Ficus carica 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.