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Brown Turkey Fig Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
FY-kus KAIR-ih-kuh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

'Brown Turkey' is a cultivar fig in the Moraceae (fig) family.  This deciduous small tree or large shrub is one of the most popular figs grown in the United States with two fruit harvests each year. Grows to a mature size of 10 to 30 feet tall and wide quickly with a broad crown of large deeply lobed rough leaves.

Grow figs in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained moist soils that are neutral to alkaline.  Figs to not tolerate acidic soils.  Light pruning each winter may be necessary to maintain an attractive shape.  Mulch roots to maintain moisture and especially in the fall to protect them thought the winter. 'Brown Turkey' requires protection like cold frames or plastic sheeting when the temperature drops below 10°F which is lower than the species of this plant which needs protection at temperatures below 15°F. 

This plant is self-pollinating so no need for multiple plants.  It produces two crops of its delicious edible figs one in the late spring to early summer and the second in the late summer to early fall.  

Consider planting against a south or west wall or fence to take advantage of radiant heat or in other areas protected of the landscape especially if you are zone 5-7.  Espalier against a wall or fence makes more easy harvesting.  Plant it as a specimen and keep it close to a patio to more easily enjoy the fruit harvest and the interesting winter form. This plant grows well in containers but containers must be overwintered indoors.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids, mealybugs, root knot nematodes, and spidermites are occasional problems.  Blight, leaf spot and rust are occasional diseases.  Fruit drop on hardscape surfaces can be messy. The leaves and sap can irritate the skin.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Ficus carica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#full sun tolerant#specimen#shrub#wildlife plant#low maintenance#winter interest#espalier#showy fruits#small mammals#ncemgva2018#fast growing#messy#cpp#children's garden#playground plant#figs#non-showy flowers#edible fruits#edible garden#purple fruits#messy fruits#bird friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#contact dermatitis#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#full sun tolerant#specimen#shrub#wildlife plant#low maintenance#winter interest#espalier#showy fruits#small mammals#ncemgva2018#fast growing#messy#cpp#children's garden#playground plant#figs#non-showy flowers#edible fruits#edible garden#purple fruits#messy fruits#bird friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#contact dermatitis#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ficus
    Species:
    carica
    Family:
    Moraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    E. Mediterranean to Central Asia
    Wildlife Value:
    Provides food source for birds and small mammals.
    Play Value:
    Edible fruit
    Wildlife Food Source
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Heat tolerant.
    Edibility:
    The mild and sweet fruit is good eaten fresh or dried.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    Small fruit ripens in July with purple bronze skin and pink pulp, tastes mild and sweet.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The flower is not visible as it blooms inside a hollow receptacles that form near the end of branches in leaf axils. The flowers small, green, and form in the spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Rough
    Smooth
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Palmatifid
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Large, thick, green leaves are 5-10 inches long and 4-7 inches across and deeply, palmately lobed with three or five lobes. The upper surface is green and rough with hairs and the underside is paler and smooth. Yellow to brown fall color.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Ridges
    Smooth
    Bark Description:
    Silver gray smooth bark becomes more bumpy with age.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Bud Terminal:
    Only 1 terminal bud, larger than side buds
    Stem Form:
    Straight
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Children's Garden
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bats
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heat
    Salt
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Messy
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Phytophotodermatitis from the white, milky sap.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Furanocoumarins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Sap/Juice