Fruiting Fig Tree: Why Your Fig Tree Isn’t Producing Fruit

December 5, 2025 Bill Hageman

Why Fig Trees Fail to Fruit: When Do Fig Trees Produce Fruit & Why Your Fig Tree Not Fruiting?

If you’ve been excited to harvest sweet figs only to find your fig tree not fruiting, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many gardeners face this issue, whether they’re growing fig trees in the ground or caring for a potted fig tree.

The good news? Most problems have simple explanations and easy fixes. This guide will help you understand why your fig tree produces little or no fruit, why figs don’t ripen, and what you can do to get your tree back on track.

Understanding How and When Fig Trees Produce Fruit

Before we look at the hidden causes, it helps to know when do fig trees produce fruit and what their natural cycle looks like.

Two Harvests: Breba Crop and Main Crop

Many varieties form a breba crop, which grows on last year’s wood. The main crop develops on new growth and ripens later in the fig season.

You may also wonder, when will a fig tree produce fruit or when will fig tree produce fruit if it's newly planted. Nursery-grown fig trees often begin bearing fruit after 2–3 years, while some may take longer based on their environment, age, and root system.

To explore suitable varieties for your garden, check out this collection of high-quality fig trees.

Top Reasons Fig Trees Not Fruiting (and How to Fix Them)

1. Immaturity: The Tree Is Still Too Young

A young fruit tree without a strong root system won’t put energy into fruit production. This is the most common reason gardeners ask, “Why is my fig tree not producing fruit?”

Solution: Be patient and focus on steady growth. Water deeply, mulch well, and avoid heavy pruning until the tree matures.

2. Too Much Nitrogen

Excess nitrogen causes lush leaves but leads to a fig tree without fruit.

Fix: Use a balanced fertilizer. Too much lawn fertilizer nearby can also cause fruiting issues.

3. Stress from Heat, Water, or Soil Conditions

Drought, overwatering, and poor drainage can all lead to fig tree dropping fruit or slow fruit formation.

Overwatered fig tree symptoms: yellow leaves, mushy roots, premature fruit drop
Underwatering symptoms: small figs that never reach full size

If you’re seeing fig tree dropping fruit, stress is often the cause.

4. Poor Pollination—Especially for Certain Varieties

Most common fig varieties do not require pollination, but some types rely on fig wasps for fig fruit pollination. Without this process, the tree may form figs that never ripen.

To learn more about tree care basics, you may enjoy this video on planting a potted fruit tree.

5. Temperature and Climate Challenges

Cool summers can slow the ripening process and explain why figs don’t ripen before fall. Figs love long, warm days.

Tip: Plant fig trees in a warm, sheltered spot if you live in a cooler region.

6. Incorrect Pruning

Heavy pruning removes the branches that grow fruit. Remember: the main crop grows on new wood.

7. Root Restriction

A severely pot-bound fig or one planted in rocky soil may struggle with fruiting.

Fix: Repot your potted fig tree every 2–3 years, or loosen surrounding soil.

8. Wildlife Stress

Deer, rodents, and birds may nibble leaves and fruits. For help protecting your garden, see this guide on deer-resistant vegetables and berries.

How to Get Fig Trees to Fruit

If you’re wondering how to get a fig tree to fruit or how to get fig trees to fruit, here are the most reliable steps:

Water deeply once a week during the growing season
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Mulch to protect the root zone
Ensure full sun—6–8 hours minimum
Avoid pruning off new growth
Reduce nitrogen
Keep trees warm if your summers are short

For a complete resource, visit this detailed guide to planting and caring for fig trees or browse the figs growing guide.

You can also explore another helpful resource: How to Grow Figs: A Growing Guide.

What About Figs That Form But Don’t Ripen?

If your figs form but stay hard, you’re likely dealing with:

Heat stress
Irregular watering
Too much shade
A variety that needs fig wasps
A short growing season

These factors explain why figs don’t ripen or why your fig ripening process slows late in the season.

Final Thoughts

A fig tree not producing fruit can be frustrating, but the solution is usually simple—better watering, the right fertilizer, full sun, and patience.

With consistent care and a little understanding of the fig’s natural growth cycle, your fruiting fig tree will reward you with sweet, delicious figs season after season.

FAQs About Fig Trees Not Fruiting

How do I get my fig tree to produce fruit?

Ensure full sun, reduce nitrogen, water consistently, and avoid heavy pruning. Support healthy new growth for better fruit production.

What does an overwatered fig tree look like?

Yellowing leaves, soggy soil, mold growth, root rot, and fruit dropping are common signs of overwatering.

How long until a fig tree gives fruit?

Most fig trees begin producing fruit in 2–5 years, depending on variety, climate, and overall care.

How do you encourage figs to fruit?

Provide warmth, balanced fertilizer, consistent moisture, and good sunlight.

How do you prevent premature fig fruit from dropping?

Avoid overwatering, correct nutrient imbalances, and reduce stress from heat and drought.

What deficiency causes fig fruit drop?

While environmental stress is the primary cause, low potassium can contribute to fruit drop. Consistent watering and balanced nutrients are key.

What causes premature fig fruit drop?

Heat stress, overwatering, underwatering, poor pollination (in some varieties), and nutrient imbalance are the most common causes.

Why are my figs not getting ripe?

A short growing season, too little sun, or inconsistent watering can delay fig ripening.

What can I do with unripened hard figs?

You can cook them, pickle them, candy them, or use them in jams and preserves.

When do fig trees bear fruit?

Most fig trees produce their main crop in late summer through early fall, depending on variety and climate. Some varieties also produce an early breba crop on old wood.