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Brown Turkey Fig

Brown Turkey Fig
Brown Turkey Fig
  • Easy, low-maintenance grower
  • Very high production
  • Self-pollinating: Does not require a fig wasp
  • Cold hardy: Grows in USDA zones 7-10

It is one of the most widely grown figs in the United States, beloved for its ease of care and high fig production. Despite its popularity, it does have a more straightforward flavor profile, which sometimes divides fig enthusiasts.

Tree Characteristics
Fig TypeCommon fig
Alternative NameBlack Jack, Texas Everbearing
OriginMediterranean
Cold HardyYes
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone7 - 10
Growth HabitVigorous
Fruit Characteristics
Fruit FlavorSweet
Fruit SizeMedium
Fruit TextureSoft
Fruit Skin ColorPurple to Brown
Fruit Flesh ColorAmber
Harvest SeasonLate
ProductivityVery High
Breba ProductionYes

Brown Turkey Tree Overview

(Hardiness Zone, Climate, Fig Wasp)

 

Scientifically known as Ficus Carica ‘Brown Turkey’, it is a popular choice among both commercial growers and home gardeners.

This type of fig, recognized for thriving in different climates and being easy to care for, is known by several names.

Two of the most common one are Texas Everbearing Fig and Black Jack Fig. It’s also self-pollinating, meaning it does not require a fig wasp for pollination, making it simpler to grow with reliable fruiting.

It is one of the most widely grown figs in the United States, beloved for its ease of care and versatility. Despite its popularity, it does have a more straightforward flavor profile, which sometimes divides fig enthusiasts. 

 

Main Advantages

The Brown Turkey is a low-maintenance, highly resilient fig tree that thrives in a variety of climates. Known for its cold hardiness, this variety is well-suited for USDA zones 7-10. It’s also resistant to humidity, making it a popular choice in wetter climates like the Pacific North West.

As a prolific grower, this tree can reach a considerable size, yielding large quantities of figs throughout the season. It produces a breba crop along with its main crop, boosting its overall yield.

The figs have a sweet and soft texture, and they dry easily.

This makes them a good option for processing or drying, as it improves their typically mild flavor.

If you want to grow figs in smaller areas or reside in U.S. climate zones 2-5, consider planting them in a container.

Considerations

While this variety offers many advantages, it has a few qualities that may not appeal to seasoned fig lovers. This variety is known for its straightforward, sugary taste with limited flavor complexity. Additionally, the figs themselves have a prominent cavity inside of the fruit and a large “eye” at the base. Because of the prominent eye it is prone to splitting.

If you are looking for a reliable and fruitful fig tree, or just a decorative plant for your garden, the Brown Turkey fig is an excellent option.

It’s low-maintenance and yields well, particularly in cooler or humid environments.

What product can you buy

You can purchase the Brown Turkey Fig Tree or a cutting. Learn about rooting in our Fig Rooting Guide.