Brown Turkey·Perry's Outdoor Plants
Ficus carica
Common fig“Brown Turkey”
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Nickname
Brown Turkey
Species Name
Genus
Family
Adoption Date
9/12/2025
Collection
Gallery
Care Guide
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–8+ hours). In very hot climates, light afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch and fruit splitting.
WateringWater deeply and regularly the first 1–2 years. Once established, allow the top 2–3 inches of soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant but best crops with consistent moisture.
SoilWell-drained loam or sandy loam with organic matter; pH 6.0–7.5 (tolerates slightly alkaline). For containers, use a high-drainage potting mix with perlite or pumice.
FertilizerLight feeder. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high nitrogen to prevent excess leaf growth at the expense of fruit. Container plants benefit from monthly dilute feeding during active growth.
HumidityNot fussy; average household/outdoor humidity is fine.
TemperatureIdeal growth 65–85°F (18–29°C). Hardy outdoors in USDA 7–10 (some cultivars to 6 with protection). Protect from prolonged temps below 10–15°F (−12 to −9°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDeciduous large shrub or small, often multi-stemmed tree
Mature Size10–30 ft tall and wide (3–9 m); can be maintained at 6–12 ft in containers with pruning
Growth RateFast once established
BloomingInconspicuous internal flowers (syconia). Main crop ripens late summer–fall; in warm climates a breba crop may form in early summer on last year’s wood.
DormancyDeciduous; drops leaves and rests in winter
Propagation
MethodsHardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Air layering, Ground layering, Seed
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonLate winter–early spring for hardwood cuttings; late spring–early summer for softwood cuttings; spring–summer for air layering.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPrune in late winter while dormant to shape an open center, remove dead/crossing wood and suckers. Light summer thinning after harvest. For breba-bearing types, avoid heavy removal of last year’s wood.
RepottingContainers: repot every 2–3 years in early spring, root-prune lightly, and refresh 30–50% of the mix. Use a pot with ample drainage.
Pests & DiseasesScale, mealybugs, aphids, spider mites; birds and squirrels on fruit. Diseases include fig rust, leaf spot, mosaic virus; root-knot nematodes in warm soils; fruit splitting from irregular watering.
ToxicityMilky sap (latex) from leaves/stems can irritate skin and is phototoxic; ingestion of leaves may cause GI upset in pets and people. Ripe fruit is edible.