Question
Hello Dr. Vann:

I live in southern San Diego County and have 3 fig trees, 2 of them are some sort of greenish fig (very fresh and earthy tasting, not too sweet), the 3rd is a black mission fig.  For some reason, the figs don't get very big, they're about the size of my thumb and by the time they turn black (dark purple) they seem to be drying up, rather than "plumping" up.  The tree seems to be healthy, nice big leaves, no spots or whitefly or anything.  Do I need to water it more?  Less?  Fertilize?  Or is this some sort of disease?  If it's a disease, how do I resolve it?

Thank you,
Marcia

Answer
Marcia:
Best to start with a soil test.  Contact you local county Extension office for instructions.  Test is often free. Do not overwater. CK soil for moistness- just so soil sticks together when you squeeze it in your fingers. These plants like well drained soil. You can also carry in a few of the affected figs to the same office so someone can actually see them and may need to look at them under magnification for a possible disease.

Steve