Fruits all year round: is it possible?
What to plant to harvest month by month?
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And what if your garden could provide fruit all year round? It is quite possible to savour the fruit from your own orchard or garden month after month, provided you know the harvest calendar well. Harvesting fruit across the seasons is also a way of reconnecting with the natural rhythm, reducing waste and enjoying ultra-fresh produce. But, harvest times can vary markedly from one region to another: what is ripe in May in southern France may only be ripe in June in the north or at altitude.
That is why this guide offers a month-by-month view of fruit harvests in the different climates found in France, Belgium and Switzerland: Mediterranean climate, oceanic, continental or montane. We will also address, at the end, the special case of citrus trees, which have their own rhythm and often require more specific conditions.
January–February: the heart of winter in the fruit garden
In mid-winter, the orchard is in deep dormancy, and the harvests are very scarce. We turn to stored fruits from autumn storage, as well as a few less common but still edible species. It is also an important period for preparation: maintenance, pruning, planning.
Fruits to harvest in January–February
| Fruit | Areas affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage apples | Everywhere | Late varieties store very well (Reinette, Grey Canada…) |
| Storage pears | Everywhere | Conference, Winter Doyenné, still good in a cool cellar |
| Kiwi | South West, sheltered areas | Harvested in late autumn, keep for several weeks |
| Medlars (common medlar) | Cool zones | To be consumed after bletting, sometimes until January |
| Quinces (last window) | Cool zones, old orchards | Still usable if they have been well stored |
| Walnuts and hazelnuts | Everywhere | Harvested in autumn, kept all winter in a dry place |
Détail par zone
Climates mediterranean: few fresh fruits in the garden, but kiwis and walnuts well-preserved are still available.
Climates maritimes: apples and pears keep well, as do walnuts, quinces or kiwis.
Climates continentaux: orchard is in total dormancy, but cellars allow good storage of fruits harvested in autumn.
Climates montagnards: harsh conditions, no outdoor harvest, but consumption of stored reserves is possible.
To remember in January–February
- Check your stocks of apples and pears regularly: remove any damaged or shrivelled fruits.
- This is the ideal time to prune pome fruit trees (apple and pear trees), outside frosts.
- Remember to feed the trees with mature compost or well-rotted manure at the base.
- Plan your future plantings of bare-root fruit trees or your soft fruit projects for spring.
March–April: the fruit garden is slowly emerging from winter.
These two months mark the gradual awakening of the garden after months of dormancy. Harvests are still limited, but signs of recovery are evident. We mainly enjoy the fruits stored from autumn, from a few early varieties, and the first rhubarb shoots. In milder regions, a few fresh fruits are already starting to appear.
Fruit to harvest in March–April
| Fruit | Areas affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage apples | Everywhere | Late varieties still edible (Reinette, Boskoop…) |
| Storage pears | Everywhere | Winter Doyenné, Conference, still juicy if well stored |
| Kiwi | Southwest, mild climates | End of storage period, to be enjoyed promptly |
| Medlars (common medlar, bletted) | Cool regions | Harvested in autumn, consumed after bletting |
| Rhubarb | Everywhere except mountainous areas | First harvestable stems from April, sometimes as early as March in mild climates |
| Early strawberries (under cover) | South, sheltered areas | Gariguette or Ciflorette under tunnel or greenhouse |
| Japanese medlars (bibacier) | Côte d’Azur, Corsica | Begin harvesting by late April depending on conditions |
Details by region
Mediterranean climate: strawberries under cover, rhubarb well advanced from March, Japanese medlars approaching by late April.
Oceanic climate: storage apples and pears still edible, rhubarb productive in April.
Continental climate: harvest limited to rhubarb and stored fruit, the garden slowly resumes growth.
Montane climate: little or no harvest before the end of April, rhubarb begins to emerge.
Things not to forget in March–April
- Sort stored fruit regularly: a damaged fruit can contaminate others.
- Mulch rhubarb crowns to retain moisture and stimulate growth.
- Watch for late frosts : a protective fleece can save early flowering.
- Prune and tidy your soft fruit bushes before full growth resumes.
When the plant is happy, Actinidia is fairly generous in the production of kiwis or kiwifruit.
May: the first fruity delights
In May, the garden begins to offer its first fruits slowly, especially in the milder regions. Early varieties are making a shy but tasty appearance. It is also the time to watch the flowering that heralds the harvests of summer.
Fruits to harvest in May
| Fruit | Regions affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries (early varieties) | Southern France, sheltered areas in Belgium/Switzerland | Gariguette varieties lead the way |
| Rhubarb | Everywhere, except in Mediterranean climate, too dry | More of a vegetable-fruit, but often eaten as dessert |
| Cherries (very early) | Roussillon, Provence, Corsica | Start of harvest in warm regions |
| Japanese medlar (bibacier) | Côte d’Azur, Corsica | Very localised, but possible from the end of April |
| Garden blackberries (very early varieties) | Mild microclimates | Harvests exceptionally from late May in the south |
Details by zone
Mediterranean climate (southern France, Corsica): early cherry trees can already bear their first fruits; strawberries are well advanced.
Oceanic climate (western France, Belgium): strawberries under protection or in open ground if spring is mild; rhubarb plentiful.
Continental climate (eastern France, Switzerland): rhubarb dominates; strawberries arrive more slowly.
Montane climate: harvests still light, but rhubarb may already be present.
Things to remember in May
- Mulching: mulch the strawberries to protect the fruit from soil moisture and slugs.
- Watch the birds : they love the first cherries.
- Harvest rhubarb by pulling the stalks (not cutting them off), and always leave a few leaves to feed the plant.
June: the month of abundance that begins.
June marks the start of a generous period for fruit gardens. Harvests quicken, especially for soft fruit, and the first summer varieties begin to appear. It is also a month when regional differences are very pronounced.
Fruits to harvest in June
| Fruit | Areas Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | Everywhere | In full season, all varieties included |
| Raspberries (early varieties) | Temperate and mild zones | Start of the first harvests |
| Currants | France, Belgium and Switzerland | Harvest start varies with exposure |
| Blackcurrants | Northern, eastern, cool zones | Ready to pick in milder climates |
| Cherries | Most regions, except mountainous areas | Mid-season varieties in full production |
| Rhubarb | Everywhere except overly warm areas | Last month for a plentiful harvest |
| Japanese medlar | South and sheltered areas | Harvest ends in the South |
| Garden blackberries (early varieties) | Southern France, mild zones | First fruits in cultivated hedges |
Details by zone
Mediterranean climate: strawberries are nearing the end, but cherries, raspberries and even the first blackberries are still present.
Oceanic climate: strawberries in peak season, cherries depending on exposure, currants and blackcurrants beginning to ripen.
Continental climate: cherries at maturity, rhubarb highly productive, early raspberries available.
Montane climate: strawberries just begun, rhubarb well established, cherries expected mainly in July.
What not to forget in June
- Harvest strawberries regularly to prevent them from rotting on the plant.
- Watch the raspberries: repeat-flowering varieties will begin their first fruiting.
- Prune the rhubarb at the end of the month if you want to let it rest over the summer.
Yum! Fresh garden raspberries!
July: the height of summer in the orchards
July is one of the richest months of the year for fruits. Harvests follow one another and the orchard is yielding at full capacity, especially for soft fruits, plum trees, early apricots and late-season cherry varieties. It is also the peak season for preserving, jams and drying.
Fruits to harvest in July
| Fruit | Regions covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries (repeat-flowering varieties) | Everywhere | Second flush for repeat-flowering varieties |
| Raspberries | Temperate and mild regions | Abundant production, sometimes through to September |
| Currants and gooseberries | France nationwide, Belgium, Switzerland | Optimal harvest, especially in sunny exposure |
| Blackcurrants | Northern and eastern regions; cool areas | Fully productive for jam |
| Cherries (late varieties) | Cooler regions | Still in production at higher elevations or in the North |
| Apricots | Southern France, warm areas | Rapid harvest at ripeness; monitor closely |
| Peaches and nectarines (early varieties) | South and sheltered areas | Juicy first fruits from early July |
| Blackberries (early or cultivated varieties) | Mild regions | Harvest gradually through autumn |
| Plums (Greengage, early Mirabelle) | Sunny regions | Season start varies by variety |
| Rhubarb | Everywhere except very hot areas | Last picks before the summer rest |
Details by zone
Mediterranean climate: apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums are at the heart of the season; berries begin to decline, except for repeat-flowering varieties.
Oceanic climate: raspberries, currants, blackcurrants and blackberries are at their peak; early plums are coming in.
Continental climate: generous season for all soft fruits, cherries still available, peaches in the early harvest.
Montane climate: strawberries and raspberries in full yield; cherries and currants are in good supply.
Things not to forget in July
- Harvest every two to three days to prevent fruit from being damaged or eaten by birds.
- Monitor the watering of berries : water stress greatly reduces the quality of the harvest.
- Consider freezing or processing the surplus: jams, coulis, dried fruit or jars in syrup.
- Prune the rhubarb and let it rest for the summer if the plant looks tired.
August: the peak of the summer harvests
August is the month when the orchard bursts with colour and flavour. The summer fruits are fully ripe, plum trees are heavy with fruit, fig trees are yielding generously in the south, and repeat-flowering raspberries offer a second wave. It is an ideal time for picking, preserving and enjoying.
Fruits to harvest in August
| Fruit | Regions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat-flowering raspberries | Everywhere | Second crop more regular and longer-lasting |
| Blackberries | All of France | Peak season, pick when fully ripe |
| Redcurrants (late season) | Cool regions | Still available in the mildest climates |
| Peaches and nectarines | South, East, sheltered areas | Mid-season and late varieties |
| Late-season apricots | South | End of season; harvest promptly |
| Prunes (Reine-Claude, Mirabelle, Quetsche) | Everywhere | Abundant harvest depending on variety and exposure |
| Figs (early varieties) | South, sheltered areas | Beginning of production, monitor daily |
| Apples early varieties (Transparente de Croncels, Discovery…) | Temperate regions | Start of harvest depending on the variety |
| Pears early varieties (Guyot, Williams…) | Sheltered regions | Harvest as soon as they detach easily |
| Table grapes (early varieties) | South, warm areas | Start of harvest depending on exposure |
| Melons and watermelons | Mainly in the South and South-West | Harvest from July to September |
Details by zone
Mediterranean climate: figs, peaches, grapes and plums are in full production, apricots are nearing the end.
Oceanic climate: blackberries, repeat-flowering raspberries, plums and the first apples are in season.
Continental climate: a good diversity with plums, early apples, raspberries and blackberries in abundance.
Montane climate: blackberries and raspberries in production, early apples depending on exposure.
Things not to forget in August
- Harvest fully ripe figs : they do not continue to ripen after picking.
- Watch the plums: they can ripen very quickly.
- Thin branches that are heavily laden with fruit to prevent breakage.
- Get into canning: jars of prunes, blackberry jams, or peach compotes are ideal in August.
Although often affected by peach leaf curl, the peach tree remains an excellent fruit tree for the garden.
September: between the end of summer and the start of autumn
September is a transitional month: the last summer fruits meet the first autumn harvests. It’s a very generous period, especially for plums, figs, apples and pears. Conditions are ideal for making preserves, juices and drying.
Fruits to harvest in September
| Fruit | Regions affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberries (repeat-flowering) | Everywhere | Second harvest abundant if well watered |
| Blackberries | Everywhere | End of season, the final picks |
| Figs (biferous varieties) | South, sheltered areas | Second harvest, very generous |
| Plums (quetsches, late greengage) | Temperate and cool areas | In full season, excellent for processing |
| Apples (seasonal varieties) | Everywhere | Gala, Elstar, Reine des reinettes… to harvest according to ripeness |
| Pears (seasonal varieties) | Everywhere | Williams, Beurré Hardy, to pick before they drop |
| Table grapes | South, East, sunny areas | Harvest depending on variety and sun exposure |
| Quinces (early season) | South, warm zones | Beginning of ripeness for some varieties |
| Hazelnuts | Wooded areas, hedges | Harvest as soon as the nuts drop naturally |
Details by zone
Mediterranean climate: end of figs and grapes, early apples and pears already well advanced.
Oceanic climate: apples and pears at the heart of the harvest, blackberries and raspberries still available.
Continental climate: plums and apples in full season, quinces and pears to monitor.
Montane climate: raspberries nearing the end of production, early apples ready, plums sometimes still ripening.
Things to remember in September
- Harvest pears just before full ripeness: they continue to ripen after picking.
- Store apples in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place for good storage.
- Harvest fallen hazelnuts; they ripen as soon as they detach naturally.
- Prune repeat-flowering raspberries after the last harvest if the variety is not biferous.
October: the season of autumn harvests
October marks the true start of autumn fruit season. Orchards abound with apples, pears, quinces and walnuts. It’s the ideal time to fill crates, prepare preserves and stock up for winter. The fruits are hardier, often harvested just before ripeness for better storage.
Fruits to harvest in October
| Fruit | Areas | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apples (late varieties) | Everywhere | Grey Canada, Grey Reinette of Canada, Belle de Boskoop… |
| Pears (late varieties) | Everywhere | Comice, Beurre d’Anjou, Conference… |
| Quinces | Temperate and warm zones | Harvest when the fruit turns yellow and releases its fragrance |
| Grapes (late-season) | South, sheltered areas | Last clusters to harvest, beware of rot |
| Figs (late season) | South, warm areas | A few fruits left if the weather is kind |
| Medlars (common medlar) | Cool areas | To harvest after the first frosts for bletting |
| Walnuts | Everywhere | To collect from the ground, ensure thorough drying for storage |
| Hazelnuts (late season) | Everywhere | Last nuts to harvest before they are eaten |
| Lingonberries and cranberries | Cool or montane climates | The harvest spans September–October |
| Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) | Mainly in the south and mild zones | Harvested late, sometimes after the first frosts for certain varieties |
| Pecan nuts | Mainly in the Southwest | For collection gardens |
| Strawberry trees | Exclusively in a Mediterranean climate (south, Corsica) | It is a very late winter fruit |
Detail by zone
Mediterranean climate: late-season figs, table grapes, apples to be harvested quickly before excessive heat.
Oceanic climate: apples and pears at full ripeness, quinces ready to be processed.
Continental climate: generous harvest of apples, pears and quinces, start of medlar harvest.
Montane climate: early to late apples, walnuts and hazelnuts abundant.
Things not to forget in October
- Harvest quinces before the first frosts to prevent spoilage.
- Sort carefully the fruits destined for storage: no bruises, no blemishes.
- Dry walnuts and hazelnuts in a well-ventilated, sheltered place.
- Remember to note harvest dates and varieties to monitor year-on-year progress.
It should be picked at the right moment! But persimmon is an excellent source of vitamins before winter.
November–December: the final fruits of the season and the beginnings of preservation
As winter approaches, the orchard gradually empties. Fresh harvests are scarce, but we can still enjoy hardy fruits harvested in October and those that ripen late or are consumed after bletting. It is also the time to enjoy preserves, stored fruits, and to prepare trees for winter.
Fruits to harvest in November–December
| Fruit | Areas affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage apples | Everywhere | Late varieties harvested in October, to be consumed gradually |
| Storage pears | Everywhere | Doyenné du Comice, Conference… still excellent if well stored |
| Quinces | Temperate zones | Last fruits to harvest early November if not yet done |
| Medlars (common medlar) | Cool zones | Harvest after frost, bletted before consumption |
| Kiwis | South-West, sheltered areas | Harvest in November, leave to ripen after picking |
| Walnuts | Everywhere | End of drying or storage in-shell |
| Hazelnuts | Everywhere | Use up remaining stock |
| Chestnuts | Wooded areas | Manual harvest in forests or old orchards, to be consumed quickly |
Details by zone
Mediterranean climate: kiwis and quinces still available early November, easy storage of apples and pears.
Oceanic climate: kiwifruit harvest, storage of apples and pears, medlars to monitor by the end of December.
Continental climate: orchards at rest, fruits harvested in October fill the pantry shelves.
Montane climate: no more outdoor harvests, consumption of reserves and bletted medlars.
Things not to forget in November–December
- Harvest the kiwis before the first hard frosts, leaving them to ripen indoors.
- Store apples and pears in a dark, cool place, but not frozen, and well ventilated.
- Monitor the condition of stored fruit: sort regularly to prevent contamination.
- Enjoy bletted medlars: soft texture, sweet flavour and a hint of vanilla.
- Prepare your fruit trees for winter: mulching, gentle pruning, and protection against cold if necessary.
And the citrus trees in all this? They deserved a point all on their own.
The citrus trees indeed have a harvest rhythm quite different from the fruits in our temperate orchards. They ripen mainly in autumn and winter, but depending on the varieties, some harvests can extend into spring.
As they are mainly grown in a Mediterranean climate (or under glass in other regions), their presence in a harvest year depends greatly on geography.
| Month | Citrus trees harvested | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Lemons, oranges, mandarins, Clementines | Main harvest period |
| February | Lemons, oranges, grapefruits, Clementines (end of season) | Good ripeness, especially in mild climates |
| March | Lemons, late-season oranges, pomelos | Start of late-season for some varieties |
| April | Lemons, kumquats | Harvest possible depending on exposure and variety |
| May | Lemons (repeat-flowering), kumquats (end of season) | Lemon varieties that fruit year-round are still productive |
| June | Little or no harvest | Off-season, but some repeat-flowering lemon trees still bear fruit |
| July | Repeat-flowering lemon trees | Small yields possible |
| August | Repeat-flowering lemon trees | The fruits are still green; monitor closely |
| September | Lemons (early ripening), bergamot (early) | Some varieties begin to ripen |
| October | Lemons, early Clementines | Early timid start to the citrus season |
| November | Lemons, Clementines, early oranges | Beautiful season taking hold |
| December | Lemons, Clementines, oranges | Perfect ripeness for many citrus trees |
Who has never dreamed of growing their own lemons at home?
The case for staggered harvests: long-season fruits.
| Fruit | Typical harvest period | Variations by climate and exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | May to October | Repeat-flowering varieties (repeat-flowering) (Mara des Bois, Charlotte) produce from June to October, while early varieties (Gariguette) finish in June. Open-ground production starts in May in the South and in June in the North/at altitude. |
| Raspberries | June to October | Non-repeat-flowering varieties (non-repeat-flowering) produce mainly in June–July. Repeat-flowering varieties offer a first wave in summer, followed by a significant second harvest from mid-August to the first frosts. |
| Blackberries | July to October | According to the variety, the first blackberries (thornless) arrive as early as July in the South, but the main harvest in hedgerows, wild or cultivated, runs from mid-August to September. The latest can hold until October if the weather is mild. |
| Figs | July to November | biferous fig trees bear a first harvest (“flowering figs”) in July, then the main harvest (“autumn figs”) from late August to October. Single-bearing fig trees yield only one harvest from August to November depending on the region (mostly in the South). |
| Apples and Pears | August to November | The period is quite long. Early varieties (Discovery, Guyot) are picked as early as August and do not keep well. Storage varieties (Reinette, Conférence) are harvested in October to be stored over winter. |
| Walnuts | September to November | Harvest is triggered by the natural drop of the fruits. It begins from mid-September in warm areas to finish early November at altitude. The date is highly sensitive to humidity and late-summer heat. |
Key takeaways: for all these fruits, don’t look for a precise date, but monitor the ripeness stage on the tree itself. Regular harvesting helps to prolong and optimise production.
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