Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey', also known as the Brown Turkey fig, is a popular and productive fig cultivar prized for its abundant crops of sweet, flavorful figs. This deciduous tree or shrub features large, deeply lobed leaves and produces two crops of pear-shaped, brown-purple figs each year - an early crop (breba crop) in early summer and a main crop in late summer or early autumn. It's a relatively hardy and easy-to-grow variety, well-suited to gardens, allotments, and even containers in the UK. It belongs to the Moraceae family.
Origin: Ficus carica is native to the Middle East and western Asia. 'Brown Turkey' is an old cultivar, believed to have originated in Europe.
Light: Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' thrives in full sun. It prefers a warm, sheltered location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage optimal growth and fruit ripening. A south-facing wall or fence is ideal.
Water: Water regularly, especially during dry periods and the first year after planting. Fig trees prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Soil: Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but thrives in loamy soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH.
Fertilising: Feed your Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring.
Pruning: Prune your Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' in winter while it is dormant to maintain shape and encourage fruit production. Remove any dead or diseased wood and thin out overcrowded branches.
Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common fig tree pests and diseases, such as fig rust, scale insects, and birds.
Harvesting: The figs typically ripen in early summer (breba crop) and late summer or early autumn (main crop). Harvest the figs when they are fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.
Uses: The figs are delicious eaten fresh or can be used in jams, preserves, and other culinary creations.
Toxicity: The sap of Ficus carica can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It's best to keep it away from pets and small children.