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How to Tell When Figs Are Ripe (And What to Do If They’re Not)
If you live in the right climate, fig trees are a breeze to grow—and once they’re established, they’ll reward you with delicious fruit year after year. But if you’re new to growing figs, you might be wondering: how do you know when a fig is actually ripe and ready to pick?
It’s a fair question—figs can be a little tricky at first. Pick too early, and they won’t ripen off the tree. Wait too long, and you could lose them to wildlife or spoilage. But don’t worry—once you get familiar with your tree, spotting ripe figs gets easier. Until then, here are a few key signs to help you pick figs at their peak.
How Long Do Figs Take to Ripen?
Figs typically ripen about 90 days after they start developing, but that timeline can shift depending on the variety, your local climate, and how well your tree is fed. Warmer climates and consistent watering can help figs ripen faster. Cooler summers or sudden cold snaps? Those might slow things down.
Depending on where you live and the type of fig you’re growing, your harvest window could fall anywhere from July to October. Because there’s so much variation, it’s important to rely on visual and physical signs rather than the calendar. Here’s what to look for.
5 Signs Your Figs Are Ripe
1. Color Change
Figs come in all sorts of colors depending on the variety. Some, like ‘White Marseilles’ and ‘Desert King,’ stay greenish with white flesh even when ripe. Others, like ‘Black Mission’ and ‘Fignomenal,’ darken to deep purple or brown on the outside with red or orange insides.
In general, green figs tend to lighten a bit as they ripen, while dark varieties become richer and deeper in color. If you know what kind of fig tree you have, look up the expected ripe color. That will give you a clearer target.
2. They Feel Soft
Ripe figs are tender to the touch—think soft like a full water balloon. When you gently squeeze them, they should give slightly. Your fingernail should pierce the skin easily. If they still feel firm or rubbery, they’re not there yet.
Bonus tip: The skin of a ripe fig is edible and should feel thin and delicate, not tough or leathery.
3. They Start to Droop
This is one of the clearest indicators of ripeness. Unripe figs stick straight out from branches. But as they ripen, they droop downward, hanging loosely from the stem. If you spot figs sagging under their own weight, that’s your cue—they’re sweet and nearly ready to pick.
4. Skin Splitting
Some fig varieties—especially darker ones like ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘LSU Purple’—will start to crack or split as they ripen. This happens because the fruit swells inside its skin, which can’t stretch fast enough. If you notice little splits or even a bit of juice leaking out, the fig is likely at its peak.
5. Weeping from the Eye
That tiny hole on the bottom of the fig (opposite the stem)? It’s called the “eye.” When figs are perfectly ripe, a little syrupy juice may start to weep from it. If you give it a gentle squeeze and see a bit of liquid, you’re in business.
Some varieties especially known for this are ‘Adriatic’ and ‘Celeste.’
Should You Leave Figs on the Tree Longer?
If your figs aren’t drooping yet or still feel firm, leave them on the tree a bit longer. Drooping is usually the final, most reliable sign that a fig is ready.
Important: Unlike many fruits, figs won’t ripen once picked if they’re too immature. However, if they’re almost ripe, you can pick them and let them finish softening on the counter.
Just don’t wait too long—once they’re ripe, figs can fall off the tree or become a snack for birds, squirrels, and other critters.
Can You Speed Up Fig Ripening?
Yes, to an extent. If you’re planning ahead for next season, here are a few ways to encourage earlier ripening:
- Pinch back the growing tips in spring. This helps the tree focus on ripening fewer figs more evenly.
- Feed and water consistently to keep the tree healthy and productive.
- Use olive oil on the fig’s eye. Some gardeners lightly dab olive oil on the eye to slow ethylene gas from escaping—this gas helps trigger ripening. It might help your figs ripen a little faster.
And if some unripe figs fall off? Place them in a paper bag with a ripe banana. Bananas release ethylene, which may help the figs ripen off the tree (as long as they were nearly ripe to begin with).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can figs ripen off the tree?
A: Only if they’re close to being ripe when picked. Truly unripe figs won’t soften or sweeten after harvest.
Q: What happens if I wait too long to pick figs?
A: They may fall off the tree, spoil, or get eaten by animals. It’s best to harvest as soon as they show multiple signs of ripeness—especially drooping and softness.
Q: Should I refrigerate ripe figs?
A: Yes. If you’re not eating them right away, refrigerate ripe figs. They spoil quickly at room temperature.
Q: How do I know what kind of fig tree I have?
A: Look for identifying features like fruit color, leaf shape, and size. If in doubt, bring a sample to a local nursery or extension office—they can help you ID it.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to tell when figs are ripe takes a little practice, but once you know what to look for—color change, softness, drooping, skin cracks, and eye weeping—you’ll be harvesting sweet, flavorful fruit with confidence. Keep an eye on the weather, care for your tree consistently, and enjoy the unique pleasure of homegrown figs all season long.
Happy harvesting!
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