Why isn't my fig tree producing fruit?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.A fig tree that does not produce fruit is likely a case of incorrect husbandry. My first fig tree never bore fruit either because I over-fertilized it. If you stimulate your fig with nitrogen, you will have lots of leaves but not fruit! The key is to provide the tree with 6+ hours of direct sunlight a day and not to overwater it, as wet roots are the enemy of production.
Soil & Fertilizer
- Test soil nitrogen levels before feeding
- Use low-nitrogen fertilizers (3-12-12 NPK) during fruiting
- Replace synthetic feeds with compost tea
Sunlight & Water
- Prune surrounding plants blocking light
- Water deeply 1-2x weekly, not daily
- Install reflectors to boost light in shaded areas
Pruning mistakes can ruin a grower's crop altogether. After the cold winter the plants were asleep, and dead branches should be removed, just do not cut out any limbs that have a good chance to produce fruit. During the summer, I recommend just pruning to pinch their tips and not remove any whole limbs. An acquaintance of mine cut back her tree too far and it took almost two full years for it to produce fruit again.
Young trees require time for growth. Most fig varieties will usually begin to produce figs in years 2-3. Monitor the tree's growth; if your tree puts on 12 inches or more of growth each year, it is a healthy tree. For figs in pots, limit their roots in a confined pot it will accelerate maturity. A potted Violette de Bordeaux I was growing fruiting 8 months earlier than plants growing in-ground.
Survey for pests silently shredding your crop. Root-knot nematodes create an invisible stress. Drench soil with neem oil solution, once a month. For beetles, use sticky traps. Last season I saved my crop by spraying a weekly dose of garlic water,simple, cheap, and effective.
Read the full article: How to Grow Figs: Expert Tips for Thriving Trees
