Q. Our fig tree is losing all of its leaves but still has
fruit on it. What can we do?
fruit on it. What can we do?
 |
| The third crop of figs in Las Vegas does not have enough time to ripen before freezing weather. The figs remain on the tree after leaf drop, dried and inedible. |
A. This time of year figs lose their leaves, it is
normal. It is that time of year.
normal. It is that time of year.
What
confuses you is that there is fruit remaining on the tree and you would like to
harvest it. Figs, in our climate, have three crops each growing season but
unfortunately our season is not long enough to support the third crop. So this
crop is lost to winter weather.
confuses you is that there is fruit remaining on the tree and you would like to
harvest it. Figs, in our climate, have three crops each growing season but
unfortunately our season is not long enough to support the third crop. So this
crop is lost to winter weather.
 |
| Mixture of early figs (briba, lower. older wood) and main crop (smaller, above, new wood) coming on a little later, less mature. |
The
first crop of the season grows on the wood produced last year older wood and is
called the briba crop. The second and
third crops are called the main crops
and develops on new growth.
first crop of the season grows on the wood produced last year older wood and is
called the briba crop. The second and
third crops are called the main crops
and develops on new growth.
What you
are seeing is normal. Enjoy the first two crops and remove the third crop and
put it in your compost pile to prevent possible future disease or insect
problems. However, I must admit, I usually let the immature fruit from the
third crop drop to the ground where it rots in the wood mulch beneath the tree
with no problems.
are seeing is normal. Enjoy the first two crops and remove the third crop and
put it in your compost pile to prevent possible future disease or insect
problems. However, I must admit, I usually let the immature fruit from the
third crop drop to the ground where it rots in the wood mulch beneath the tree
with no problems.