The Benefits of Fig Tree Caprification (Pollination) & Why ALL of us Should Attempt Hand Pollination

Caprification is the unique process of pollinating fig trees. While most backyard growers successfully harvest fruit without ever thinking about pollination, those who embrace caprification often discover a dramatic increase in the size, quality, and flavor of their figs. On specific varieties, pollination can change the flavor to a degree two to four times greater than an unpollinated fruit, creating a complex "explosion" of taste that many growers find addictive.

Why Pollination is Not Strictly Necessary

For the overwhelming majority of home growers, a second tree or a pollinator is not required to get a successful harvest. This is because most figs sold in nurseries are "Common" figs, which are parthenocarpic, meaning they produce edible, sweet fruit without any pollination. This also means you don't need a second fig tree for cross-pollination.

There are 4 main types of figs.

While Common figs do not need it to ripen, they can still be pollinated to improve their flavor profile. However, other specific types like Smyrna and the main crop of San Pedro figs will fail to ripen and drop from the tree prematurely if they are not pollinated.

The Natural Pollination Process

Video Credits

A World within a Fig

The second episode of the BBC TV natural history series Perfect Planet included a short segment covering interactions between some Asian fig wasps and their host figs. Sarah Walsh was the researcher for the project and kindly arranged with Silverback Films that unused footage could be made available for educational purposes. Dominique Vassie, a Masters student at the University of Leeds has sorted through and re-arranged the footage and added a sound track to produce the extended version available here.

You are free to view, copy and use the video material for educational and other non-commercial purposes, but please acknowledge Dominique Vassie and Silverback Films wherever this would be appropriate.

Steve Compton, April 2022.

CREDITS:

Written & edited by Dominique Vassie

Music by Conor Emerson

Scientific Advisor: Stephen G. Compton

Animation by Dominique Vassie

Footage by Silverback Films

With thanks to the Thailand filming team:

Dr Wattana Tanming

Nick Shoolingin-Jordan

Alastair MacEwen

Sarah-Jane Walsh

Tammy

And with thanks to the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and the University of Leeds

Sounds from BBC Sound Effects

Film footage © Silverback Films

This film was produced as part of an MSc thesis for the University of Leeds:

Vassie, D.K. 2021. The use of documentary film footage to understand the behaviour of fig wasps. MSc thesis, University of Leeds.

This film was produced for educational purposes only.

Genetic Variation from the Fig Wasp

The fig is not a standard fruit; it is an inverted flower known as a syconium. Because the flowers are housed entirely inside the fruit, they are inaccessible to standard pollinators like bees. Nature solved this through obligate mutualism with the fig wasp (Blastophaga psenes).

1. Entry: A female wasp, carrying pollen from a male fig, enters the female fig through a tiny opening called the ostiole (eye).

2. Sacrifice: The opening is so narrow that the wasp often loses her wings during entry.

3. Pollination: Once inside, she moves around attempting to lay eggs. In the process, she transfers pollen from specialized pockets on her body to the stigmas of the female flowers.

In female figs, the wasp cannot successfully lay eggs due to the flower's anatomy; she eventually dies within the cavity, having successfully pollinated the fruit to produce viable seeds.

Myths and Locations of the Fig Wasp

A prevalent myth is that every fig contains a dead wasp. In reality, the fig wasp is only located in small regions, specifically parts of Southern and Northern California and the Mediterranean. Outside these areas, your figs contain no wasps.

Furthermore, even in areas where wasps are present, the fig produces an enzyme called ficin that completely disintegrates the wasp’s body, making it undetectable and part of the fruit's nutrients. This enzyme is so strong that for 1000s of years it was used to start the cheesemaking process.

These wasps are also extremely tiny and look nothing like the large stinging wasps most people fear.

Since most of us don't live in the narrow geographic zones where the fig wasp thrives, we have to step in and act as the pollinator ourselves.

The Benefits and Ease of Hand Pollination

If you live outside of California or the Mediterranean, you can still achieve the superior flavor of pollinated figs through hand pollination. This process is surprisingly simple—often described as easier than air layering—and allows growers in any climate to reach the "highest quality" of fruit possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Pollination

To pollinate your figs manually, you will need a syringe (with a needle large enough for pollen grains) and a source of male fig pollen.

1. Extract the Pollen: Cut male caprifigs in half. Use a fine mesh strainer over a mug and tap or "shake" the figs so the pollen falls through the mesh.

2. Create a Solution: Fill the mug with water and mix thoroughly to incorporate the pollen. A handheld blender can help ensure the pollen doesn't just float or sink.

3. Prepare the Syringe: Draw the water-pollen solution into the syringe.

4. The Injection: Aim for the eye (ostiole) of the target fig. Gently insert the needle and squeeze the solution into the central cavity (void) of the fruit.

5. Optional Second Hole: Some growers make a small second hole in the side of the fig with a separate needle to allow excess water to escape, preventing the fruit from becoming waterlogged. I don't recommend this anymore.

6. Timing: For best results, pollinate when figs are in their first ripening stage (roughly the size of a penny or nickel) before they begin their final swell.

Where to Get Pollen and Persistent Caprifigs

To get pollen, you must either grow a male Caprifig tree or purchase caprifigs from specialists. Some sources, such as "The Fig Hunter," sell packages of caprifigs specifically for this purpose.

When choosing a tree, look for persistent caprifigs. These are specialized male trees that produce pollen-rich figs in their first crop (called Profichi) and may even produce edible portions in their main crop.

My favorite is the UC Davis Caprifig: A highly productive variety with pollen-loaded Profichi and an edible, sweet main crop. It was found at UC Davis and introduced by Hussain, aka treesofparadise, on FigBid.

UCD Caprifig Fig Tree

$125.00

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