Fall Fruit Harvesting: Our How-To Guide

Now that we’re well into the fall season (with the temperatures to finally prove it!), we’re covering anything and everything related to one of our favorite times of the year.We've discussed our go-to fruit plants for fall planting and harvest, as well as our staple picks for the season. But what if you’ve already planted these autumnal trees and you’re ready for a fall fruit harvest?

Well, you’re in luck. We’re here to show you how and when to reap the rewards of your backyard orchard. Check out our tips and tricks for your fall fruit harvest below!

Peak Season for Fruit Harvests

Harvesting Apples

Known as the starter fruit tree because it’s so easy to grow and maintain, the Apple Tree has become a sort of quintessential fall fruit staple. And when it comes to the fall fruit harvest of apples, it couldn’t be more simple.

Though your apples will ripen at different points of the year, depending on variety, most of our trees are ready for harvest during the fall months, mainly from September through October.

To ensure you’re picking your apples at the best time, get familiar with the texture of the fruit as it grows. Apples will take on a slightly soft texture when it’s time to pick. Once you’ve checked the texture of the fruit, pull upwards on the apple and give it a twist – if it’s ripe, it will come off easily.

At this point, you should cut your apple open and examine the seeds. Ripe seeds will be brown, not white. Finally, taste your apples. If they’re sour, they need more time to ripen.

Furthermore, healthy apples will begin to fall to the ground when they’re completely ripe. If you see strong, vibrantly-hued apples on the ground, get out your bucket and collect your bounty!

Picking Figs

We have to admit: When it comes to the fall fruit harvest, figs are second to none. I mean, they are pretty figgin’ awesome (we had to).

Plus, they’re ultra versatile. Late summer harvests are common, but we have a few picks that have ripening fruit into September and October, including the Chicago Hardy Fig, LSU Purple Fig, and Black Mission Fig.

And because our plants are grafted rather than grown from seed, the time to harvest comes that much more quickly, often within the first full growing season.

As far as picking goes, you’ll know your figs are ready to be harvested once they droop, soften, and change their hue. Unlike most fruit, figs don’t actually ripen off the tree, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye. If they’re picked too early, they will be extremely bitter and unpalatable.

Keep in mind, however, that figs are highly perishable, so you should eat them soon after harvest. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to two or three days to preserve that straight-off-the-tree quality.

When are Pomegranates Ripe?

Like a symbol for fall, our Pomegranates are one-of-a-kind when it comes to taste, beauty and low-maintenance luxuriance. From the Cold Hardy Russian Red to the Wonderful Pom, these plush picks provide an amazing autumnal bounty.

Both of our varieties, the Russian Red and Wonderful, are typically ready for a fall fruit harvest in September. But because they’re not finicky or fussy, it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Skin Tone: Pomegranates will vary in color from light to dark red, but the real indicators for ripeness are the smoothness and firmness of its typically-tough skin.

2. Shape:When you’re ready to pick, look for flattened, more angular sides instead of well-rounded spheres.

3. Weight:Pick up your freshly-picked pom. Ripe fruit should feel heavy for its size, which means that its seeds are robust, full and juicy.

How to Tell When Your Pears are Ready

Although it’s the perfect partner to the apple, the Pear is in a league of its own. And why not? With crisp, juicy flavor and the perfect summer-to-fall transitional tones on each fruit, these trees are sweet stars. Plus, since many of our offerings ripen as the leaves change, they boast a dazzling, seasonal show you’ll love.

Even better? The fall fruit harvest is effortless for Pear Trees. Several of our vivacious varieties have a September or October picking time, and the directions for reaping your beauteous bounty are simple.

For starters, pears need to be picked before ripening and won’t ripen successfully on the tree. In fact, pears ripen from the inside out, so you can’t use the skin test either. To test your pears,apply gentle pressure near each stem’s end. If the fruit gives slightly, it’s most likely ready to be eaten (our favorite part).

What Fruits are in SeasonDuring the Fall?

A Ton of the Best Fruits!

So, not only is it simple and straight-forward to harvest your fall fruit, but it’s also one of the activities that makes the autumnal months amazing. There’s nothing like stepping out into your backyard to pick fruit from your own mini orchard. And with our pointers, you’ll have your bushels and bounties in no time, all effortlessly.

But if you haven’t planted these landscape must-haves yet, get started today!