I have a little fig tree, about 4 years old. It has had the odd fig up until this year, but now has about 40 figs on it. They have been sitting there not ripening for several weeks.

Can anyone tell me if I need to pick them so they will ripen or stop watering, or what?

I don't know what type of fig you have. I have Turkey figs. If it is getting full sun, continue to water normally until the figs are mature but still unripe, then discontinue watering until after harvest. If the fig tree recieves a heavy rain or too much water when the figs are ripening the fruit will burst and be ruined. Don't prune any of the fruit, the tree will shed the fruit as necessary if it can't mature the full crop. Here in north Mississippi they ripen the last week in July normally. Claud

Thanks, Claud. The variety is Celeste, a green/yellow type when ripe. I'll wait a few more weeks then, and hope for the best.

My new residence has a fig tree next to the garage, loaded with figs, and I'm guessing it's probably Brown Turkey, but I'll
wait and see. Going to be a real treat in about a month!

Just to be clear, figs stop ripening the moment you pick them. They will sag when they are ripe and practically fall off in your hand. Flavor is better with less water, as Claud said, but they will ripen and/or drop prematurely if they get too dry (as they do here if we stop watering entirely). Temperature greatly affects ripening time here, as well.

Ah, thanks Paul. I have continued to water regularly, as most of the figs are not yet full size. I did have one turning yellow yesterday, but some squirrel got to it, I think. It is gone today.

I guess that's an indication that they will ripen, at least.