The main season for figs is in late summer, from August through September. This is when fig varieties produce their main crop. So, late summer will provide the juiciest, sweetest figs. However, some fig varieties can produce two crops of fruit in the same year. If your fig tree produces two crops, the first crop (called the breba crop) will ripen in early summer, from June through July. Breba figs are generally less sweet and flavorful than the main crop figs.
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When Do Fig Trees Bloom?
Fig trees never bloom. Yes, you read that right. Figs never produce flowers because the fig fruit actually contains the tree’s flowers inside the fruit. This means the fig fruit is actually an “inflorescence,” which is the term for a fruit that encases its flowers. This makes fig pollination a fascinating process. It is also the reason why most fig varieties sold in nurseries do not require pollination to produce fruit.
- Fig trees never produce visible flowers.
- The flowers of the fig tree are contained inside the fruit.
- Fig fruits begin developing in early spring, without a flowering period.
- Look at the base of the new leaf stems to see figs growing on their own stems.
Although fig trees do not flower like other fruit trees, you can see the beginning of fig fruits in early spring. Look at the base of the leaf stems on the new spring growth of your fig. You will see tiny figs developing on short stems that grow alongside the leaves. These baby fruits begin to develop soon after the fig exits dormancy in early spring.
What Month are Figs in Season?
All fig varieties produce a main crop of figs that begins to ripen in August and continues through September. This fig crop grows on the new branch growth the tree produced in spring. Figs ripen very differently from other fruits, and they don’t continue to ripen after they are picked. So, it’s essential to know the signs that figs are ripe before you start harvesting.
- Main crop figs ripen from August through September.
- All fruiting fig trees produce main crop figs.
- The main crop of figs is typically the best-tasting.
- Certain fig varieties produce breba crop figs in June and July.
- Although there are some exceptions, many breba crop figs are inferior to the main crop.
Some fig varieties produce a “breba crop” of figs that is ripe for picking in June and July. Breba figs only grow on “old growth” branches that grew the previous year. Not all figs produce breba fruit, and some breba figs are borderline inedible. Many growers pinch off breba figs in spring so their fig trees pour their energy into a delicious main crop. It is possible to grow good-tasting breba crops on some fig cultivars, such as Black Mission, Kadota, Marseilles, and Desert King figs.
Can You Get Figs All Year Round?
It is unlikely to get fresh figs year-round. Although greenhouse-grown figs can sometimes produce winter crops, this is not typical. Fresh figs will be available in stores from May through November, due to suppliers in different regions producing ripe figs at slightly different times. If you are growing figs yourself, you can plant a variety that produces figs from June through September.
- Fresh figs are generally not available year-round.
- Typically, you can purchase fresh figs from May through November.
- You can grow figs at home that produce fruit all summer.
- Dried figs can be purchased when fresh figs are unavailable.
It is possible to get dried figs when fresh figs are unavailable. This allows you to get your fig fix at any time of year. You will have to wait until the right time of year to get fresh, ripe fruit. The fresh fig season doesn’t go on forever.
How Long is the Fig Season?
If you are growing figs or looking for them at a farmer’s market, expect the fig season to last 2 to 4 months. Since the main crop of figs ripens from August through September, figs have one of the shorter seasons. If you or other local growers cultivate figs with edible breba crops, you can sometimes get fresh figs as early as May, if you’re lucky.
- Peak fig season lasts for 2 months, from August through September.
- If growers in your area grow figs with breba crops, fig season may start in May or June.
- Some stores carry figs for 6 to 7 months, from May to November.
Harvest season for figs may be short, but farmers and suppliers grow a wide range of figs. Depending on the fig variety, you can find fresh fruit in stores from May through November. Early and late figs may lack flavor, but sometimes you can find delicious fruit early or late in the year.
What is the Best Time of Year to Buy Figs?
Buy your figs in August and September to get the best figs. Early summer figs are fine if you really want a fig fix, but figs with truly sweet flavor begin arriving in August. This is when the main crop ripens. Since this crop comes from the new spring growth, it has the finest taste.
- August and September are the best months to buy figs.
- Late summer figs have the best flavor.
- Avoid purchasing figs from supermarkets—they are usually underripe.
- Grow your own figs or buy them from a farmer’s market to get the best fruit.
Be careful when purchasing figs from stores. If fruits are shipped to stores, they are often picked too soon. Since figs won’t ripen after you pick them, this results in flavorless fruit. Truly ripe figs are very soft and fragile, which makes shipping difficult. You’ll find the best quality figs at a farmer’s market or from a fig tree you planted in your garden.
What Months are Figs in Season?
Whether you’re planning to purchase figs or grow your own, remembers these facts about fig seasonality:
- The main crop of figs ripens from August through September.
- Breba crop figs begin to ripen in June and July.
- Main crop figs are generally considered better quality than breba figs.
- Some fig varieties produce breba figs and a main crop, while others produce only a main crop.
- You can find fresh figs for sale from May through November.
- Store-bought figs are often not ripe enough for full flavor.
- Figs from farmer’s markets or your own garden will taste the best.
Now that you know exactly when to expect breba crop and main crop figs, you can plan your farmer’s market trip. Make sure to try both breba and main crop figs—the different flavors are a wonderful surprise.
