Fig Season Kicks off in Central Texas

If you've spent a summer in Central Texas, you may have noticed something special ripening in backyards, parks, and community gardens: figs! These sweet, soft fruits are one of the hidden gems of our region. They’re easy to grow, delicious to eat, and deeply rooted in both our soil and our culture.

A Fruit That Loves the Heat

Figs thrive in the Central Texas climate. Our long, hot summers and mild winters are ideal for fig trees, which prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Many local fig trees are decades old, planted by previous generations who knew the value of a low-maintenance fruit that keeps on giving year after year.

Some of the most common varieties in our area include Celeste, Texas Everbearing (also called Brown Turkey), and Alma. Each has a unique flavor, but they all share that honeyed sweetness and soft texture that makes figs so irresistible when ripe.

When and How to Harvest

In Central Texas, fig season usually peaks from late June to early August, though exact timing can vary depending on rainfall and temperature. A ripe fig will be soft to the touch and often droop slightly on the branch. Once harvested, figs don’t ripen much more, so be sure to pick them when they’re ready.

Figs are delicate and don’t store long, so enjoy them fresh when you can. Eat them straight off the tree, slice them into salads, or pair them with cheese and nuts for a simple appetizer. You can also dry them, freeze them, or make them into jam to preserve the harvest.

Finding Local Figs

You might find fig trees in surprising places like church yards, alleyways, or peeking over a neighbor’s fence. Central Texas has a long tradition of fruit tree planting, and some of these trees were started by immigrants or gardeners decades ago. If you’re interested in foraging, be sure to ask permission before picking, and consider using tools like FallingFruit.org to help map out public fruit trees in your area.

Better yet, if you have the space, consider planting your own fig tree! They’re relatively low-fuss, drought-tolerant once established, and can thrive with minimal care. Local nurseries often carry varieties well-suited to our climate.

A Delicious Way to Connect with Nature

Figs are more than just a tasty snack. They’re a reminder of the abundance that grows all around us. Whether you’re picking a handful from your backyard tree or spotting them at a farmer’s market, figs offer an opportunity to connect with local food, seasonal rhythms, and community traditions.

Article by Leah Haynie, Urban Forest Program, City of Austin.

Find resources and information about Austin's urban forest at www.austintexas.gov/trees.