Ma'am, I have picked them both when they have just turned, and when they have been red for a few (or sometimes several) days. I prefer to let them hang for a couple of days after ripening as, IMHO, they have a more pronounced flavor. They can be picked at any time though depending on individual preference- it's hard to screw up the flavor of a hab :-) Once the fruit has completely colored (no green spots left) it is as colored as it is going to get. I haven't noticed them to turn varying shades once they've colored. Hope this helps! -Jim C MWPH