How to get your Figs on your Fig Tree to Ripen Faster

John from www.growingyour... shares his technique for getting unripe figs on a tree to ripen up faster. In this video you will see John demonstrate the technique he uses which in his observation works.

[@KingofFreestyleMusic]

We are Greek in ethnicity and have been growing fig trees in pots here in Canada during the summer months (we take them indoors during the winter due to the harsh cold) and have been adding iron to the soil to get the figs to grow bigger and ripen faster. An iron deficiency in the soil will produce smaller figs which take longer to ripen. We use small pieces of rusty scrap metal (steel) in the soil to get iron to the fig tree. Fig trees also require a large amount of sunlight and water.

[@galehess6676]

ThankS! I have a bag of Fe granules and will keep watering!!

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

That type of iron isn't available to plants, even edta is only there for about 15 minutes before it oxidizes.

[@MoreMushroomThanMan]

I know this is an old video, but man, what a gem. I absolutely LOVE my fig tree, and being that I live in the mountainous desert and the weather can be janky, this is a SUPER useful tip. Thank you so much for this one, this is going to help for years to come!

[@Luke8-17]

It works, my family is from Naples and were farmers, it's an old remedy. The removal of leaves where a fig is starting to grow also helps ripen them a lot sooner.

[@growingyourgreens]

This fig was purchased from a Nursery many years ago. It was there before all the raised beds, and we constructed all the beds around the tree. Knowing what I know now, I would have purchased a different variety fig and planted it somewhere else.. like the backyard where it would not impact the vegetable garden as much.. but im working with it.. Off season I have miners lettuce growing underneath -- reseeding itself automatically :)

[@GrenadeChick99]

mmmm! Figs are such a gift. There is nothing as good as a fig that ripens on a well loved tree.

[@knucker14]

I really appreciate your vids john! I'm wishing I had more time to watch. I got so much to do and so little time. This is an awesome resource for edible gardens for Northern California as well as all over. Wanted to tell you Good Job. I can tell you know what you're talking about, via experience thru the videos and you seem humble throughout. Much appreciated!

[@jgfergus]

Thanks John. I'm going outside now to take the leaves off one of my potted fig trees that still has lots of green figs. Hope they ripen before our first frost up here in Canada.

[@cashk100]

Hey John, I am so glad I stabled on this video. I have lots of figs on my tree that are still green. Thanks alot for sharing. Stay blessed.

[@jccoolwood]

Thanks for the entertaining video. However, one of the great things we like about our fig trees are the leaves. We have dabbed the top with oil before using a Q tip. It seems to work here in Arkansas. Thanks again.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I would love an update on this, do you do it every year John? How long before the end of the season do you do it?

[@SaveMeFromMyself1990]

This is a great tip! I have a big fig tree I've grown from a baby, it's massive now...and the fruits aren't this big yet... They've never fully ripened but I neglected it before. Been watering it like crazy this year praying they'll pull through! I'm in South Texas so hopefully by August they'll be ready, if not I'm going to try clipping the leaves like this!

[@Iloveorganicgardening]

Good idea John. I've seen people pinching the new growth to promote ripening but that's the first I've seen someone taking all the leaves off. It looks like it works though. I'm going to have to try it this year because I had a lot left on the tree last year when I got frost.

[@growingyourgreens]

Modesto? You are in FIG country! Most anykind would probably do well there. I would encourage you to find a local fig tree and taste the figs off it. If they ripen, and are good to you get a cutting (in dormant season) and stick it in the ground, and watch it grow! Otherwise go to a fig tasting and see which varieties you like best, and plant those ones.

[@isabo3556]

I have two figtrees. 1 Bornholm's Diamond and a Brown Turkey. The Bornholm's Diamond gets figs in April which ripen in Juli/August. The B.Turkey gets the figs in June and ripens in October. Pick the right variety.

[@PriscillaSwaney]

I grow two fig trees on the NW corner (saw this recommended) of my house. Keep your tree pruned back, you don't want to use a ladder to pick anyway. Remember the roots spread according to the size of the top of the tree. My trees are 10 years old, and I have not found roots spread out in the lawn, so the root ball must be compact. I grow Brown Turkey figs in Central Florida, the fruit is golf ball size. I make fig preserves, you can freeze your figs as they rippen, cook at your convenience.

[@santemorrone4726]

yes I agree my dad has a fig tree 55 years old and he prunes it way back every year when it goes dormant, it really is not a big tree can reach to every branch

[@stevewillis4556]

Great ep, going to try this tomorrow! The Italians have a use for green figs with pasta. Gotta cook 'em but worth a look!

[@keithl7422]

I live in Vancouver BC and people highly recommend to grow "Deset King" of Fig Tree. I have 2 fig trees in front yard and the figs ripen every August!!! Nothing need to do at all!! Keep in mind, Fig tree needs a plenty of water and fertilizer regularly in order to ripen the figs!! ( I always run a very small amount of water by water hose under the tree everyday 24/7 plus fertilizer regularly, and there are no problem with the figs to ripen ).

[@theresa94010]

What kind of fertilizer do you use if I may ask? All purpose?

[@MrAlonzogaze]

Hey john, thanks for the video. I learn a little bit more by watching your video. Especially the cutting off the leaves part. I have a fig tree that gives the same kind of figs on your tree. Now I know that they are called brown turkey figs. I always wondered what my kind of fig they were. This is the first year that the tree gives me a lot of figs. But, it only ripens two or maybe three at a time a week or two. I'm going to try it your way by cutting the leaves off. Its Oct and still going good

[@terryleblanc6868]

Also not getting enough water can keep figs green. Big tree nice figs. What variety is it? Ever think about pruning it back to about 4 or 5 feet high? We trim ours like an umbrella,, upside down umbrella, more energy and sun for the figs, no need for a ladder to harvest.

[@theresa94010]

Interesting what you said about figs staying green without enough water. Never heard that before but I believe you are correct. This is the first year I double the watering, and figs are plenty, and seem to be maturing faster.

[@nicosgeo]

never water a fig tree. that's a rule.

[@Iloveorganicgardening]

@@nicosgeo that's what I thought too. Maybe you'll get more growth but they won't have as good a flavor when they're over watered? I know when they get too much water they split open. Which is unavoidable in my climate because of the amount of rain we get.

[@Love_ministry]

Consistent watering very limited. Fertilizer, important for energy growth, fruiting.

[@nabeelsakhnini4797]

Thank you Sir! Very helpful. God bless you!

[@wildwit-music]

Seems like it works, Im just curious how sweet the figs would be considering that the leaves are the sugar factory for the fruit. Without the leaves soaking up sunlight I wonder how much flavor is actually making it to the fruit, rather than just darkening them up

[@gretchendonham7518]

My dad tried this after watching your video. The results were disastrous....he only tried it on two branches, and the figs did not ripen any faster than the neighboring branches. It changed the color of the figs. They were smaller than the others because the sun shriveled them up. (I guess this isn't a good idea in south Louisiana).

[@thaitong6939]

May be picked all the young figs off just leave the old enough to ripen

[@otherone1234]

@@thaitong6939 no taking the leaves of is stupid. No need to do that. All you need is cut of the tips but do it a bit early (like mid-august as an example). The bozo on this video i guess never did grade seven biology where plants need leaves to Photosynthesis to happen. The only reason some of his figs are ripening is because those figs are already mature enough and they don't need much nutrients to ripen. The rest of his small figs will just get a bit soft but most likely nonedible. He is a bozo. don't listen to him.

[@LittlePieceOfHeaven.65]

us southern states just pinch the top and remove the the small ones

[@galehess6676]

In town, warmer micro climate, southeaster PA, 40th parallel, friends have 2-20' trees in a fenced yard with southern exposure, hundreds of figs, perfect, brown figs. They neglect the tree 100%. Outside of town, mine need strawbales stacked around them in the winter to help them get an earlier spring start. If they freeze down, no bueno, takes longer to emerge in spring.

[@rosiec6554]

Hi what do u do with ur fig leaves. I make tea with lemon n fresh ginger it’s sooooo delicious

[@coolmantoole]

If you have enough, you can make fig preserves out of green figs when frost forces the tree into dormancy.

[@narindermattoo31]

Great video ..... i just did that day before n I hope to eat figs soon .... thanks

[@poolgamers5815]

Hey John, Thanks for sharing this wiith us, I was afraid my figs are not going to ripen as its been few weeks since they have grown big but were not ripening up. And since the last few days the leaves are shedding all by themselves, lets see how long it will take to ripen up.

[@JennyDemetri]

HI John, I have this problem and am going to give this a try. Will let you know the outcome in a couple of weeks. Best wishes from Jenny (London, where we are having a very unusual heatwave right now : )

[@MsThai1]

I got 2 Turkey figs tree very small I just plant it this sommer I got 10 Fruits on my small tree ,what can I do when winter coming,Last year I plant one fig tree doing good.after winter gone my fig gone too,This year I think I will cover my figstree to make sure they not going to fozen this time, You figtrees look very good, How many years to get them large like that. very nice video Thank you. so much

[@PriscillaSwaney]

I grow mine in Florida, mine are close to the house. Planted years ago, but read recently to plant on NW side of your home to protect from hot summers. My neighbor's tree planted in the open, small figs & the hot, dry weather is killing a mature tree. Mine are in just sandy soil, I use liquid feed in spring. Don't overfeed, try putting gal jugs of water with drip holes so they will get constant watering giving the roots time to establish. Buy trees grown locally.

[@cg1tube]

Hi, doesn’t taking off all of the leaves prevent the tree from photosynthesizing?

[@MrEagleeye58]

I have a fig with only 2 main branches.. Once branch was packed with unripe figs.. When I cut off the leaves of the branch with the figs.. All the figs degraded and died dropped off.. I reasoned that with only TWO branches the fig suffered a shock with all the sugars gone and ejected all the fruits... I am guessing you need a tree with lots and lots of spare leaves for it to work.

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Would early September be too early to start forcing the tree to think its frost by removing the leaves?

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Im on long island NY

[@ruderevival]

what variety of figs is that? I have a latarulla, or Italian Honey Fig, theyre quite good when I actually get any to ripen :(

[@ancientfutures]

love the quick episodes

[@ggtaruc2578]

Its end of July here in SW Michigan. My 5 year old Chicago figs in container have lots of fruits but not at its full size yet. Should I be snipping off leaves? Will they continue growing in size if I do that? Should I only be doing that when they are full size?

[@RonnieMinh]

Great video & info. I am going to give it a try. Thanks John.

[@mariyalate]

very good tip! thanks John for sharing. God bless you!

[@Nini51963]

I love figs , yours looks so big . You also have so much fruit . How did you get it to produce so much ? Love your videos .

[@Love_ministry]

Fertilizer, use Dr, earth, from Amazon

[@TheKev7133]

Other then blueberries, most fruit trees love fertilizers or compost. If you keep the PH low, you should have lots of fruits. The red clay in Georgia is naturally low in PH and hi in metal oxides so adding compost is all that is needed. If your fruit trees are not doing well, odds are your soil PH is high and you need somehow to lower it.

[@deanevangelista6359]

Kevin Yang Figs actually prefer a higher PH. I use lime to lower the acidity in my soil around my fig trees. In Greece. figs often grow right out of the limestone hillsides.

[@fozzyozzy1030]

Tell me what you mean about blueberries mate?

[@inasmal3996]

Still my fav viral garden inspiration

[@aredsun1268]

Excellent video. A classic.

[@lauriewinslow5121]

if your fig tree hasn't been pruned and the branches are way too long but now has fruit but think the branches may break how do I decide where to prune the branches? don't want my tree to start breaking- its summer here in the east Bay Area , today 90F - what do you suggest. Its a black fig tree about 10 years old.

[@jaimes1572]

Hey I was hoping you could help! I got a fig tree and it has smaller yellow and green striped figs. The woman said it’s a small light fig but didn’t know what type they are? Do you happen to know if a species that’s not purple but yellowish green?

[@MyInspiredCreation]

Awesome fig tree! Did you grew it from seed or did you buy it from a nursery? Nice video, John!

[@tahirgalnasky6876]

Good advise. Which state are you located and type of fig that tree is? Thank you

[@starlight219]

i think your defoliated fig tree looks more decorative like a christmas bulb tree or glass bottles on a tree.... was it effective for you? what percentage of your figs ripened before your frost?

[@utubedude70]

Hi John, I have a fig tree here in Sacramento, CA and the figs either don't ripen or immediately get too soft and mushy and look withered. Why do you think this is? I give it plenty of water so I don't think that is an issue. It does get pretty hot here but it didn't get hot during the last round of fruiting around May-June. I can see a new batch of figs getting started now and want to do the right thing early on.

[@sleepdepp]

Iron maybe?

[@jailencoleman1905]

Hey john I was wondering if I could get a fig tree cutting or sucker from your brown turkey fig tree please I'm 12 and I love figs

[@osamashibani3976]

Based on your knowlege..does fig trees need a certain amount of water frequently and what cause the fig fruit fall down from the fig tree

[@norxgirl1]

My problem may be the need to fertilize more often....thanks for info.....

[@coolmantoole]

This might work. I should note though that I live in a very humid climate and fig rust will usually get a lot if not most of the leaves on my fig trees by late fall. I still end up with lots of green figs getting frozen on the trees that produce a fall crop. My season is long enough that I usually get two crops on most of my figs each year not counting the breva crop. But many of the fall figs don't ripen fast enough.

[@lindahulbert]

i will try this method but i am in the uk the figs get really big but do not ripen i am going to try you tip

[@ramirahz4186]

Did it work? In the UK and got tons of fruit but not ripening

[@mdiazdiaz5612]

great video, thanks for sharing

[@adriaanadriaan]

What about the role of the fig wasps in the ripening? As I understand, fig wasps lay their eggs inside the fig, and at the same time pollinate the fig (to make fig seeds). When the eggs hatch and escape to the surface of the fig, the fig is triggered to start the ripening. Apparently, on some figs, you may "fake" this escape to the surface by damaging the fig, which may start the ripening as well. There is a very nice documentary about it on youtube: "Queen of trees".

[@pupupsaputra3300]

Hi John, how old is your fig tree? A lot of fig each branch

[@sarfrazarain5889]

How you get bunch of figs on each branch, while I have fig tree gets couple of figs on each branch, it’s very healthy and large green tree. Pl give me some suggestions how to get bunch of figs on each branch like your

[@yanjijay6752]

Wow those are some huge figs as big as avocado

[@TheFishGuy86]

here in florida are there any special things u have to do to make ur fig tree ripen well? im in south florida.

[@Luke8-17]

Could be poor drainage or drought, improper fertilization, inadequate sunlight. I live in Brooklyn and have about 15 fig trees in my yard. I had issues with a few had to check PH on the soil and was bad drainage. I do mine in all day sun, today they are all fine.

[@Lemmesaynothing]

Hi John, I have a fig tree that just suddenly started to die. I checked the soil and it had clumps of mold in it. I stopped to watering it to stop the mold, but it continues to die. any ideas?

[@georgecapra]

Great video, Thanks

[@bannongkhlawnongkhlaw8144]

Very helpful thank you

[@andora63]

Hey John I have two fig trees that are 2-3 years old and have many leaves but little fruit. My older trees in the same area are doing great, providing plenty of figs. Are there any pruning practices or special nutrients I can use to encourage more fruiting on younger trees? They were not in full sun the first year but have been for the past year, and so have had full sun this entire season. I'm Zone 5b in North N.J. What is optimum Ph level and fertilizer to use? Thanks!

[@emmettkelly7465]

It took my potted figs four years to start producing fruit. Earlier, I had very few figs.

[@franoreck]

Great video. I'll let you know if it worked on my tree.

[@oatiko3065]

Did it work? Lol

[@BoyYardee]

It seems, after pruning, the regrowth is more diverse or is more than what was originally cut.

[@MuhammadFirdausSamsudin]

John, it is possible to grow fig from seed? Because it hard for me to find any fig cutting in my local.

[@stevenryan7626]

***** most figs will not actually produce viable seeds. Cuttings can be ordered and shipped from anywhere in the country, look for them on ebay perhaps or find some online nursery catalogs that carry subtropical fruit trees.

[@Love_ministry]

I brought some fig from sprouts stores, and one fig I tried , open it and smash it with fingers in a bowl of water. All the seeds will separate out, now pour this in to potting soil. Within a month, some seeds may sprout. I have one fig plant that method.

[@gnfcom]

Hey John, do you eat raw Chard? i heard higenists only recomend eating cooked Chard. Thanks.

[@tilesetter1953]

Those are huge figs, man!

[@albertareid8776]

I wish that I could be their, would you share those with me, or us, when I live in Mississippi, I would eat figs all day, the tree was in middle of the field, every thing was free, plums, pears, apples, pecans the birds would plants some of them

[@Richard5sf]

Very informative video!! Thanks!!

[@anunexaminedlife1207]

What about using azomite on your fig tree?

[@fablan3308]

I have just tried this today we will see what happen the weather changes in 4 weeks time where I am I will update up

[@budokaii]

Hi John what kind of of Fig tree would you recommend to purchase and grow at my house. thanks i live in modesto, ca

[@islami658]

Any

[@anitanewland1778]

Enjoyed watching, TY

[@MsTokies]

do you grow any dwarf fig trees or any potted trees.

[@puja4568]

How deep does the fig tree roots grow in the ground

[@TreDogOfficial]

That's really clever!

[@evladi7654]

Hi ! How can I have a cutting of this exact 'Brown Turkey ' tree ? I may have some cuttings...for exchange..

[@beebob1279]

I have a fig trees. My question to you is... Maybe when you took off the leaves those figs were ready to ripen that next week anyway. This year has been such a strange summer that the figs have just started to ripen. I've got a lot of them and they aren't ripening as are many other fig growers. (September 1, 2017). I'm afraid to cut back the leaves and stems for fear that the fruits won't ripen anyway. Suggestions?

[@priteshsojitra8396]

Hey Jon very nice information thanku

[@steverivera7270]

i have 3 new fig trees on the island of Puerto Rico , will it lose it's leave in hot weather all year long.

[@Mark2074Leo]

+Steve rivera Fig trees are not a tropical plants. In Puerto Rico the climate is consistently warm which will not give the trees a chance to go dormant. I do know personally that when I kept a fig tree indoors with heat the tree grows weak and yellow. It will eventually die. This is why you don't see figs being produced in tropical countries.

[@steverivera7270]

thanks, i will keep an eye out on them, but i hope they don't die.

[@chefbperez]

Hi Steve I was just doing research of trying to grow a fig variety here in Puerto Rico, I live up on a mountain so the heat is not as brutal as in the shallow areas. Was wondering how it was going for you...my nights are a bit cool and I get a lot of rain.

[@dewboy910]

Why not give us a comparison to the side that you didn't remove the leaves from?? For all we know, there were just as many figs on the other side that were ripening!

[@hippo-potamus]

great advice man.

[@surabhisagar2159]

Is it true, that brown turkey figs are not tasty. I planted one just last year without the knowledge.😥

[@Uncle_Red]

Surabhi Sagar they're delicious to me

[@surabhisagar2159]

Frederick Kunitz thanks, actually I had one fig which ripened and it was honey sweet. I had just seen on KZbin that brown turkey fig is not sweet which is not always the case.😊

[@beebob1279]

Suabhi, A friend of my grows them. She gave me one when I went to help her with her beehives. Absolutely delicious!!!!! I'm looking at adding two turkeys to my others next year.

[@surabhisagar2159]

thank u bee bob for the information. One more question, please tell me when when should I prune my plant.?

[@kristinejohnson248]

Surabhi Sagar I love mine :)

[@Pixelfrog]

My trees look happy but the figs stop growing once they are about half an inch big. It's like that every year.... I heard that they need a lot of water and nutrients, so I have started to give them buckets with nutrient water... but I don't think that will change the tiny figs to grow since they were like this for two months.... :(

[@arogue469]

As soon as the figs start to form, pinch off all but the two largest on each branch, and then don't let any more form. Then, starting at mid-season, clip the growth tips. This will all put more of the tree's resources into your figs. Then try his leaf-pruning technique.

[@gendonprasojo4537]

Hi john... may I get one of fig tree cutting ? he he please :-D

[@mikeu5380]

Hi from northern Japan. Our difficulty (and it is a difficulty!) is that we get lots of leaves but no figs ever.

[@lily-annevereecken53]

How old is your fig tree? How thick are the branches? You should certainly prune your fig tree every year, so that there are many branches. Also regularly shorten the heads. You can see whether figs will grow at the leaf base: if there is 1 bud, a leaf will appear next time. If there are 2 buds, there will be a fig and a leaf in that place. good luck? Greetings from Belgium

[@gpart5764]

huge tree, how old is it

[@suharsonofarm598]

amazing

[@יונתןבןנחמיה]

you can take a neddle and make a small hole in the fig and it should make it ripen faster too

[@gonny417]

what do you feed them and when

[@pietroscarpa2384]

How can I ingrease my figs on my tree?

[@jps3894]

Prune your tree in winter

[@CousinBender]

Hi... Up here in Canada I Been using Olive oil on the ends,for years, to help Ripen them at the end of the Season.

[@stellailyayev8861]

Cousin Bender does it work?? also how do u keep ur trees- figs alive in canada it's soo cold

[@CousinBender]

Yes , Also there's two ways to keep a fig tree alive in Canada.. One is that you keep it in a large pot and bring it in for the winter, But you must keep it in a Dark and Cool place with very little water until spring. .. Two .. Is that the tree does stay outside , but you need to dig a large enough hole, to PULL it one side ( using rope) until its flat with the ground and then cover it with leaves and burlap, and then earth until spring time . That's it.

[@phantomcreamer]

Cousin Bender wouldn't it start to rot and doesn't it drop below freezing? I'm curious how you layer the leaves and burlap.

[@CousinBender]

phantomcreamer It goes well below freezing, But no, it would't rot, if you cover it right.

[@phantomcreamer]

Cousin Bender I'm really scratching my head of this one. I live in the Phoenix area, and when it frosts over night my fig starts loosing its leaves. How on Earth does your fig survive freezing temperatures for months, unless you are saying that it doesn't get freezing under the pile of leaves. I did this once with an avocado sapling when I lived in Utah. I covered it with a giant stack of leaves over the winter and it was dead as can be the next spring.

[@PriscillaSwaney]

I grow brown turkey figs in Central Florida. I don't think he knows what he is talking about, of course he is trying to beat the cold weather somewhere. Green figs will not rippen once picked, but you can pick those beginning to rippen, leave them on the kitchen counter overnight, and next morning they are fully rippened. Remove the leaves so the birds can have easy access...LOL I won't try this experiment, rather cut the tips of limbs to start new trees, not toss in the trash.

[@theresa94010]

I agree with you100% Grandmas Homestead. Leaves are there to protect the fruits from the birds and I have lots of big crows just watching and waiting for the fruit to ripen. I knew about green figs will not rippen once picked, but didn't know about waiting overnight. Thanks for the tip.

[@livewelltobewell]

It's the green leaves that make most of the sugar.

[@peeeek8]

can i get a cutting of janice fig

[@jessethollywood90]

good tip thanks

[@maggielackhansingh9268]

never see those fig bfore i want to get a plant howcould iget are fig plant

[@maryvazquez-cartagena7567]

Maggie Lackhansingh Home Depot has them.

[@Bamb00nz]

Why can't you put ripe apples under the tree. Won't the ethylene ripen them?

[@classicsnicker143]

Banana's would be even better

[@arogue469]

Figs aren't really the fruit of the tree, per se - they're actually a mass of multiple flowers within a hollow stem - so the ethylene won't have that effect.

[@RobertGenito]

man, i love your cheesy jokes :D

[@chokriajlani9247]

Bonjour Monsieur cest tres bein