Fig Help!!!

belvak

Happy Camper
We've got a fig tree that is being very productive, but the problem is that we get a bunch that are almost ripe overnight, then the next day, we've got ants or yellow jackets boring into them. :tantrum Hubby usually just picks them and eats them off of the tree when the urge strikes him, but we're wondering if he can pick some early and keep them (in the fridge or something) to let them ripen so we can give them to his Mom. Need Fig people to help!!!! TIA :huggy:
 
T

toppick08

Guest
We've got a fig tree that is being very productive, but the problem is that we get a bunch that are almost ripe overnight, then the next day, we've got ants or yellow jackets boring into them. :tantrum Hubby usually just picks them and eats them off of the tree when the urge strikes him, but we're wondering if he can pick some early and keep them (in the fridge or something) to let them ripen so we can give them to his Mom. Need Fig people to help!!!! TIA :huggy:

yes.....keep them at room temp.
 

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
We've got a fig tree that is being very productive, but the problem is that we get a bunch that are almost ripe overnight, then the next day, we've got ants or yellow jackets boring into them. :tantrum Hubby usually just picks them and eats them off of the tree when the urge strikes him, but we're wondering if he can pick some early and keep them (in the fridge or something) to let them ripen so we can give them to his Mom. Need Fig people to help!!!! TIA :huggy:

No, figs do not ripen once they're off the tree:

Figs must be picked ripe from the trees, since they do not ripen once picked.

Figs: picking tips, facts and recipes: Great things to make from fresh figs

As for the pests, you'll have to try several methods since you have both crawlers and fliers. For the ants, I would use a barrier around the base of the trunk like Tanglefoot:

Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier

For the flying critters, I would use a combination of hornet traps and an organic spray:

Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier

Bioganic Flying Insect Killer

Good luck! :cheers:
 

belvak

Happy Camper
:howdy: Thanks Jazz Lady!!! We'll try both!!! Hubby already mentioned putting a barrier around the base and is going to try some netting to see if it will help with the flying critters. His Mom LOVES figs, so we're trying to keep some for her.
 

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
:howdy: Thanks Jazz Lady!!! We'll try both!!! Hubby already mentioned putting a barrier around the base and is going to try some netting to see if it will help with the flying critters. His Mom LOVES figs, so we're trying to keep some for her.

YW. Netting helps with bird and squirrel problems but has ZERO effect on wasps and the like so I wouldn't waste money on it. I grew figs for close to 20 years and pretty much know what works and doesn't. :lol:
 
T

toppick08

Guest
No, figs do not ripen once they're off the tree:

Figs: picking tips, facts and recipes: Great things to make from fresh figs

As for the pests, you'll have to try several methods since you have both crawlers and fliers. For the ants, I would use a barrier around the base of the trunk like Tanglefoot:

Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier

For the flying critters, I would use a combination of hornet traps and an organic spray:

Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier

Bioganic Flying Insect Killer

Good luck! :cheers:

:bs:
 

DoMe

New Member
No, figs do not ripen once they're off the tree:



Figs: picking tips, facts and recipes: Great things to make from fresh figs

As for the pests, you'll have to try several methods since you have both crawlers and fliers. For the ants, I would use a barrier around the base of the trunk like Tanglefoot:

Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier

For the flying critters, I would use a combination of hornet traps and an organic spray:

Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier

Bioganic Flying Insect Killer

Good luck! :cheers:

You are smarter than a 5th grader!
 

belvak

Happy Camper
Uh, Oh... Looks like the gauntlet has been thrown!! We'll let you guys know which/what works!!! In the meantime thanks to you both for the advice!! :huggy:
 
T

toppick08

Guest
YW. Netting helps with bird and squirrel problems but has ZERO effect on wasps and the like so I wouldn't waste money on it. I grew figs for close to 20 years and pretty much know what works and doesn't. :lol:

They will ripen off the bush.....FYI.....
 

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
They will ripen off the bush.....FYI.....

FYI - they will soften as decay sets in but will NOT continue to ripen. To ripen, they gain sweetness and an unripe fig sitting on the counter or in the 'fridge will not turn any sweeter.
 

belvak

Happy Camper
Maybe I should have asked how long they would keep AFTER they were picked? Though the "ripening" thing was of interest too!
 
T

toppick08

Guest
FYI - they will soften as decay sets in but will NOT continue to ripen. To ripen, they gain sweetness and an unripe fig sitting on the counter or in the 'fridge will not turn any sweeter.

Bullcrap.........thnk you very much.
 

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
Maybe I should have asked how long they would keep AFTER they were picked? Though the "ripening" thing was of interest too!

Although I'm sure someone will disagree with me :rolleyes: figs are very perishable and RIPE ones will only keep for 2 or 3 days in the 'fridge.
 

DoMe

New Member
Who give a flying fig! Rotten figs are best used for lobbing at your enemy, or the unsuspecting victim. :heh:
 
Top