Im a little obsessed with these sweet, juicy fruits when fall comes around. Figs are indeed the fruit of fall!
Often associated with the Mediterranean, where the warm climate is perfect for these sun-loving plants, figs are sweet, versatile, and packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamins.
Did you know figs provide higher mineral and fiber content than most fruits, nuts, or vegetables? Whether youre eating them fresh, dried, or in a jam, figs are a delicious and healthy treat with so many health benefits!
Fig trees can successfully grow in zones 5-11 if you follow a few basic guidelines. Let me take you through the process below—from learning about these fantastic fruits to how to plant them to the thrill of harvesting your very own figs.
When Do Fig Trees Blossom? A Guide to the Unique Fig Flowering Process
If you’ve ever tried growing fig trees, you may have noticed something unusual – they don’t seem to produce any visible flowers before forming fruit This leaves many gardeners wondering, when do fig trees actually blossom?
The answer lies in understanding the unique reproductive anatomy and flowering habits of the fig tree. Unlike most fruit trees the fig has its flowers contained inside the fleshy structure we eat. Continue reading to learn more about how fig trees flower and the timing of their bloom seasons.
What is a Fig Flower?
When we eat a fig fruit, we are actually consuming an inverted flower with multiple tiny flowers blooming inside. These closed, female flowers line the inner walls of the hollow fig structure. Once pollinated by fig wasps, they mature into seeds, which give figs their unique crunchy texture.
So rather than traditional showy blooms, the fig “flower” is actually each individual fruit structure that holds hundreds of fertile flowers within. The pear-shaped syconium fruit swells as the flowers develop, eventually ripening into the soft, sweet figs we love to eat.
When Do Fig Trees Bloom?
Since the fig’s flowers reside inside the fruits, their bloom period corresponds directly with fruit production.
In tropical and subtropical climates, figs can produce two crops per year. The main fig flowering happens in spring, as new growth emerges. A second, smaller crop may bloom in late summer on late-season shoots. These then overwinter and mature the following spring.
The specific fig bloom times vary slightly by variety, but generally follow this pattern:
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Early spring – Flowers emerge with new leaf growth as temperatures warm.
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Spring to summer – Pollinated syconium flowers develop into the main fig crop.
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Summer to fall – A second bloom initiates on new late summer shoots.
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Following spring – Late shoots from last season mature into a small secondary fig crop called the breba crop.
Figs grown in pots can be overwintered indoors in colder zones to get a head start on spring flowering by several weeks compared to in-ground trees.
How Do Fig Flowers Get Pollinated?
Here’s another unusual fact about fig trees – most common edible fig varieties do not require pollination to produce fruit. Their flowers are capable of self-pollinating within the syconium without any external pollinators.
However, a few specialty fig types do need pollination to successfully trigger seed and fruit formation. This pollination is carried out by a tiny species of fig wasp, Blastophaga psenes.
The wasp’s lifecycle revolves around the fig tree. The females deposit eggs and pollen into certain male syconium flowers. This allows new wasps to hatch and emerge. The pollen they carry then pollinates the remaining female flowers, which develop into the edible fig fruits.
So while most figs self-pollinate, some do require fig wasps for cross-pollination between trees. Fortunately, most commercial orchards contain both types to support this mutualistic relationship.
Time From Fig Flowering to Fruit Harvest
After the hidden fig flowers bloom inside the syconium, how long before you can pick ripe figs? On average:
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8-10 weeks for the main early summer fig crop.
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4-6 weeks for the secondary breba crop that ripens the following spring.
However, depending on variety and climate, figs can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 16 weeks post-bloom to reach maturity. The fastest times are seen in hot climates and with early ripening fig cultivars. The longest waits occur with late season types in cooler regions.
Look for figs to begin ripening once they plump up and change from green to deep purple, brown, yellow, or other variety-dependent colors.
Tips for Getting Your Fig Tree to Bloom
If your fig tree isn’t flowering or fruiting well, here are some tips to encourage abundant fig production:
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Provide at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Prune conservatively in late winter to avoid removing potential flowering wood.
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Fertilize in early spring with a formula low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus.
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Water regularly, but avoid overwatering soaked soil.
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Protect trees from late spring frosts below 28°F.
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Grow figs in USDA zones 8-10 for optimal flowering and fruiting.
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Select rapid-ripening varieties to produce figs faster.
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For best results, plant trees in the ground rather than containers.
With the right growing conditions for your climate, proper tree care, and a bit of patience, your fig tree will reward you with a bountiful, sweet fig harvest in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fig Tree Blooms
Here are quick answers to some other common questions about the unique flowering habits and pollination needs of fig trees:
How often do fig trees bloom?
- Twice per year in tropical climates – spring and late summer. Only once in summer where winters are cold.
Do fig trees need pollination to bloom?
- Most common varieties self-pollinate but some need fig wasp cross-pollination to trigger flowering.
When can I tell if a fig bloom is pollinated?
- Signs include withered male flowers, small holes from emerging wasps, and dead male flowers inside syconium.
Should I remove fig fruits or flowers?
- No, fig flowers are inside the structure we eat so don’t remove developing figs or fruit.
What temperature is too cold for fig tree blooming?
- Prolonged cold below 15°F can damage flower buds. Protect trees when temperatures drop below 25°F.
How can I get my potted fig tree to bloom well?
- Maximize sunlight, limit pruning, and overwinter containers in a sheltered spot to encourage prolific fig tree flowering.
Enjoying the Sweet Fig Harvest
While fig flowers aren’t outwardly visible, their unique protected blooming process results in the beloved fig fruits we know and love. Now that you understand how fig trees flower and produce their fruit, you can provide the conditions they need for a successful harvest. Soon you’ll be picking fresh figs straight from the tree to enjoy their honey-like sweetness. Once you sink your teeth into a sun-warmed fig plucked straight off your own tree, you’ll have a new appreciation for these ancient and fascinating fruits.
How to plant fig trees
Now, lets get to the fun part: planting your fig tree!
You can grow fig trees in two ways: From cuttings or young trees bought from a nursery. You can grow figs from seed, but it takes a lot of patience. Fig seeds are tiny, and it can take several years for a seed-grown tree to bear fruit.
If you know someone with a healthy fig tree, ask for a cutting. Youll need a piece of a young branch, about 8-10 inches long.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot with moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, sunny spot and water it regularly. In a few weeks, you should see roots starting to form.
Air layering is another method of propagating fig trees. It involves wrapping moist soil around a branch to propagate it in the “air.” After 1-3 months, cut off your air layer to have an identical clone of your Mother fig tree.
My dad brought a fig cutting all the way from Missouri when he moved here to Georgia. He planted it and how has a massive fig tree outside his home just a few years later.
Caring for fig trees
Watering is crucial, especially during the first year as the tree gets established. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Early in the growing season, before the fruit set, you can give your fig tree ample water and then decrease that amount significantly after the fruit has been set to keep it happy and healthy.
Yellowing or browning leaves are often the sign of too much or, in very few cases, too little water.
Soil temperature also plays a big part. When the soil is cold, water less, and when it is warm, water more often.
Feeding your fig tree can also help boost its growth if your soil is depleted of nutrients and organic matter.
You can apply a balanced fertilizer or compost around the base of the tree before your tree sets fruit. You can also add some nitrogen to the soil before the fruits appear.
If your tree is in a container, it may benefit from a liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Applying mulch around the base of your tree can keep the soil consistently moist and the soil temperature warm.
Pruning is essential for keeping your fig tree healthy and productive and for maximum sunlight exposure. The best time to prune is during dormancy before new growth begins. This is usually when the leaves have fallen, the sap flow is minimal, or it has died completely to the roots.
Start by removing any dead or diseased branches. Then, thin out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. If your tree is getting too tall, you can also trim the top branches to keep it manageable.
Running has helped out fig trees almost double in size each year!
When Do Fig Trees Bloom?
FAQ
What time of year do fig trees bloom?
Fig trees typically bloom in the spring. The flowers are typically green and may not be very noticeable, but they are present during this time according to Southern Living.
Why is my fig tree not blooming?
A: The main reason a fig tree isn’t fruiting is too much or improper pruning causing your fig tree to favor growth, not flowering.
Do all figs have wasps inside?
No, not all figs contain dead wasps inside.
What month do figs produce fruit?
I grow them in containers, so they require frequent watering through the summer. The main crop are formed by July and begin ripening in late August. The fruit sits dormant on the branches until over two days one of the figs expands in size by three or four times and is ripe two or three days after that.Sep 12, 2022
When do fig trees bloom?
Since fig tree flowers reside inside the fruit, the bloom time corresponds with fruit production. In warm climates, figs can produce two crops per year. The main fig bloom period is in spring on shoots from the previous year’s growth.
Why do fig trees bloom?
So rather than traditional blooms, the fig’s “flower” is actually each individual fruit structure that holds these fertile flowers within. Since fig tree flowers reside inside the fruit, the bloom time corresponds with fruit production. In warm climates, figs can produce two crops per year.
Do figs Bloom?
Figs are an unusual fruit in several ways. They must ripen on the tree, some require a specific wasp for pollination and the flowers are inside the fruit. Although they do bloom, the flowers are insignificant and you won’t actually see them as you do those of most fruit trees.
Do fig trees have blossoms?
Q: I was told by a friend that fig trees have no blossoms from which the fruit comes and it is the only fruit of which that is so. Is this true? A: Figs certainly have flowers, but their method of fruit production is different from any other plant. We all know that “normal” fruits (apple, pear, peach, etc) have flowers in spring.
When do fig trees bloom in Georgia?
Fig trees in Georgia usually bloom in the late spring or early summer months. The specific timing may vary depending on the region within the state and the prevailing weather conditions. In general, fig trees begin to produce blooms between April and May. Georgia’s warm and humid climate is conducive to fig tree growth and flowering.
When do fig trees bloom in New Jersey?
Fig trees in New Jersey typically bloom in the late spring or early summer months. The exact timing may vary depending on the specific microclimate within the state and the prevailing weather conditions. In general, fig trees begin to produce blooms between May and June.