Why Are My Figs Going Soft and Mushy Before Ripening?

There is an important distinction between a fig that softens naturally and pleasantly as it ripens — which is normal and desirable — and a fig that develops an unpleasant, mushy, discoloured softness before it is anywhere near ripe. The first is the fruit doing exactly what it should. The second is a sign of rot, disease or a physiological problem that is destroying the fruit. Knowing which one you are dealing with allows you to respond correctly.

Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea)

Grey mould is the most common cause of premature mushy rot in developing figs, particularly in wet summers or in humid, poorly ventilated positions. The fungus typically enters through the eye (the small opening at the base of the fig) or through any split, wound or area of damaged skin. The affected area collapses and softens rapidly, and a grey-brown fuzzy mould may be visible on the skin. Remove all affected figs immediately and dispose of them away from the tree. Improve air circulation through pruning in spring, and ensure the tree is not overcrowded against a wall or other plants.

Internal fruit rot

In warm, humid conditions, fruit flies and other insects can enter through the fig's open eye and deposit eggs or introduce bacteria that cause internal decay. The fig looks intact from the outside but the interior is rotting. Cutting the fig open reveals brown, wet, foul-smelling flesh rather than the clean pink or red interior of a healthy ripe fig. There is little that can be done once this has occurred — remove and dispose of affected figs and consider netting the tree to reduce insect access during the ripening period.

Overwatering in the final ripening stage

Figs that have been heavily overwatered as they approach ripeness can develop a waterlogged, mushy texture — the excess water is absorbed by the developing fruit, diluting the flavour and breaking down the cell structure. Ease back on watering once figs begin to show signs of colour change and softening at the base. At this stage, less water actually improves both texture and sweetness.

Sunscald on exposed fruit

A fig on the south side of the tree that is suddenly exposed to intense summer sun — because surrounding leaves have been removed or have dropped — can develop a pale, soft, scalded patch on its skin. This area eventually discolours and rots. The fig is edible if the damaged area is removed, but the rest of the crop is at risk if left. Ensure that developing figs have some leaf cover during the hottest part of the day.

Harvesting timing

Sometimes what appears to be premature mushiness is simply a fig that has reached full ripeness and been left too long on the tree. Figs do not keep well once ripe and quickly deteriorate. Check developing figs daily as they approach harvest time and pick as soon as they show all the signs of ripeness: softening at the base, the neck drooping slightly, and the skin taking on its final colour.