The Harvest Time for a Panache Fig
"Panache" fig (Ficus carica "Panachee") has other names that allude to its variegated appearance: "Panache," "Variegato" or "Striped Tiger." No matter what you call it there is no mistaking this pink-fleshed and yellow- and green-striped fig. This fig variety grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7b through 10b. The warm weather in these growing zones is needed for a fruitful "Panache" fig harvest, which only comes after a long, warm growing season.
Most fig varieties have a spring crop, which is called the breba crop. This crop grows on old growth from the previous year, but "Panache" figs do not produce fruit during this first fruiting time. The "Panache" fig produces fruit on new growth, so don't expect spring fruits from your "Panache" fig even if your neighbors have figs on their trees because those may be figs that produce a breba crop.
The fruit from a "Panache" fig tree will not be ready until August. Harvest season for this fig variety lasts from August through the first week of November. This main crop of figs is harvested and used fresh from the tree to be enjoyed for its rich, raspberry flavor.
Figs do not continue to ripen after they are picked. Wait until the fruit feels slightly soft to the touch, the stem bends and the skin may crack. You may not have all of the fruit ripe at the same time on the tree because the fruit closest to the bottom of the tree will ripen first and those nearer the top will ripen last. Unlike some other fruits, figs slowly ripen over several weeks. After the fruit set, cover your fig tree with bird netting to protect your ripening figs from birds and squirrels.
When harvesting figs, wear work gloves if you are sensitive to latex because figs contain this substance in their sap. When it comes time to harvest your "Panache" figs, the fully ripe fruit will easily separate from the branch if you gently bend the fruit upward. Remove any fallen fruit from the ground to keep from attracting pests to your fig tree.
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Fig Production Guide
- California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc.: Fig
- GrowOrganic.com: Fruit and Nut Harvest Chart
- HortScience: The Fig: An Overview of an Ancient Fruit
- Los Angeles Times: Like OMG! Aren't Those the Cutest Figs
- Harvest to Table: Mid-Summer Fruit Calendar and Maintenance
- Sloat Gardens: Growing Figs