Droop without softening

[jkuo Veteran Find all posts View Profile Close jkuo]

Is it common for a fruit to start drooping without really softening that much? About half of my Italian Honey figs are drooping without really become as soft as I expect. Three of them so far have actually dropped off without fully softening; when I cut them open, they were ripe enough to eat but were mildly sweet without having that fully developed honey flavor.

[F. Bennett Veteran Find all posts View Profile Close F. Bennett]

Yes, it's common. A lot depends on the variety. I noticed some figs were drooping and cracking, but the skin was tough. The nights have been a few degrees cooler, so I blame it on that. We're back to the higher day/night temps now, so they should ripen properly.

[jkuo Veteran Find all posts View Profile Close jkuo]

Thanks, I was worried that there was something wrong with my tree. Would insufficient sun cause the issue too? With the shortening days and lower sun, some of my trees (including the Italian Honey) are getting more shade than they were earlier in the season.

[eboone Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close eboone]

I would expect that inadequate sun could affect the fig development. Another factor could be young trees, maybe?

[Kelby Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Kelby]

My Lattarula is doing that, starting to soften now after several days of droop.

[Dale_M Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dale_M]

My Italian Honey is doing the same thing. I am attributing it to varietal differences.

[Harborseal Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Harborseal]

I had 2 enormous Stella Breba that slowly drooped and stayed hard for over a month before they turned soft. Some times they just like to tease us.