Black Mission Fruit Tree - Pollination - Ask Extension
I have three fig trees one of which consistently produces wonderful figs. However, this year the fruit remained hard until mid to late July. It has be...
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Black Mission Fruit Tree - Pollination #805648
Asked August 10, 2022, 3:55 PM EDT
I have three fig trees one of which consistently produces wonderful figs. However, this year the fruit remained hard until mid to late July. It has been suggested to me that the fruit requires pollination by a certain wasp, and that the scarcity of the wasp was the reason for late ripening. However, my tree has always produced well, and it is now ten years old. I have never seen wasp pollinators buzzing about the fruit, and the description that came with the tree stated that it was self-fruitful. Recently I placed a mosquito net over a younger tree to serve as a deer deterent. But if the fig does indeed require insect pollination, will the fine net prevent the fruit from ripening properly?
Thank you for your time. I look forward to receiving your advice on this matter.
Jackson County Oregon
Expert Response
Your fig trees are self-pollinating, so no wasp is required. Many (but not all) fig varieties will form two crops of figs. The first crop to ripen is called the “Breba Crop.” The breba figs form as small, hard green figs that overwinter or form in late winter and early spring on the prior year’s hardwood growth after the fig experiences a period of winter dormancy.
The main season fig crop is different. It forms on the current year’s growth and grows to fully ripe in one season. Depending on how long your growing season is and how hot your climate is, main season figs might ripen anywhere from summer to late fall.
Some of the problems with fig fruit development can come from poor pruning, over-fertilization or over-watering. You don't mention your pruning method, but this publication from Oregon State University describes best pruning practices.
You might also consider that we had a wet, cold spring that may have affected fruit set. And fruit trees can go through periodic cycles where fruit production is lower than usual.
The main season fig crop is different. It forms on the current year’s growth and grows to fully ripe in one season. Depending on how long your growing season is and how hot your climate is, main season figs might ripen anywhere from summer to late fall.
Some of the problems with fig fruit development can come from poor pruning, over-fertilization or over-watering. You don't mention your pruning method, but this publication from Oregon State University describes best pruning practices.
You might also consider that we had a wet, cold spring that may have affected fruit set. And fruit trees can go through periodic cycles where fruit production is lower than usual.
