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Brown fig tree/bush #941818

Asked August 07, 2026, 1:53 PM EDT

My brown fig tree is actually a bush type tree. I have lots of figs but only a few ever seem to ripen. The fig looses all its leaves in the fall and regrows larger every spring. On top of that there are a lot of lily of the valley around its base which I’m slowly digging out. Help. How can I get ripe figs!

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Sorry, you may not like my answer. 

   I think the problem is that Brown Figs and figs in general require a longer growing season than we have here in Michigan.  Even though your tree seems to survive Winter temperatures where you live (depending on where you are in Oakland County you are in a USDA hardinees zone 5b - 6a  or 6b.) the warm portion of the year is just not long enough for the fruit to ripen.  Brown figs require 60 - 90 days (average more like 90 days) to ripen after fruit reaches "pea" size and need fruit set no later than early July. Another cultivar, Chicago Hardy might perform better.

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/FS1198/

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/growing-hardy-figs-iowa

https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=399445    https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=202565\
https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=813647

  Here's some information re you Lilies of the Valley.


https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY.pdf

Thank you for your question!   Robert S. - Michigan State University Advanced Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Replied August 07, 2026, 6:13 PM EDT

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