Fig Tree Brown Turkey
Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240 inches
Width
240 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Western Asia and the Mediterranean
Toxicity
Sap may cause skin irritation; fruit is edible.
The Story
Plant Bio
Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' is a deciduous tree or large shrub with lobed, green foliage and distinctive, edible, brownish-purple figs that ripen in late summer to fall. This cultivar is valued for its prolific fruit production, drought tolerance, and adaptability to various soil conditions, making it a popular choice for small gardens and orchards.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny, sheltered location with well-draining soil.
- Tuck young saplings into the ground in early spring after frost risk passes.
- Water regularly during the first year to establish roots.
- Mist cuttings or young plants in dry weather for best rooting success.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage and avoid frost pockets for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune to shape in winter ❄️
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Fertilize in early spring for healthy growth
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged
- Prune excessively during the growing season
- Plant in low-lying frost-prone areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Fig Tree Brown Turkey questions
What zones can Fig Tree Brown Turkey grow in?
Fig Tree Brown Turkey is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Fig Tree Brown Turkey deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Fig Tree Brown Turkey, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Fig Tree Brown Turkey bloom?
Fig Tree Brown Turkey typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Fig Tree Brown Turkey need full sun?
Fig Tree Brown Turkey does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Fig Tree Brown Turkey drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fig Tree Brown Turkey handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Ficus to compare
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Ficus carica 'Improved Brown Turkey'
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Ficus carica 'Champagne'
Celeste Fig
Ficus carica 'Celeste'
Fignomenal Fig
Ficus carica 'Fignomenal'
Little Miss Figgy Dwarf Fig
Ficus carica 'Little Miss Figgy'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Fig Tree Brown Turkey with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
