The Brown Turkey Fig Tree is a self-fertile fig that grows mild, sweet figs that appear twice a year on established trees.
The Brown Turkey Fig Tree is a self-fertile fig that grows mild, sweet figs that appear twice a year on established trees. The first crop usually appears around late spring or early summer. The second, main harvest occurs when the second bloom ripens in late fall. This double harvest makes the Brown Turkey Fig Tree a favorite among home growers.
The Brown Turkey Fig Tree will reach a mature size of 15 to 25 feet tall, and 12 to 15 feet wide. The tree can be kept smaller by pruning, and it will do well in a large container. This fig likes full sun and can be expected to become a reliable producer after three years in the ground or large container. It is also adaptable to a wide range of soil types.
Fig Tree Care
The Brown Turkey Fig Tree grows best in USDA Zones 7 to 10. If you are going to prune your Brown Turkey Fig Tree, do so when the tree is dormant in winter. After pruning, expect to see new growth in spring followed almost immediately by the first bloom. The second bloom will occur when the branches have grown out some, and therefore will provide a greater yield.
The Brown Turkey Fig Tree will grow well in many soil types, as long as the soil is reasonably well-draining. It can take partial to full sun, and does not require vast amounts of space. In short, the Brown Turkey Fig Tree is one of the easiest fig trees to grow in your home garden. Choose a spot that is at least 12 feet from other trees or structures, and mulch out to the drip line with organic mulch such as tree bark, leaves, or grass clippings.
Fruit & Harvesting
The Brown Turkey Fig Tree produces small, bronze or brown figs that have a rich, sweet flavor that is perfect for eating fresh, canning, drying, or making jam. The figs are ripe when they turn a dark brown or bronzed color, and are slightly yielding to the touch. Do a taste test to know for sure. The flesh is red, juicy, and filled with crisp, edible seeds. If the interior is still green or dry, let the fruit mature for another week then try again.
Growing Zones
Advice
Brown Turkey Fig Trees are self-fertile and do not require a pollinator companion tree to grow fruit. You can increase the tree’s yields by growing it near a second Brown Turkey or another fig tree. If you are in USDA Zones 7 to 10, the best plan is to grow a Brown Turkey Fig Tree in the ground. An open location that gets 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day in spring and summer is the best. Give your new tree at least 10 to 15 feet of space on all sides.
In colder areas, the Brown Turkey Fig Tree can be grown in a container on your patio or deck in spring and summer, then moved indoors in the winter months. When you relocate a container-grown Brown Turkey Fig Tree, it is normal for some leaves to fall off. Once the tree is acclimated to the new spot, new growth will replace the fallen foliage.
FAQs
Is it true that Brown Turkey Fig Trees bloom twice per year?
Yes. The first fruit of the year appears in late spring or early summer. The second bloom produces fruit in late fall. The second crop is the main harvest, and produces more fruit than the first, spring crop
Can I grow a Brown Turkey Fig Tree in Georgia?
Yes. You can grow a Brown Turkey Fig Tree in the ground in USDA Growing Zones 7 to 10. The Brown Turkey Fig Tree will do well in much the same conditions as a peach tree, so the soil and climates found in Georgia should make a Brown Turkey Fig Tree feel right at home.
Can a Brown Turkey Fig Tree be grown among citrus trees?
Yes. Brown Turkey Figs enjoy many of the same conditions favored by citrus trees. However, if you are growing citrus and figs next to each other, remember that the Brown Turkey Fig Tree likes deeper, more dense mulch than your citrus trees.
Does the Brown Turkey Fig Tree need a pollinator?
No. The Brown Turkey Fig Tree is self-fertile and can easily grow two yearly harvests of figs without an additional pollinating tree.
