How to tell when figs are ripe

[TrixC]

I have a fig tree in a pot, variety Excel, which is green when ripe - similar to White Marseilles I believe. It's a young tree and this is the first year it's properly fruited. How do I tell when the fruit are ripe? I tried one a week ago and while it seemed large and plump it was dry inside and not really edible.

The tree is growing against a south wall so gets plenty of sun.

[sparrow100]

Round here it's when the blackbirds & parakeets start eating them...

They should be round, plump and quite soft, at least that's how I was taught to check for ripeness.

[TrixC]

Round here it's when the blackbirds & parakeets start eating them...

They should be round, plump and quite soft, at least that's how I was taught to check for ripeness.

What time of year is that normally?

The fruits are definitely round, plump and quite soft. After the one I tasted I was worried the plant might not be getting enough water, but I do water it every few days, every day in hot weather.

[Thelma Sanders]

They are quite yellow when they are ripe, according to this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7tn0GVfEoU

[DannyK]

Have a look at this one. It shows how the fruit should hang on the tree. My Brown Turkey has fissures when ripe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__Te-OC-I8Q

[sparrow100]

What time of year is that normally?

The fruits are definitely round, plump and quite soft. After the one I tasted I was worried the plant might not be getting enough water, but I do water it every few days, every day in hot weather.

The first lot on my neighbour's plants were ripe 2 weeks ago. If we get the heating turned back on again rather than this damp misery, he might get another crop in August/September-time. He doesn't water his, but they are both about 10 years old. His don't change in colour - they stay bright green on the outside and are lush and purple on the inside. I have no idea what variety it is, most of the trees on our site (there are about 15) are offspring of Luigi's tree.

[BUFFS]

Figs grow upright and when ripe they droop down, that's how I tell when my brown turkey are ready to be picked..

[TrixC]

I just tried one and it was virtually ripe. It could have been a bit more juicy and sweet. Might leave the others a bit longer to see if they improve in this regard. Should you be able to pull them easily from the stem when ripe? I noticed this one came away quite easily, whereas the unripe one I harvested a week ago didn't.

[DannyK]

They should almost fall off.