So now I have to figure out how much waiting. When I read a lot of the posts on picked figs, most people seem to say I should have waited one more day. What's the best way to figure out that one more day? I know with my I. Honey I would wait until the color changed slightly, the figs would feel soft, and they would droop over and sometimes fall into my hand with a light touch. This is the first year I will have other figs that are ripe before October. My H Chicago has figs that are coloring up, one that is drooping, and even developing some tiny cracks, but it doesn't seem soft enough yet. My Macool is coloring up also, but not drooping yet. (buy the way, they are very similar in fruit and leaf to the H Chicago) Any thoughts? The Macool is the top photo.    

There's always one more day right!  To me, if it comes off easy and no fig sap oozes from the separation then it's done.  But you won't know if it's going to ooze sap unless you pull it off. :)

I pick when they droop or when the skin gets that very soft feeling. If I wait the flies get them as soon as the skin is soft.

This is only my second season with any kind of a harvest. Two seasons ago I only got a few figs off my one tree and I have to admit I picked too early...because I was just too anxious to get a taste of my very own figs!!!  Last season I waited longer and did notice the taste was better.

This season I waited even longer...after learning on here that the taste really improves. And they really do get more flavourful even just waiting another day. HOWEVER....because of waiting even longer I have had a real problem this year with Yellow Jackets getting my figs before I do. So for the last week I have been picking as soon as they feel soft and start cracking....just like the ones in your pictures. I still enjoy them this way and the yellow jackets are not as much of a problem.

Good luck with your harvest.

Depending on the variety I prefer them at different ripeness levels.  Some will stay on and shrivel a little and get really sugary while others will spoil. Generally I'll echo what Charlie said in post #3.

I am no expert by far. The fig in the second and third picture is starting to droop might be ready if it has a nice feel to it.

I wrapped some figs in organza sacks that I bought at Dollarama to keep ants and wasps off so I could leave them on the plant longer.

I see you have a Macool fig, would you have a spare plant that you would like to trade or sell?

Hi CJ, each variety is different like you say, and the attachment strength of the stem, color, and firmness all can vary from year to year or tree to tree, branch to branch. My favorite trick with the Etna types like you have there is to give them a slight twist and look at the neck, if wrinkles form it means the skin has begun drying. The figs will not get any sweeter past that point, although if it is hot and dry leaving them will let them dry more and condense the sugars. Wasps will really start going after them once they begin drying though. 

Hey Charlie, I poke the stems sometimes when I am feeling unsure, it is not foolproof but most of the time if the small hole does not ooze then the stem won't after being picked either.

      So my waiting is over, I finally picked a ripe fig other than Italian Honey. Both my wife and I responded with a mild berry taste, with a melon or kiwi undertone, and a little seed crunch. I am not ready to give anything a number yet, but I would say it was a little better than the I Honey..... But then my wife would beat me with a stray cutting, because that tree came from her father.

Hi,
I go by firmness. When they get soft to a certain point, I harvest them. Especially if the day before they were already soft, and then get a crack.
The problem for me is when they get a crack while not soft enough. In that case, it is hard to find the perfect day of harvest.
I'll then do it on feeling ... Like crack + 2 days ... feel if soft enough ...
But, having the fig get really soft is the target .

Hi,
I like to wait till they get very soft, and there is give then pressing the skin. I also look at the top of the fig by the stem, that needs to soften too. Also wrinkles are a good sign. It can take some time for them to ripen so be patient.  ;)

I'll refrain from giving advice on this, my wife just forbidden me to pick any more figs, my theory is to get them before the birds, the bees, deer and the rest of the wild kingdom around my house