| Physiological maturity | Horticultural maturity |
| 1. It refers to the stage in the development of the fruits and vegetables when maximum growth and maturation has occurred. | 1. Horticultural maturity refers to any stage of development when the commodity has reached a level of development sufficient for its intended use. |
| 2. Indicate the end of the stage. | 2. Indicate desirable changes to make it marketable. |
| 3. Maximum growth and maturation occurred. | 3. Maximum growth and maturation not occurred. |
| 4. Closely associated with fruits. | 4. Closely associated with vegetables. |
| 5. Allow normal ripening after harvest. | 5. May not ripen. |
| 6. Seed collection easy. | 6. Seed collection not easy. |
