A Guide to Brown Turkey Fig Trees

The brown turkey fig tree is a fast-growing shrub with edible fruit that you can eat directly from the tree or preserve for later use. It’s a good starter tree for a gardener who’s just learning how to care for fruit trees because it’s relatively low-maintenance. In this article, we’ll explore how to grow a brown turkey fig tree, where to plant them, and what steps you can take to maintain one throughout the years.

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Brown Turkey Fig Tree Overview

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Characteristics of Brown Turkey Figs

If you love figs, you might jump at the chance to plant this tree so that you can harvest your own fruit. Let’s explore the brown turkey fig tree’s appearance and their fruit’s flavor and nutritional benefits. Brown turkey fig trees aren’t just easy to grow—they also produce figs twice per year.

• Appearance: Brown turkey fig trees can grow between 15–30 feet tall with an equal spread and have green leaves during the spring and summer that turn yellow in the fall and drop in the winter. The fig fruits are medium-sized and start out with green skin, turning brownish-purple as they ripen. 
• Flavor profile: Brown turkey figs have a mild, sweet flavor. They aren’t as sweet as some other fig varieties but still offer a pleasant balance of flavors. The fig’s flesh is soft and slightly chewy, and they have a subtle crunch thanks to their small, edible seeds. 
• Nutritional benefits: Figs aren’t just delicious—they have some nutritional benefits too. They’re filled with fiber, potassium, and calcium, and they also contain antioxidants.

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How To Plant a Brown Turkey Fig Tree

In this section, we’ll explain a brown turkey fig tree’s growing requirements, so you can figure out if it’s a good fit for your yard. 

Hardiness Zone

Brown turkey fig trees thrive in Zones 7–10, which include states, such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona. If you live in a cooler state below Zone 7, such as Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you can grow a fig tree in a pot inside your home.

Sun, Shade, and Soil

Brown turkey fig trees need full sun, so choose a spot in your yard that gets direct sunlight for six to eight hours per day. These trees can grow in virtually any soil type, including heavy clay, limestone, and light sand, but they prefer a well-drained soil with high lime content. They can tolerate slightly salty soil, but not acidic soil, so make sure the pH is between 6.0 and 6.5.

Planting Process

We recommend you plant your brown turkey fig tree in early spring or late fall to avoid the stress of extreme temperatures while the tree establishes its root system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting your tree:

1. Dig a hole that’s a few inches deeper and wider than the root spread.
2. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole.
3. Place the tree on the mound and spread the roots outward.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, planting the tree 2–4 inches deeper than it was in its original container.
5. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

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Caring for Your Brown Turkey Fig Tree

Now that you have your tree in the ground, we’ll review some tips to maintain and care for your brown turkey fig tree. 

Watering Schedule

The brown turkey fig tree requires two waterings per week for the first three months after it’s planted. Mature trees need 1–1.5 inches of water per week. If your area is going through a dry spell, you can stick your finger 2 inches down into the soil to test the moisture level and determine if watering is necessary. One sign that the tree needs water is if the leaves turn yellow and start to wilt.

Fertilization Tips

Fig trees don’t require regular fertilization, but if you notice that your tree is growing less than 12 inches in one growing season, you can add a 1/2-pound of nitrogen supplement to the base of the tree. Break this into three or four feedings starting in late winter and going until midsummer.

You can also apply a 2- or 3-inch layer of mulch around the tree at any time to prevent weeds and lock in root moisture. Make sure the mulch doesn’t touch the trunk, as too much moisture around the trunk can cause bark decay which can attract pests and fungi.

Pruning Techniques

You won’t need to prune your brown turkey fig tree, but you can shape it to promote air circulation and encourage new growth. In the winter, remove dead, dying, or crowded branches, and prune according to the size and shape you desire.

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Common Pests and Diseases

Brown turkey fig trees are hardy, but you can still run into a few issues. We’ll explain potential problems and their solutions in this section. 

Identifying Problems

Most gardeners realize there’s an issue when they spot discolored leaves, unusual growth patterns, and fermented-smelling fruit. Common causes include:

• Fig mosaic: This is a virus causing yellow-spotted leaves
• Fruit souring: Yeast growth may be to blame for fruit souring
• Pink blight: Pink blight is a fungus that appears as a velvety coating on branches

Prevention and Treatment

You can help to prevent these issues by maintaining good air circulation, avoiding overwatering, and keeping the area around the tree clean.

Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to get rid of pests, and if you suspect a disease, consult with an arborist for specific treatments.

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Harvesting Brown Turkey Figs

Brown turkey fig trees take about three to five years before they begin to produce fruit. Once it’s matured, the tree will produce two crops per year—one in late spring or early summer and another in late summer to early fall. 

When To Pick

You’ll know that your brown turkey figs are ready when they turn brownish-purple and feel soft to the touch. They’ll hang down rather than point upward, and you may see some small cracks in the skin, which means they’re ripe.

Proper Harvesting Techniques

To pick your figs, twist or cut it off with clean pruning shears. Make sure you leave a short stem attached to the fig. Be careful not to squeeze them too hard because they bruise easily, and harvest in the morning when they’re at their freshest.

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Using Brown Turkey Figs in Cooking

If you find yourself with too many figs after a harvest, consider the numerous culinary possibilities.

Fresh Eating Ideas

You can enjoy your brown turkey figs as a fresh snack on its own, or you can include them in your yogurt or oatmeal or paired with cheese and nuts on a charcuterie board. 

Recipes and Preservation Methods

Brown turkey figs taste delicious when used in baked goods, jams, and preserves. You can also grill them or roast them with meats, such as pork or chicken. If you want to store them long-term, consider drying them or making fig jam.

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Overwintering Your Brown Turkey Fig Tree

Brown turkey fig trees require winter protection in temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a few tips to overwinter your tree:

• Place mulch around the roots to maintain moisture in the fall
• Remove all remaining leaves and unripe figs, and prune back branches after the first frost
• Surround the tree with cardboard and fill it loosely with straw or other dry materials
• Tie or bungee the branches and cover them with a burlap bag or other breathable material to protect the tree against harsh winds

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Our Conclusion

The brown turkey fig tree is an adaptable plant that can grow in most environments with little maintenance. While the tree is susceptible to diseases and pests, damage to your tree is mostly avoidable with insecticides and other precautionary measures. You can buy this tree online or at your local home improvement store.

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FAQ About Brown Turkey Fig Trees

Do I need to prune my brown turkey fig tree?

Fig trees don’t require a lot of pruning, but you can remove dead, dying, or crowded branches during the winter to promote growth and help the tree maintain its shape.

What is the difference between brown turkey figs and black mission figs?

Black mission figs are a deep blue-purple color on the outside with a pink flesh inside, are known for their sweetness, and often ooze a syrupy substance. Brown turkey figs have a deep brown-purple color on the outside and a paler pink color on the inside. They are milder in flavor and less sweet than the black mission fig.

How do I plant fig tree cuttings?

You can use a stem from your already planted fig tree to create another fig tree. Select a stem that’s at least two years old and slimmer than your index finger, cut the stem off at a 45-degree angle about 10 inches from the tip and just behind a node, then replant it in a pot and keep it watered regularly.

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