How To Force A Fig Tree To Fruit: Helping A Fig Tree Bear Fruit

Figs are a popular fruit for their sweet and chewy texture, but they can be frustrating to grow if your fig tree doesn’t produce any fruit. In this guide, we’ll explore how to force a fig tree to fruit, using pruning, fertilizing, watering, and sunlight as the main categories.

Understanding the Fig Tree

Fig trees are members of the Ficus genus and can grow up to 50 feet tall. There are several types of fig trees, including the common fig, the Adriatic fig, and the Kadota fig.

Fig trees have a unique fruiting pattern where they produce two crops each year, one in the summer and one in the fall. The fig tree is a deciduous tree, meaning that it loses its leaves in the fall and regrows them in the spring.

Reasons Why a Fig Tree Doesn’t Fruit

There are several reasons why a fig tree might not produce any fruit. Some of the most common reasons include inadequate sunlight, improper pruning, lack of fertilization, and inadequate watering. Other more serious issues such as pests and diseases can also prevent a fig tree from fruiting.

How to Force a Fig Tree to Fruit

1. Pruning

Pruning is an essential part of fig tree care, and it can help promote fruiting by removing dead or diseased branches and opening up the tree to more sunlight. Here’s how to prune a fig tree:

• Prune in the winter or early spring when the tree is dormant.
• Remove any dead or diseased branches.
• Cut back any overgrown branches to encourage new growth.
• Cut back the top of the tree to promote bushier growth.

2. Fertilizing

Proper fertilization can also help promote fruiting in fig trees. Here’s how to fertilize a fig tree:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio in the spring.
• Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer with a 7-1-2 NPK ratio in the summer to promote fruiting.
• Apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer with a 4-12-4 NPK ratio in the fall to promote root growth.

3. Watering

Proper watering is important for fig trees to thrive and produce fruit. Here’s how to water a fig tree:

• Water deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time.
• Adjust watering frequency based on the weather and soil moisture.
• Reduce watering during the winter when the tree is dormant.

4. Sunlight

Fig trees require full sun to produce fruit, so proper sunlight exposure is crucial. Here’s how to ensure your fig tree gets enough sunlight:

• Plant the tree in a location that receives at least 8 hours of full sun each day.
• Remove any nearby trees or structures that may block sunlight.
• Prune the tree to open up the canopy and allow more sunlight to reach the branches.

Conclusion

Fig trees are a great addition to any garden, but it can be frustrating when they don’t produce fruit. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can help your fig tree produce more fruit and thrive for years to come.