Fig
Brown Turkey Pollination Guide
Brown Turkey is self-fertile — a single tree will produce fruit without a pollination partner.
You don't need a second tree to get fruit from Brown Turkey. It can pollinate itself. That said, having a compatible variety nearby can sometimes improve fruit set and yield through cross-pollination.
Brown Turkey Quick Facts
Chill Hours
100 hours
Hardiness Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Harvest
July to October (two crops)
Pollination Note
Common figs are self-fertile — no pollinator needed
Planning Your Orchard
Brown Turkey is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. For best results, ensure good pollinator habitat by planting bee-friendly flowers nearby and avoiding pesticide use during bloom.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Pollination Partners
Brown Turkey is self-fertile and doesn't need a pollination partner. A single tree will produce fruit on its own.
Can I Grow Brown Turkey?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Brown Turkey. Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Brown Turkey
Brown Turkey is the reliable, adaptable fig for most climates — productive, sweet, and less fussy than many varieties. It's the most commonly planted fig in American gardens.
Growing Challenges
Flavor is good but not exceptional compared to varieties like Black Mission; prone to splitting in wet weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Brown Turkey?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Brown Turkey. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Brown Turkey tree?
Yes! Brown Turkey is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. You don't need a second tree, though having one nearby can sometimes improve yield.
Other Fig Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Brown Turkey?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.