Home & Garden Trees & Houseplants

How to Make Figs Ripen

By Home & Garden Last updated Tuesday, May/21/2024

1). Plant fig trees in full sun.
2). Water frequently enough to keep the fig tree's soil moist, but not waterlogged. Fig trees will not produce fruit if dehydrated, although waterlogged soil can lead to spoiled fruit.
3). Fertilize the fig tree in late winter or early spring with an 8-8-8 fertilizer. Apply 1 lb. for each year of the tree's age, maxing out at 10 lbs. for trees 10 years or older.
4). Practice oleification, or the application of oil, on green figs. Rub several drops of olive, vegetable or mineral oil onto the eye of green figs, which has been shown to ripen fruit faster, compared to figs that haven't been subjected to oleification. Use a cotton swab to apply the oil and avoid rubbing it on any other part of the fig.