It’s August, and your fig tree is likely full of green fruit, some of it ripening, some still tiny, and maybe a few new shoots reaching skyward. Now’s the time to shift focus from new growth to fruit ripening. A few small adjustments now can mean the difference between unripe figs and a basketful of sweet, sun-warmed fruit.
Why Prune Mid–Late Summer?
Fig trees commonly set new growth through August, especially after rain or frequent watering. Yet that late-season growth can delay ripening fruit before frost. Instead, redirect the tree’s energy by pinching or pruning actively growing branch tips, signaling the plant to prioritize ripening over expansion. Pruning mid-July through mid-August also opens the canopy for better air circulation and sun exposure, improving fruit quality and reducing disease risk.
Water Wisely
Early-season moisture helps establish roots, but now too much water can delay ripening and dilute sugar concentration. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, just enough to keep the tree from wilting. This light summer stress encourages ripening and deeper flavor.
Know Your Variety
Some figs, like Celeste, Chicago Hardy, and Violette de Bordeaux, naturally ripen later. If your tree hasn’t yet produced breba (first) crop this season, that’s okay. Even on slow maturers, pruning helps concentrate sugars in existing fruit and improves next year’s set.
Troubleshooting Unripened Fruit
If you’re waiting on sweet figs, consider these questions:
- Is the tree still pushing new shoots? (If so, prune them back.)
- Are you watering too frequently? (Ease up to support ripening if you can. Mountain showers can be problematic. When planting figs, choose a dry location.)
- Is the tree in deep shade or crowded by other plants? (Prune nearby vegetation for more light and air.)
- Still no ripening? Your variety may simply be a late-season type.
Keep Wildlife in Mind
Once figs begin to soften and droop, they attract birds, squirrels, and sometimes deer, although deer usually avoid fig sap and fruit unless nothing else is available. Protect ripening fruit with netting or branch cages if wildlife pressure is problematic. And be mindful: fruit left on the ground can attract pests and even diseases. Picking figs as soon as they’re ripe is your best defense.
Final Tips for a Sweet Finish
- Prune new shoots now to help the fig focus on fruit sweetening
- Back off watering slightly to boost flavor without stress
- Harvest often and protect ripening fruit from critters
With just a handful of timely steps, you can help your fig tree deliver its biggest and sweetest crop ever.