There’s something incredibly satisfying about harvesting fruit from your own trees. It’s a reward for your patience and care, and a real sign that your garden is working with you. But one of the most common questions we get asked is, “How do I know when it’s ready?” Harvesting too early means missing out on flavour, while leaving fruit on too long risks losing it to birds, wasps, or rot.
The good news is, fruit trees often give us plenty of clues. Whether it’s a change in colour, the ease with which fruit detaches from the tree, or the tell-tale scent of ripeness, there are simple ways to tell when different fruits are ready. The key is to get familiar with your tree and learn what signs to look for.
How to Know When Apricots Are Ready to Harvest
Apricots ripen early in the season, often from mid-July onwards, depending on variety and weather. A ripe apricot will develop a full, golden orange colour with a slight blush on the side that gets the most sun. The fruit should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed, not squishy, but with a bit of give. If they’re rock hard, leave them a few more days.
They should also come away from the branch with a light twist or lift. Don’t tug. If you’re having to pull hard, they’re not ready. Take care when picking as apricots can bruise very easily.
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How to Know When Apples Are Ready to Harvest
Apples are usually ready from late August through to October, and timing varies by variety. One of the easiest tests is the “lift and twist” method. Gently lift an apple and twist it. If it comes away cleanly with the stalk intact, it’s ready. If you’re having to tug, leave it a few more days.
Colour change is another clue. Most varieties will lose their green tinge and develop red, gold or blush tones. You’ll also notice that fallen apples start appearing, a sign the tree is moving into harvest mode. For cooking apples, they’re ready when they feel firm and heavy in the hand. And don’t forget to taste, it’s the best way to know.
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How to Know When Cherries Are Ready to Harvest
Cherries ripen quickly and should be picked when fully coloured and ripe, as they won’t ripen further off the tree. Look for deep, even colouring, whether red, black or golden depending on the variety. The fruit should feel firm but juicy, and detach from the tree with a gentle pull.
When harvesting, always hold the stalk, rather than the easily-bruised fruit.
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How to Know When Citrus Trees Are Ready to Harvest
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges take their time, often up to 12 months from flower to fruit. The tricky bit is that they may not change colour in our climate, especially in cooler seasons. So don’t rely solely on colour. Instead, go by size, firmness and flavour.
Once they have grown to full size and have developed a rich skin colour, you can harvest. You can even try cutting one open and tasting it. If the juice is flowing and the flavour’s sharp or sweet, depending on type, then it’s ready.
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How to Know When Pear Trees Are Ready to Harvest
Pears are best picked when mature but still firm, and then ripened indoors. Unlike apples, they don’t soften properly on the tree. Look for a subtle change in colour, as many pears go from bright green to a softer yellow or develop a blush.
The best test is taste, sample one of the fruits for sweetness. Pears should come away easily with an upward lift. If you leave them on the tree too long, they can become grainy or even start to rot from the inside. Pop them in the fruit bowl and let them soften naturally for full flavour.
How to Know When Plum Trees Are Ready to Harvest
Plums are one of the easiest fruits to recognise when ripe, just give them a squeeze! If they feel soft when gently grasped, they’re ripe and ready. You’re looking for a soft, not mushy, feel.
This is another type of fruit that’s easy to bruise, so take care when picking.
How to Know When Peach Trees Are Ready to Harvest
Peaches are one of the most rewarding homegrown fruits, and they let you know when they’re ready with colour and feel. A ripe peach will develop a deep, rich blush with a yellow or cream background colour. When you cup it in your hand, it should have a little softness.
If you have to tug to pick it, it’s not quite ready. A ripe peach will almost drop into your hand with a gentle lift. Like apricots, they don’t ripen much after picking, so wait until they feel and smell just right, and then enjoy every juicy bite.
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