Fig 'Brown Turkey'

Planting Advice for Fig Brown Turkey

• Pot-grown shrubs can be planted at any time of the year as long as the soil is not waterlogged or frozen. If in doubt, err towards spring but remember to keep pots well-watered so that the soil does not dry out.
• Shrub roots generally tend to spread out rather than down, so dig a planting hole 3 x wider than the roots of the shrub you're planting, and mix some well rotted compost or manure with the soil from the hole and use this to re-fill one the shrub is in place.
• We've found that a square hole is better than a round one as the new roots, once they reach the edges tend to grow in a circle round the circumference of the hole whereas when they reach the corners of a square hole, they find it easier to grow through.
• Before planting soak container-grown shrubs thoroughly and allow to drain.
• Remove the plant from its pot and tease out a few of the roots.
• Add Mycorrhizal fungi to the roots when planting to help plants establish quicker.
• Place your shrub in the hole at the same level at the pot.
• Refill the hole with the earth removed (backfilling).
• Firm in the soil with your heel, avoiding the root ball and water well.
• Mulch around the base of the plant with a collar, compost, gravel, bark etc.
• Alternatively plant in a large container filled with good quality, soil-based compost.

Aftercare Advice for your Ficus

If you’re planting in spring or summer, water well and regularly for the first few months.
Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.

Pruning Advice for Brown Turkey Fig

• This standard tree should be pruned to keep its shape and size. When pruning, aim for a balanced top that allows light into the centre of the canopy.
• Prune twice a year:
  Early spring: remove any branches that spoil the shape, or any that are crossing or damaged, along with any suckers appearing from the ground or lower stem. If needed cut back one or two branches that have become too long and bare to a 5cm (2in) stub to stimulate new growth from the base of the branch.
  Early summer: pinch out the new growth at five or six leaves. Do not prune later growth.