While going through some old photos, I came across these images from my old garden. These are among my favorite fruit to grow in Central Florida.
I am already establishing these fruit in the new garden.
Some of my Favorites
A Few Comments and Links
Citrus
In recent years citrus has really taken a hit in Florida from citrus canker and citrus greening. I haven’t encountered either so far, but I remain vigilant. I will continue to grow it for as long as possible. If you want to grow citrus, educate yourself about these diseases. You’ll find good information online from the University of Florida, and from your local extension office.
Find Local Extension Offices
UF/IFAS Links: Citrus – Backyard Citrus – Citrus Greening – Citrus Culture in the Home Landscape
Pineapples
There is no way I could buy a store-bought pineapple, after growing my own for so many years. Fresh picked, they are so sweet and juicy. They really don’t need much more than a sunny, reasonably-dry location.
UF/IFAS Link: Growing Pineapples
Barbados Cherry
Barbados cherry might be a little too tropical for my new location, but I think it can be managed. I will continue to grow this plant in a large container, and try to maintain it as a shrub, at a size that can be covered when frost threatens. Since Barbados cherry can bloom for much of the year, I don’t risk losing much to a single cold spell.
Muscadine Grapes
Growing muscadine grapes on a sunny trellis is very rewarding. There is nothing like that rich grape flavor.
UF/IFAS Link: Growing muscadine grapes
Figs
I didn’t realize how much I liked figs, until I tasted the first from my garden.
UF/IFAS Link: Growing Figs
Mulberry
So easy to grow, and so rewarding.
Pomegranate
UF/IFAS Links: Growing Pomegranates – Pomegranates in Florida
In general, pomegranates are better suited to drier climates like California. With the right varieties, however, success is certainly possible. Even back when I was a kid, pomegranate trees were not uncommon in the home landscape.
I notice that Just Fruits and Exotics officers a couple of varieties described as “local heirlooms” and “old homestead” varieties. These could be worth exploring. The variety I grew was Vietnamese Ever-Bearing. It produced OK.
Beautiful red flowers, delicious fruit, what’s not to love?
