Fig Season in California 2026: Varieties, U-Pick & When to Go
June 10, 2026 · 7 min read
California fig season runs July through October, with two distinct crops: a smaller early (breba) crop in June and July, and the main crop from August through October that's larger, sweeter, and more widely available. Fresh figs are intensely perishable — they don't ship well, which makes u-pick and farm stands one of the few ways to taste them truly tree-ripe.
When is fig season in California?
California figs come in two crops each year:
- Breba crop(June–July) — Figs that grow on the previous year's wood. The breba crop is smaller and the fruit tends to be less sweet, but it's the first fresh figs of the year. Not all varieties produce a breba crop.
- Main crop (August–October) — The primary harvest, grown on new wood. This is the season for the sweetest, most richly flavored figs. Peak availability is August and September. Black Mission figs typically lead; Calimyrna and Kadota follow.
The San Joaquin Valley — Fresno and Madera counties — grows the majority of California's commercial figs. The Central Coast, East Bay, and Southern California also have farms with fresh figs in season.
Fig varieties in California
- Black Mission— Deep purple-black skin, strawberry-red interior, rich and sweet. California's most iconic fig variety, introduced by Franciscan missionaries in the 18th century. Peak season August–September.
- Calimyrna — Large, golden-green skin, amber flesh, nutty flavor. The California name for the Smyrna fig. Grown primarily in the San Joaquin Valley. Peak season August–October.
- Kadota — Pale green-yellow skin, light amber flesh, mild and sweet with few seeds. Often used for canning and preserves. Season runs August–September.
- Brown Turkey — Medium size, brown skin, pink flesh, mildly sweet. A reliable backyard variety also found at some u-pick farms. Season July–September.
- Desert King — A good breba producer; large, green skin with strawberry-red flesh. Found at specialty farms and in Northern California.
A ripe fig droops slightly at the neck, has slightly wrinkled skin, and smells faintly sweet. Figs don't ripen after picking — harvest when fully colored and soft to the touch. Handle gently: they bruise easily. Refrigerate and eat within 2–3 days, or dry them for longer storage.
U-pick fig farms in California
Fresh fig u-pick is rare — most commercial figs go directly to drying or processing. These farms offer fresh figs alongside their broader u-pick programs:
East Bay / Brentwood
- The Urban Edge FarmBrentwood
Southern California
Beyond u-pick, farmers markets in the San Joaquin Valley and Bay Area are the most reliable places to find fresh figs in season — look for them August through October, and go early: vendors often sell out of ripe figs before noon.
Frequently asked questions
When is fig season in California?
California fig season runs July through October. The breba (early) crop arrives June and July; the larger, sweeter main crop runs August through October, peaking in August and September. Black Mission figs lead the season.
Why are fresh figs so hard to find in grocery stores?
Fresh figs are extremely perishable — they bruise easily, have a shelf life of only 2–3 days at room temperature, and don't ship well. Most California figs are dried or processed. U-pick farms, farmers markets, and farm stands are the best ways to find tree-ripe fresh figs.
What does a ripe fig look like?
A ripe fig droops slightly from the stem and has slightly wrinkled, deeply colored skin. It should feel soft (not mushy) and smell faintly sweet. Figs do not ripen after picking — harvest only when fully colored and giving to gentle pressure.
What's the difference between Black Mission and Calimyrna figs?
Black Mission figs have dark purple skin, red interior, and a rich, jammy sweetness. Calimyrna figs are larger with golden-green skin, amber flesh, and a nuttier flavor that intensifies when dried. Both are grown in California's San Joaquin Valley.
Are there fig festivals in California?
Fig Fest on the River in Red Bluff (Tehama County) marks the September harvest in Northern California. Several San Joaquin Valley farms also hold harvest-season events during August and September — check individual farm calendars as the season approaches.
Ready to pick?
The neck droop test, why figs don't ripen after picking, and the very short storage window.
How to pick figs →