Brown Turkey Fig

The Brown Turkey Fig is known for producing medium sized sweet fruit that ripens to a brown, reddish-purple color. This variety is known for being an all-around quality fig, enjoyable for eating and good for preserving, making it one of the favorite fig trees for home gardeners.

You'll know your figs are ready to harvest when they soften and the skin changes color. Gently twist the fruit off the tree and enjoy the fresh, sweet flavor.

The 'Brown Turkey' fig is a versatile, woody, deciduous shrub from the mulberry family (Moraceae), characterized by its multiple stems and delicious edible fruit. Bred for enhanced cold hardiness compared to other fig varieties, it rapidly reaches a mature size of 15 to 20 feet in both height and width. Its robust growth and sizable spread make it an ideal selection for orchards, home gardens, and even as a statement plant in large patio containers.

This plant produces fruits without the need of pollination, so multiple plants are not required. It is one of the most popular figs grown in the United States with two harvests of its edible fruit each year, one in the late spring to early summer, and the second in the late summer to early fall. The fruits are enjoyed fresh or dried.

Brown Turkey Fig Care

Thriving in a variety of soil types, this adaptable tree is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-9, demonstrating its versatility across different climates.

In areas where winter temperatures dip below 15°F, some winter protection may be necessary. If your fig is in the ground, a layer of mulch around the base can help protect the roots. For potted figs, moving them to a sheltered location or indoors will ensure they survive the winter chill.

Your Brown Turkey Fig thrives in the embrace of the sun. Plant it in a spot where it can bask in full sunlight — this is key to its vitality and fruit production. Whether in your garden or in a sunny spot on your patio, this plant loves to soak up those rays!

Watering and Pruning Brown Turkey Fig Plants

Moderation is key when it comes to watering. The Brown Turkey Fig prefers its soil to be moist but not waterlogged. Regular, moderate watering helps it establish a strong root system, especially in the first few years.

Regular watering, particularly during dry spells, and a layer of mulch to conserve moisture are recommended for optimal growth and fruit production. Once established you will find the Brown Turkey Fig to be quite drought tolerant.

Pruning your Brown Turkey Fig annually encourages healthy growth and fruit production. This is best done in late winter, just before new spring growth starts. Target older, weaker branches for removal.

This not only shapes your plant but also redirects energy to the stronger, more vibrant parts of your fig. By removing crowded branches, you ensure better airflow and light penetration, crucial for a thriving plant.

*The Brown Turkey Fig is a deciduous/semi-evergreen plant and will go dormant during the winter months. When this plant is ordered during the Fall/Winter expect seasonal foliage decline (discoloration, spots, leaf drop) or the plant to arrive completely dormant. *

Check out some Southern Living Plant Collection Recipes featuring figs here:

Figgy Focaccia

Baked Fig Crostini

Bacon-Wrapped Figs