You will never see blossoms on a fig tree. The fruit is the blossom — and it’s actually an inverted flower. When the fig is fully grown, the inside only has the flower’s remains, which include the small, gritty structures we normally call seeds. These “seeds” are actually ovaries that were fertilized but didn’t grow. They give the fig its resin-like taste and feel.
There are many kinds of figs, but only a few are grown for sale: the Black Mission, the Calimyrna, the Smyrna, the Brown Turkey, and the Kadota. Father Junipero Serra and the early missionaries brought the Black Mission variety to California. The fig tree was Serra’s guide for his missions, which is how the name came about. The first mission was Mission San Diego.
Most of our figs are grown in the San Joaquin Valley. The fig tree produces two crops a year, including the smaller, “breba” crop in early summer. The name comes from the Spanish word “breva,” meaning “brief. ” The second, larger crop is in late summer to early fall. Fresh figs are harvested fully ripe; store them in your refrigerator for no more than 72 hours.
Bartlett pears Cortland $1. 29 to $1. 49 per pound Tips: These are the first pears of the season from the area around the Sacramento River. They will take a little longer to ripen. Frisée Salinas, Oxnard $1. 29 to $1. 79 per person Tip: Chefs add texture to a salad with frisée to make it look like there is more of it. Pattypan squash from Fresno and Salinas farms for 79 to 99 cents a pound. Tips: The green pattypans have very thin skin, so be careful not to hurt them. These are great cut in half, brushed with olive oil and grilled.
Fig trees produce a unique fruit that develops inverted inside the structure we eat But when and how do figs actually blossom to form this delicious produce? Read on for details on the fig tree flowering process and bloom times,
Fig Tree Flowers
Unlike most fruit trees, the fig doesn’t produce visible flowers that bloom then develop into fruit. Instead, dozens of tiny flowers line the inner walls of the hollow fig fruit structure itself.
These flowers are closed and inverted internally Once pollinated by fig wasps, they mature into seeds that give figs their unique crunchy texture when bitten into
So rather than traditional blooms, the fig’s “flower” is actually each individual fruit structure that holds these fertile flowers within.
Fig Bloom Season
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.
A second, smaller crop may bloom in late summer from late-season shoots that then overwinter and mature the following spring.
Specific bloom times vary slightly by fig variety, but follow this general pattern:
-
Early spring – Blooms emerge with new leaf growth as temps warm.
-
Spring to summer – Pollinated flowers develop into main fig crop.
-
Summer to fall – Second bloom initiates on new late shoots.
-
Following spring – Late shoots from last season mature into small secondary fig crop.
Figs grown in containers can be brought indoors over winter in colder zones. When moved outside the following spring, bloom time is accelerated by several weeks compared to in-ground trees.
Pollination of Fig Flowers
Another unique aspect of fig trees is that most commercial varieties do not require pollination to set fruit. Their flowers self-pollinate without any need for insects or wind.
However, a few fig types do need pollination to trigger seed and fruit production. This is carried out by a specialized species of tiny fig wasp.
The lifecycle of fig wasps revolves around the fig tree. They deposit eggs and pollen into certain “male” fig flowers, allowing some seeds and wasps to develop. The wasps then pollinate the remaining “female” flowers that become the edible fig fruits.
So while most fig varieties self-pollinate, some do require fig wasps for cross-pollination. Fortunately, most commercial fig orchards contain both fig types to support the mutualistic relationship.
Time From Bloom to Harvest
After fig tree flowers bloom internally, how long before you can harvest ripe fruit? The time from pollination to fig harvest averages:
-
8-10 weeks – for the main spring/early summer fig crop.
-
4-6 weeks – for the secondary breba crop that ripens the following spring.
However, depending on the variety and climate, figs can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 16 weeks to reach maturity after blooming.
Early ripening varieties in hot climates produce the fastest, while late season types in cooler areas take the longest.
The exact harvest window also varies. But in most cases, figures are ready to start picking once they plump up and change from green to deep, rich colors.
Getting Figs to Bloom
What if your fig tree isn’t blooming or fruiting properly? Here are some tips to get figs flowering and producing:
-
Provide full sun – figs need 8 hours of direct sun daily to flower and fruit well.
-
Prune carefully in late winter – avoid overpruning which reduces flowering wood.
-
Fertilize in spring with low nitrogen and high phosphorus.
-
Water regularly – figs need consistent moisture but not waterlogging.
-
Protect from late spring frosts – cover trees when temps drop below 28°F.
-
Grow in a hot climate – figs bloom and ripen best with long, hot summers.
-
Select rapid-ripening varieties – early types bloom and fruit faster.
-
Plant in-ground – container figs often don’t flower well due to restricted roots.
With ideal growing conditions and variety selection, your fig tree will soon reward you with an abundant crop of ripe, delicious fruits.
Common Questions About Fig Tree Blooms
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about fig tree flowering and fruiting:
How often do fig trees bloom?
- Twice a year in mild climates – spring and late summer. Only once during summer where winters are cold.
What causes fig trees not to bloom?
- Insufficient sunlight, overpruning, immaturity, poor nutrition, and cold winters can prevent flowering.
Do fig trees need to be pollinated to bloom?
- Most fig varieties self-pollinate but some require fig wasp cross-pollination to trigger blooming.
Can I tell if a fig bloom is pollinated?
- Check for signs of withering, insect damage, and dead male flowers which indicate fig wasp pollination.
Should I remove fig flowers or fruit?
- No, the flowers are inside the structure we eat so don’t remove fruits or developing figs.
What temperature is too cold for fig trees to bloom?
- Sustained cold below 15°F can damage flower buds. Protect trees when temps drop under 25°F.
How do I get my potted fig tree to bloom?
- Provide maximum sunlight, limit pruning, and move pots into a sheltered area over winter to encourage flowering.
Enjoying the Fig Harvest
While fig tree blooms aren’t outwardly visible, their unique flowering process results in one of summer’s most delicious treats.
Now that you know when and how fig trees produce their flowers and fruit, you can take steps to maximize their productivity.
In no time, you’ll be plucking fresh, ripe figs straight from the tree to enjoy their honey-like sweetness. And once you’ve tasted homegrown figs, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for these unique, ancient fruits.
