Figs, a beloved fruit in the Southern United States, thrive in Georgia’s warm, humid climate, rewarding home gardeners with a seasonal harvest. The fig tree, Ficus carica, is well-suited to the region, yielding fruit that is prized for fresh eating and preservation. Understanding the specific timing of the harvest is primary for maximizing the crop. Unlike many other fruits, figs do not ripen once picked, making accurate timing crucial for achieving the sweetest flavor and best texture. This guide details when and how to collect your figs at their peak in the Georgia growing season.
Seasonal Ripening Schedule
Fig production in Georgia typically follows a two-part annual cycle, which extends the harvest season for several months. The earliest crop, known as the “Breba” crop, develops on the previous year’s growth, emerging from over-wintered nodes. This first crop usually ripens from late spring into early summer, often beginning in mid-June in the warmest parts of the state. The Breba crop is generally smaller in size and quantity than the later harvest. The main crop develops on the new growth of the current season and represents the bulk of the year’s fig production. This crop matures from late summer through early fall, typically beginning in August and continuing until the first hard frost. This longer ripening period allows the figs to accumulate more sugar, resulting in a richer, sweeter flavor and a softer texture.
Key Factors Influencing Ripening
The general ripening schedule can shift significantly based on localized environmental conditions and microclimates across Georgia. Heat accumulation throughout the season is a major variable, as figs require consistently high temperatures and intense sunlight to fully sweeten and mature. A prolonged period of summer heat can accelerate ripening. Rainfall and soil moisture also directly impact fruit development and quality. Dry, hot periods before the fruit matures can cause figs to drop prematurely or result in poor fruit quality. Providing supplemental watering during dry spells and using organic mulch to conserve soil moisture can mitigate these issues. The age and vigor of the fig tree itself play a role, as young or excessively vigorous plants may shed their developing fruit. Ensuring the plant receives a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight each day is necessary for the sugars to properly develop. Proper site selection, such as planting on the warmer south side of a building, can also create a beneficial microclimate that encourages timely ripening.
Identifying a Ripe Fig
Since figs do not ripen once separated from the tree, determining the precise moment of readiness requires careful observation of several physical indicators. The first sign is often a change in color, where green figs will transition to their mature color, which can be purple, brown, bronze, or yellow, depending on the variety. Color alone is not a sufficient indicator, as some varieties remain greenish when fully ripe. A ripe fig will exhibit a distinct softness when gently squeezed, feeling soft and yielding to the touch without being mushy. As the fruit fills with sugar and softens, the fig’s neck will begin to droop, causing the entire fruit to hang downward from the branch. This “drooping neck” is a reliable sign of approaching ripeness. Another practical indicator is the appearance of a “sugary tear” or drop of syrupy nectar at the ostiole, or “eye,” at the bottom of the fruit. This bead of moisture signals that the internal pulp is fully developed. When ready for harvest, a fig will detach easily from the branch with a light twist, requiring minimal force.
Common Georgia Fig Varieties and Their Timing
The most successful fig varieties grown in Georgia are those that are well-adapted to the region’s climate and humidity. Selecting a mix of these varieties can help ensure a continuous supply of fresh figs from early summer through the fall.
- ‘Celeste’ is highly popular and known for being one of the earliest to ripen its main crop, typically starting in mid-summer. However, ‘Celeste’ can be prone to dropping its fruit prematurely during intense heat and drought.
- ‘Brown Turkey’ is another widely planted cultivar, valued for its hardiness and reliable main crop, often ripening later in the summer. This variety is known to produce figs on the current season’s wood, even if the plant experiences winter dieback.
- ‘Hardy Chicago’ and ‘Conadria’ are also well-adapted to the Piedmont and southern regions of the state, yielding reliable mid-season harvests.
- For growers looking to extend the season, the ‘Alma’ variety is recommended as a late-ripening choice, often maturing its main crop closer to the late fall.
- ‘LSU Purple’ is another favorite, a medium-sized variety that is known to produce a reliable harvest of dark purple fruit, typically ripening throughout the mid-to-late summer period.