Spring is a beautiful time for figs. The everbearing varieties are ripening. The dry, hot winds will dry the figs on the trees, producing gummy, sweet bites of deliciousness. We have the best-tasting figs this season, and the birds know it. The fig trees that go dormant in winter are leafing up and fruiting. The large leaves add their shades of green. The young tender leaves are useful for making tea and spicing the stews, but be careful with the tree sap. The sap can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
The main threats this season are:
- Rust on the leaves (fungal diseases): do not let water splash onto the leaves during watering. Water the tree roots only.
- Fruit drop: Lack of water at crucial stages of fruit development will cause fruits to fall off. In more severe drought conditions, the leaves will also drop.
- Deep water plants at least once a week. Twice a week if they are potted.
- Birds: Fruits may vanish before they are fully ripe. Consider covering them with netting or planting berries to divert the birds to low-hanging fruits.
