General Culture:
Ficus carica (see C944 herein) is best grown in USDA Zones 8-10 in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in full fun to part shade. ‘Brown Turkey’ is noted for having better winter hardiness than the species, and may be grown in St. Louis (USDA Zone 6) if sited in protected locations (e.g., against a south-facing wall) with annual root mulch. Plants may need additional protection in extremely cold winter weather. St. Louis is at the far northern edge of this plant’s growing range, and regardless of protection given, die back may occur in cold winters. Plants may also be grown in containers that can be brought indoors in winter. Site in full sun. Water regularly during the growing season but reduce watering in fall. Large containers may also be overwintered in greenhouses, garages or basements.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Ficus carica, commonly called common fig, is a deciduous shrub (to 10-15’ tall) or small tree (to 15-30’ tall). It is noted for its spreading habit, attractive foliage and edible fruit. Old trees with smooth silver gray bark (sometime gnarled with age) are ornamentally attractive. Large, palmate, hairy, 3-5 lobed leaves (to 10” long) are rough dark green above and smooth light green beneath. Non-showy greenish flowers form in spring inside hollow receptacles near the branch growing tips. The fruit (edible fig) develops within each receptacle. The main fruit crop ripens in late summer or fall on new wood. In some areas, a lesser crop may appear in spring on new wood. Species plants as well as most fig cultivars are parthenocarpic (fruits develop without cross pollination). ‘Brown Turkey’ is a cultivar with better winter hardiness than species plants. It produces purple-brown fruit with pink-amber flesh.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for root knot nematodes, scale, aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Leaf spots, rust and blight may occur. Fruit can become a mess if not promptly harvested. Plants are not always reliably winter hardy to USDA Zone 6.
Uses:
Ornamental or fruit tree. In Missouri, plants may be grown in sheltered locations outdoors with root mulch or in containers that are overwintered indoors.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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