Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Fig, Ficus carica, is native to Syria and Persia, and has been grown in Britain since Roman times. Only a few varieties are hardy enough for outdoor cultivation on warm walls, where they survive most winters unscathed – very hard prolonged frosts may kill all the top growth, but plants revive from below ground. They are best trained on wires for ease of management, with the roots restricted (container cultivation is always successful), otherwise plants make more leaf than fruit.
Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' ('Brown Naples') is a prolific and reliable variety. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
The sap of fig plants can be irritating to the skin and cause a severe reaction in hypersensitive people and pets. Some people are allergic to the figs themselves.
Plant calendar
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Plant
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Fruits
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Take cuttings
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Harvest
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Ficus ‘Brown turkey’ and wildlife
Ficus ‘Brown turkey’ is known for attracting birds. It has seeds for birds.
Is not known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths
Butterflies/Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators
Is Ficus ‘Brown turkey’ poisonous?
Ficus ‘Brown turkey’ irritates eyes and irritates skin. Its sap is toxic.
