Alphabetical Plant Listing

Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' (Fig)

Fig 'Brown Turkey', Brown Turkey Fig


Noted for its cold-hardiness, Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' (Fig) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree with a spreading crown clothed in bold, deeply lobed leaves. Insignificant flowers form inside a hollow receptacle in spring that, when mature, enlarges and becomes fleshy. It becomes an edible fruit, 4 in. long (10 cm), at first green, but purplish when ripe. As surprising as it may be, we actually eat the bloom, which is hidden inside the receptacle that encloses the flower. Prized for its impressively sweet, rich flavor, the fig is luscious with a pink-amber flesh. The main fruit crop ripens in late summer or fall on new wood. In some areas, a lesser crop may appear in spring on new wood. As the figs mature, you’ll need to harvest them daily by clipping them from their stems. This plant is self-fertile and does not need cross-pollination. Brown turkey fig can be grown as a single-trunk tree or as a multi-branched shrub. Plant it for foliage interest, fruit, and as a conversation piece.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 10-30 ft. tall and wide (3-9 m).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this tree is easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Site in a protected location (against a warm wall or fence) with annual root mulch.
  • Fig trees are fast-growing and flexible enough to be easily espaliered against walls
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Remove 1/4 to 1/3 of older branches in early spring.
  • Propagate by hardwood cuttings.
  • Ficus carica species is native to Western Asia, Mediterranean Region.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Research is underway to determine which cultivars of fig become invasive.
  • Find where Ficus carica species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Fruit, Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Ficus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10' – 30' (3m – 9m)
Spread 10' – 30' (3m – 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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By jurgal, Swapan Photography, Olga Ilinich, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Fruit, Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Ficus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10' – 30' (3m – 9m)
Spread 10' – 30' (3m – 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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