The Ultimate Guide to Fig Season: What is the Best Time for Figs?

While most people associate figs with late summer, many fig trees actually produce two separate crops in a single year. The first, a smaller harvest known as the 'breba crop', arrives in early summer, followed by the main harvest in late summer through fall.

Quick Summary

This guide details the two primary fig harvesting seasons, explaining the difference between the early breba crop and the later main crop. It covers key indicators for identifying ripe figs, such as color, softness, and aroma, and explores how variety and climate affect ripening times. Information on optimal storage and preservation methods is also included.

Key Points

• Dual Harvest Seasons: Many fig varieties produce two crops per year: a smaller 'breba' crop in early summer (May-June) and a larger 'main' crop in late summer (August-October).

• Signs of Ripeness: A perfectly ripe fig will droop on its stem, feel soft like a full water balloon, smell sweet, and may even show small splits in its skin or weep a drop of sugary liquid.

• Variety and Climate Matter: The specific timing and ripening duration depend heavily on the fig variety and local climate. Early-ripening varieties finish sooner, which is ideal for cooler climates with shorter growing seasons.

• Taste is Key: Underripe figs taste bland and 'latex-y', while overripe ones can taste fermented. The best fig experience comes from picking at peak ripeness for a honey-sweet flavor.

• Harvest and Storage: Figs do not ripen off the tree, so time your harvest carefully. They are highly perishable but can be preserved by drying, freezing, or making jams.

• Harvest with Care: Protect yourself from irritating fig tree sap by wearing gloves and gently twisting ripe figs upward and off the stem.

Understanding the Two Fig Seasons

For many gardeners and fig enthusiasts, the question of when to harvest this sweet fruit is more nuanced than a single summer month. The answer depends largely on the variety of fig tree and its growing conditions. The standard fig season actually consists of two distinct harvests for many varieties, particularly in warmer climates. The first is the 'breba' crop, and the second is the more abundant 'main' crop.

The Early Breba Crop

• Timing: The breba crop ripens in early summer, typically around late May to June.
• Characteristics: These figs develop on the previous year's wood and, while a tasty early treat, are generally not as sweet or flavorful as the main crop.
• Reliance: In cooler climates with shorter growing seasons, such as the Pacific Northwest, the breba crop is often the primary or most reliable harvest.

The Main Crop

• Timing: The main harvest period runs from late summer into early fall, usually from August to October.
• Characteristics: This crop grows on the new wood of the current season and is typically sweeter, larger, and more plentiful than the breba crop.
• Ripening: The figs on the main crop often ripen continuously over several weeks, so frequent harvesting is necessary.

How to Tell When a Fig Is Perfectly Ripe

Since figs do not ripen once they are picked, harvesting at the optimal time is crucial for the best flavor. While visual cues are helpful, engaging multiple senses is the most reliable method.

• Look: The color of the skin will depend on the variety, but it should deepen and become richer. A common sign of ripeness is a slightly drooping appearance on the stem. For some varieties, small cracks or splits may appear on the skin.
• Feel: A ripe fig should feel soft and plump when gently squeezed, much like a ripe peach or a filled water balloon. If it feels hard, it is not yet ready.
• Smell: A sweet, fruity fragrance should be apparent, indicating high sugar content. A sour or fermented smell means it's overripe.
• Taste: If you're unsure, a taste test is the final confirmation. A ripe fig should be honey-sweet and jammy, while an unripe one will be bland and may have a latex-like flavor.
• Weeping Eye: For many varieties, a perfectly ripe fig will 'weep' a small drop of sugary liquid from its eye, the small opening at the bottom.

Comparison of Common Fig Varieties and Ripening Times

Fig Variety	Skin Color (Ripe)	Flesh Color (Ripe)	Primary Ripening Time	Key Characteristics
Black Mission	Deep purple to black	Reddish-pink	Breba crop (early summer), Main crop (late summer)	Very sweet and jammy, ideal for desserts and drying.
Brown Turkey	Brown to purplish	Amber to pinkish	Breba crop (early summer), Main crop (late summer)	Rich, sweet flavor, very hardy and reliable.
Celeste	Brown or blue/gray	Light to dark red	Early season	Cold-hardy, mild berry-like flavor, known as 'Sugar Fig'.
Kadota	Yellowish-green	Amber	Mid-to-late season	Honey-sweet flavor, often used for canning and cooking.
Chicago Hardy	Purple	Dark red	Early season (often breba), Main crop (mid-late summer)	Extremely cold-hardy, earthy, balanced taste.

Optimizing Your Harvest and Storage

Harvesting figs requires care and attention to ensure maximum quality. Because they are delicate and perishable, timing and technique are vital.

Harvesting Best Practices

• Pick Gently: Hold the fruit and gently twist it off the branch. If it resists, it likely needs more time. Pulling downwards can damage the branch and fruit.
• Wear Gloves: The sap from fig trees can cause skin irritation, so it is recommended to wear gloves and long sleeves during harvesting.
• Protect from Pests: Birds and squirrels are notorious for stealing figs just before they ripen. Covering the tree with netting can protect your crop.
• Harvest Often: Since figs ripen individually and over an extended period, it's best to check your tree daily.

Storing and Preserving Figs

• Fresh: Fresh figs are highly perishable and should be eaten within a few days of picking. Store them in the refrigerator in a shallow, perforated container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Drying: For long-term storage, figs can be dried using a food dehydrator or by sun-drying. This concentrates their sweetness and flavor.
• Freezing: Figs can be frozen for later use in cooking or baking. Wash and thoroughly dry the figs, then flash-freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Jams and Preserves: The natural sweetness of figs makes them perfect for preserves and jams. Canning is an excellent method for preserving the harvest for months.

Conclusion

The best time for figs is actually a dual season, with a smaller breba crop in early summer and a more abundant main crop in late summer and fall. By understanding the specific ripening patterns of your fig variety, knowing the tell-tale signs of ripeness, and employing proper harvesting techniques, you can enjoy these luscious, home-grown fruits at their peak. For gardeners, this means paying close attention to visual cues like drooping stems and softening skin, rather than simply relying on a calendar date. Whether enjoyed fresh, dried, or preserved, a perfectly ripe fig is a reward for any gardener or food lover.

References

BHG.com. (September 22, 2025). When Are Figs Ripe and Ready to Pick? 10 Tips for Harvesting the .... Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/when-are-figs-ripe-8666722

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'breba' crop and when does it happen?

A breba crop is the first, smaller harvest of figs that ripens in early summer (around May to June). It grows on the previous year's wood and, while still edible, is generally less sweet than the main crop.

Do figs continue to ripen after they are picked?

No, figs do not ripen further once they are picked from the tree. This makes proper timing during harvesting essential for getting the sweetest, most flavorful fruit.

How can I tell the difference between a ripe fig and an unripe fig?

A ripe fig will feel soft to the touch, droop on its stem, and have a sweet aroma. Unripe figs are typically firm, stand stiffly on the branch, and may have a milky sap at the stem when picked.

What if my fig tree only produces one harvest a year?

It is common for some varieties or fig trees in cooler climates to only produce a single, main crop that ripens in late summer or early fall. This can be due to frost damage affecting the breba crop or simply the variety's genetic tendency.

How should I store fresh figs?

Fresh figs are very perishable and should be enjoyed quickly. For short-term storage, place them in a shallow, covered container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator for a few days.

Can I speed up the ripening of my figs?

You can encourage earlier ripening by planting your tree in a warm, sunny spot and pinching back new growth tips in the spring. Some gardeners also use the method of rubbing a drop of olive oil on the fig's eye to accelerate ripening, though this is debated.

Why did my figs drop from the tree before they ripened?

Several factors can cause premature fig drop, including stress from overwatering, underwatering, excessive heat, or nutrient imbalances. Animal and bird damage can also lead to figs falling early.