Brown Turkey Fig

Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ is a multi-stemmed, deciduous fig grown for edible fruit and large, deeply lobed leaves. It is self-pollinating and can produce fruit on new growth after winter dieback, although cold injury can reduce the crop. ## Growing Conditions Choose a sunny site with organically rich, well-drained soil that stays moist during active growth. NC State Extension lists this cultivar for USDA zones 6–9 and advises winter protection when temperatures fall below 10°F. A sheltered position and root mulch help protect plants at the colder edge of that range. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ficus-carica-brown-turkey/common-name/brown-turkey-fig/) [Virginia Tech Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/SPES/spes-760.html) ## Fruit and Placement Allow room for a large shrub or small tree: NC State gives a mature range of 10–30 feet tall and wide, while the University of Georgia describes medium-sized bronze fruit with amber-to-pink flesh. The ripe fruit is sweet and can be eaten fresh or preserved. [UGA Cooperative Extension](https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C945) ## Maintenance Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead or crowded branches and maintain the shape. Mulch the root zone before winter, and harvest fruit when it is fully ripe. Fig sap can irritate skin; wear gloves when pruning and avoid sun exposure on skin that contacts the sap. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ficus-carica-brown-turkey/common-name/brown-turkey-fig/)