy, self-fertile fig varieties ripen in Germany.
- Plant a fig tree on the sunny wall of the house or cultivate it as a potted plant on the south-facing balcony.
- Overwinter the fig tree in the garden with a fleece coat and a layer of mulch.
- Put the fig in the bucket in the frost-free winter quarters.
- Thin out the fig tree in late winter and cut back frost damage in June.
Tip
Use unripe figs deliciously
Don't wait until the unripe fruits on the fig tree rot and fall off. This delicious preparation turns green baby figs into a tasty culinary delight: score the figs in a cross shape, wash, clean and cook in s alted water for 15 minutes. Then boil until viscous with water and sugar. Season figs in syrup with cinnamon, cloves, anise and lemon juice. Serve as a dessert or a side dish with yogurt and cheese.
