Right time to collect Ficus fruit?

[literati79]

Like the title suggests. I am wanting to collect Ficus rubiginosafruits for propagation, but the fuits still seem quite firm. Any ideas on the best time to collect?



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[alpineart]

Hi Literati , collect when they or ripe , usually soft , they can also be gathered from the ground after dropping off . As long as the fruit on the ground still has some moisture content and hasn't dried out they seem to strike .

Cheers Alpineart

[literati79]

Thanks alpineart. Thought that might be the case. I'll just keep an eye on them until they seem ready then.

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[shibui]

Change of colour is usually an indicator of maturity. The fruit in your picture have already changed colour so will be very close to ripe. Give it a little longer to see if they soften. If they start to fall off then they're as ripe as they are going to get.
Several ways to sow fig seed:
1. Squeeze the fruit and smear the result over the surface of potting mix.
2. Squash the fruit in a little water and allow the mush to ferment. After 5-7 days the fruit will be soft enough an there will be white mould on the surface. Pour the mix into a sieve and run under water to wash away the remains of the fruit. you'll be left with clean seed which can be sowed.

Handy fig germinating hints:
Ficus seed needs light to germinate. Do not caver the seed after sowing.
Ficus seed does not store well. use fresh seed.
Ficus seed may not survive long dry storage. fresh seed germinates best.

[literati79]

Thanks shibui. Very helpful tips. I haven't checked them in a couple of days. They may even be ready.

I'll aim to try and germinate them immediately. I've heard seed off tropical trees don't store well.

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