Fig - Brown Turkey

Common Name:
Fig 'Brown Turkey'

Description:
Fig 'Brown Turkey' is a reliable, heavy-fruiting variety of common fig, prized for its sweet, juicy fruit and suitability for both ornamental and productive garden use. This deciduous small tree or large shrub produces medium to large figs with rich brown to purplish skin and soft, amber-pink flesh. The fruit is excellent for fresh eating, drying, or preserving, and the tree typically yields two crops per year – a light crop in early summer followed by a heavier crop in late summer to early autumn. In Melbourne’s climate, 'Brown Turkey' thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and benefits from protection from severe frosts while young. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, low maintenance, and can be pruned to shape or espaliered for smaller spaces. Its large, lobed leaves offer seasonal interest, and the tree is both decorative and practical for backyard orchards or productive courtyard gardens.

Form:
Tree - Small

Mature Size:
Height: 3–5 metres
Width: 3–4 metres

Aspect:
Full Sun

Flowering:
Does not flower (inconspicuous internal flowers within fruit)

Flower Colour:
Does not display visible flowers

Key Attributes:
Edible Fruit
Suitable for Pots (with pruning)
Perennial
Deciduous
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Suitable for Espalier
Suitable for Edible Gardens
Autumn interest (foliage colour)

Toxicity:
Sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Unripe fruit and leaves may be mildly toxic to pets if consumed in large quantities

Companion Plants:
Lavandula angustifolia
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Salvia officinalis (Sage)
Thyme varieties
Rhubarb or strawberries (underplanting)