Rain, A Fig Tree's Worst Nightmare | How to Choose Fig Varieties that Avoid it

In humid areas, fig growers face unfavorable weather conditions. The excessive rain and humidity negatively impact our fig fruits, causing many to rot and ferment prematurely. Additionally, these conditions lead to increased pressure from beetles, wasps, and fruit flies. To mitigate these challenges, some growers focus on avoiding the rain completely. One way is to utilize greenhouses to provide their trees with a head start, allowing them to ripen before the damaging rains begin.

However, not all growers have access to greenhouses, prompting the exploration of alternative solutions. One effective strategy involves selecting specific fig varieties that can be picked when underripe yet still maintain a good taste. Varieties like Martinenca Blanca and White Adriatic were highlighted as examples.

For a full list of varieties that can harvested early while not sacrificing too much on flavor, check out this detailed article I wrote on the Fig Boss blog: https://www.figboss.com/post/varieties-that-perform-well-in-the-cold-fall-vs-the-warm-summer

Additionally, some fig varieties, due to their genetic makeup, have shorter ripening times. By choosing these rapid-ripening varieties, growers can pick the figs closer to full ripeness, even before the rain affects them, ensuring a tastier and healthier yield.

For a full list of fig varieties that have a short hang time and will consistently ripen at a higher quality, check out this detailed article I wrote on the Fig Boss blog: https://www.figboss.com/post/fig-varieties-with-a-short-hang-time-the-most-important-characteristic-in-humid-mild-climates

Terrible Weather Discussion (00:00):
Fig growers in the Philadelphia area experienced one of the worst Septembers, resulting in many figs rotting, fermenting, and facing beetle and pest pressures.

Rain Impact (00:29):
Humid and rainy conditions harm fig trees, particularly when they cause the figs to hang on the trees for prolonged periods, making them susceptible to rotting and fermenting due to water absorption.

Greenhouse Advantage (00:59):
Using a greenhouse allows fig growers to give their trees a head start, potentially ripening the entire crop before rain impacts the figs.

Favorable Varieties (01:31):
Choosing specific varieties that can be picked underripe yet still taste good is a workaround for the weather challenges. Examples include Martina Blanca and Adriatic or White Adriatic.

Other Varieties (02:41):
Other fig varieties that taste decent even when picked underripe include Dottato, Kadota, Peters honey, Italian 258, and Molla Vermella.

Short Hang Time (03:42):
Some fig varieties have genetically shorter ripening times, allowing them to ripen faster on the tree. The ripening speed also depends on heat units in the air and soil.

Rapid Ripening Varieties (04:16):
Varieties that can ripen quickly, allowing them to be picked at 80 or 90% ripeness before rain, include Little Ruby, Campaniere, and Verdino Del Nord.

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Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia