Brown turkey fig trees are a delightful addition to any garden. Their sweet fruit and attractive foliage make them a rewarding tree to grow. However, like any plant, they require proper care and attention In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to successfully grow and care for brown turkey fig trees.
The brown turkey fig (Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’) is a variety of the common fig It’s named for the dark purple-brown color of its skin when ripe. This variety produces a medium-sized fig with a rich, sweet flavor The interior flesh is a deep pink and has a smooth, jammy texture.
Brown turkey fig trees are self-pollinating, so no other trees are needed nearby to produce fruit. They are also fairly compact, reaching a mature height and width of 10-15 feet. This makes them a great option for small yards or even large containers.
This variety is hardy in USDA zones 7-11. It can withstand winter temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The trees are also fairly drought-tolerant once established.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting a spot for your brown turkey fig tree, the most important factors are sunlight and space. These trees need full sun to thrive and produce quality fruit. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Brown turkey figs can grow in most soil types, from heavy clay to light sand. However, they prefer soil that drains well to prevent waterlogged roots. Avoid planting them in low spots where water collects.
Give your tree enough room to reach its mature size. Allow at least 10-15 feet of space all around. Plant it away from buildings, other trees and large shrubs that may block sunlight.
Planting Your Brown Turkey Fig
Spring is the best time to plant brown turkey fig trees so their roots can establish before winter. Choose a bare root or container-grown plant. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Place your fig in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the ground. Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently tamping it down around the base. Water deeply after planting.
Providing Proper Care
Caring for your brown turkey fig mainly involves watering, fertilizing, and pruning at the right times.
Watering: These trees need about 1-2 inches of water per week. Water deeply rather than frequently. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to target the roots.
Fertilizing: Feed figs once in early spring before growth starts and again in late spring after fruit set. Use a balanced organic fertilizer. Compost and manure also provide nutrients.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and encourage new growth. Also thin out overcrowded branches and clear out the center to allow light and air flow.
Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches from the trunk.
Protecting from cold: In colder zones, protect young trees by wrapping the trunk and cordoning off branches for winter. Also apply deep mulch.
Common Pests and Diseases
Fortunately, brown turkey fig trees are relatively pest and disease resistant. However, some potential problems to watch for include:
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Fig rust: Reddish-brown spots on leaves. Manage by removing infected leaves.
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Anthracnose: Tan lesions on fruit. Improve airflow through pruning.
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Scale insects: Hard shelled insects that suck sap. Spray horticultural oil.
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Curculio beetles: Larvae bore into ripening fruit. Prevent with insect netting.
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Birds: Netting also protects fruit from birds. Pick ripe fruit promptly.
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Root knot nematodes: Microscopic worms that distort roots. Solarize soil before planting.
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Leaf spot: Small brown spots on foliage. Prune affected branches and remove debris.
Harvesting Your Brown Turkey Figs
One of the best rewards of growing fig trees is enjoying the harvest. Brown turkey figs ripen from August through September in most regions.
Check your tree daily as harvest time approaches. Ripe figs will feel slightly soft and droop down under their own weight. The skin will look dull rather than shiny.
Use pruners to clip the stem so you don’t damage the delicate fruit. Eat fresh figs within 2-3 days for best flavor. Or preserve them by canning, drying, or freezing.
Overwintering Your Tree
If you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll need to take steps to protect your brown turkey fig tree during dormancy. Some tips include:
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Heavily mulch the base to insulate roots from freezing.
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Wrap or drape the branches with burlap or fabric.
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Build a cylinder of hardware cloth around the tree and stuff it with leaves.
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Keep soil moist going into winter but avoid fertilizing late in the year.
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Move potted trees into an unheated garage or enclosed porch.
With the right growing conditions and care, brown turkey fig trees will provide a bountiful harvest. Their sweet fruit and ornamental qualities make them a wonderful addition to gardens and landscapes across many regions. Follow this guide for a thriving, productive tree.
Easy to Grow Fig Tree in your Own Backyard!
- Produces up to 2 pounds of fruit a year!
- Brown sugar sweet figs!
- Figs the First Year
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| Soil Type | Adaptable |
| Sunlight | Full |
| Drought Tolerance | Good |
| Mature Height | 20-30 Feet |
| Mature Width | 15-20 Feet |
| Fall Color | Yellow |
| Shipping Restriction | AZ, CA, GA, OR |
How about some nice brown sugar sweet figs right in your own backyard? The Brown Turkey Fig Tree is one of the sweetest fig tree varieties out there. Enjoy fresh fruit right off this fig tree.
Brown Turkey Fig is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights up to 18-25 feet tall. It will also produce 2 rounds of fruit per year. It doesnt have to be used as a specimen tree. You can also use it to screen your neighbor and enjoy fresh figs at the same time. You will have figs in the first year
- Fresh eating
- Fig cookies
- Preserves
- And much more
Brown Turkey Fig Tree FAQ
Is This Fig Tree Self Pollinating?
This Fig is a self pollinating tree that produces 2 lbs. of sweet figs every year.
How Fast Do These Fig Trees Grow?
These Fig trees are fast growing and can grow to be 18-25 feet tall with a spread of 15-20 feet.
How To Plant
Brown Turkey Fig trees are adaptable to a variety of well drained soils and should be planted in grow zones 7-11 with full sun exposure and some protection from freezing winds. Brown Turkey Fig Tree Care
Harvesting Tip: Do not harvest your figs until they are ripe indicated by a rich purple/brown hue and a fruit that has some give. Once picked, figs stop ripening. Figs also do great when grown in containers.
For additional options, be sure to browse our Fig Tree, Dwarf Tree and Fruit Trees collections.
When planting your Brown Turkey Fig tree be sure to choose the right location and conditions for your new tree to thrive. Spring and fall are ideal times to plant. However, if you avoid freezing temperatures and extreme heat you can plant this Fig tree almost any time of the year.
Fig trees thrive in full sun and are adaptable to a variety of soils as long as they are well-draining.
Water deeply when planting and twice weekly for 3 months while your tree is establishing. After the establishment period, in most areas you will only need to water during dry spells.
However, if you are in an extremely dry and/or hot climate, you may need to water a couple times per month in summer throughout your Fig trees life. If you see wilting leaves, your Fig tree needs more water. Adding a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch is highly recommended for Fig trees. Mulching protects those shallow roots from drying out. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as this increases the chances of pests and disease.
Fertilize in spring to give your tree a boost. Choose a slow-release, balanced fertilizer like the one we carry to feed your fig. Once established if your tree is growing and fruiting well, there is no need to fertilize. Figs trees grown in containers will need fertilized 3 or 4 times per year as nutrients leech out of the pot when you water.
Prune your Fig in late winter to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches and to maintain size.
The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. Scale and Mealy Bugs are insects that can affect Fig trees. You can treat these pests naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infestations you can use a pesticide like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Fig trees can encounter fungal issues. Generally, treating after infection isnt extremely effective, so if you have problems yearly treat in early spring with fungicides to prevent infection. Neem Oil is an organic method of treating and preventing some fungal diseases and pests. It can be effective, but the entire tree must be coated in order for this method to be effective.
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How to Plant a BROWN TURKEY FIG TREE – Episode 2 (Family Planting Series)
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