It is thrilling to grow fruit trees in Florida for your orchard or backyard, and the best part is that there is a wide range of tropical and exotic species from which to make your selection.
But, which trees are the best fruit trees for the growing zones in Florida? And how do you identify the types that will work best with your location?
This complete guide explains some of the most common and popular fruit trees in Florida, where they can grow and growing tips for ensuring that your harvest is both plentiful and delicious.
Florida Fruit Trees Identification
Florida, mainly the south and central parts, enjoy the sunniest days and cool breezes when the other parts of the country are freezing.
It earns its name as the sunshine state, and gardeners there can choose from hundreds of types of trees to plant and cultivate.
Below are some fruit trees that grow well in Florida and their outstanding features.1
(Image: Melvin Chavez25)
An Avocado tree has leathery green evergreen leaves, with small yellow-green clustered flowers that pave the way for black, green, or purple fruits based on the species.
Avocados are not as cold-hardy as other fruits. Some varieties can succumb to extreme cold; therefore, it is best to plant Florida avocado varieties like Choquette, Winter, and Mexicola if you live in North Florida.4
Growing Zones in FL: Southern Areas, typically south of Polk County.
(Image: Datingscout26)
The trees have massive leaves, and the fruits grow in bunches in green colors when unripe but later turn yellow ready for consumption. The hardy Florida banana varieties that can survive the colder regions include Blue Java or Ice Cream, Dwarf Red, and Lady Finger.
Follow best practices for how to grow a banana tree before planting.
Related Reading: Blue Java Banana Tree
Guava
There are two main Florida guava varieties to choose from, the Pink and White Thai.8 However, they have various forms, including green, reddish, or yellow fruit colors when ripe.
Guava trees have striking fragrant flowers that bear fruit throughout the year.9
(Image: Samee Anderson24)
Other types to grow in Florida include Pineapple Guava and Strawberry Guava. These trees are beloved among homeowners since they fit in small yards and can live in slightly shaded spots.
The south is the best place for their growth, but they can also survive the north with protection when the cold winds start blowing.
Frost blankets can help protect the trees if the temperature gets too low.
(Image: SH Saw Myint27)
They grow in zones 10-12 and can weigh almost 100 pounds when ready for harvesting in June-August.
The savory fleshy fruits have spiky green skin and are orange or yellow on the inside. They are loaded with vitamins and fiber and are very versatile.
You can eat them whole, roast, can, dry, grind or add in various cuisines from all over the globe.
These fruits grow on stunning evergreen trees over 20 feet high, perfect for landscaping and shading. They love temperate climates and are resilient against the cold.
You can plant them if you live in North Florida because they can survive even in temperatures of around 8 degrees (F).
Papayas are green when young but turn yellow or orange when ripe, and compared to guavas, they keep ripening even after harvesting.
They love the tropical climate, the full sun, high humidity, and well-draining soils. They grow and mature fast under the proper care into tall, slender trees with fruits in clusters.
Southern sections of the state will provide the best growing location.
Mangoes thrive under full sun and prefer warm temperatures like their counterparts in tropical climates.14
Therefore, Florida mango varieties will be more comfortable in Southern Florida, not the north. They also grow best in wet, properly-draining soils.
Follow best practices for how to grow mango tree from seed before planting.
Based on the species you grow, persimmons are ready for harvesting from August to December.
If planting it at home, note that a mature tree can reach up to 40 feet, and interestingly, the fruits can stay on well after the leaves have dropped when preparing for the cold season.
Fig
Figs are some of the most common fruit trees in Texas that love growing in hot climates.16 Given that figs prefer warmth and sun, you can tell they will enjoy the weather in Florida.
They prefer hardiness zones 7-10 and produce tasty fruits you can eat or use as an ingredient in your pastries or meals. The trees grow tall, sometimes 30 feet high, spreading wide to form a canopy at the top.
(Image: Quin Engle32)
However, most figs are not drought tolerant. Many don’t do well under the chilly weather, particularly in the north, and will need protection.
Luckily, a few varieties, like Brown Turkey, Conadria, and Sugar Fig, can withstand low temperatures.
(Image: Link Phuong33)
Kumquat
This fruit’s name translates to “gold tangerine,” evident by its color and citrus nature. The Kumquat tree is a Southeast Asia native with a unique feature unlike other citruses since you can eat the skin too, which gives it a sweet yet tart taste that goes well in salads.
This tiny tree can grow under the full sun and prefers warm climates.17 You can also grow it in a container or a garden if you want more fruits, but the latter is better because it likes having its roots expanding in the ground.
You can use them for ornamental reasons, and it helps that they self-fertilize or are autogamous, meaning you can plant a single one.18
Why Plant Fruit Trees in Florida?
The sunshine state boasts of people from around the world, from Brazilians and Columbians to Jamaicans. All these immigrants have one thing in common, the love for tropical fruits growing in the wild back home.
It explains why you will find exotic fruits in Florida that are known for their juiciness and unique flavors. Mangos, guavas, papayas, and bananas love the weather and climate in the southern part of the country, and homeowners have them in their yards for an all-year-round fruit supply.
(Image: Pexels21)
Fruits grow effortlessly in the region because of the warm weather throughout the year, perfect for species that hate the cold. Floridians have various trees for landscaping, wildlife attraction, and fruit supply. It is also a high-return venture that makes the state a significant player in fruit production in the country.
Your fruit trees will enjoy the frequent rains and humid summers and sail through the mild winters. The only issue is that there are chances of cold and frost from the central to the northern part of the state, but the south is usually warmer.
Central, South, and North Florida Fruit Trees
Florida is a large state with a wide range of climatic zones, which is excellent because it allows many fruits to grow in different locations. If you live there and want to plant a fruit tree successfully, you want to know which species thrive best in your region.
The most crucial thing to remember is that you have more choices if you live in the southern parts because trees grow better within the tropics.3 Your selection is still large if in the north but limited because it gets colder and there is a risk of frost.
North Florida
The northern cities have warm-temperate climates, mild winters, and hot summers, perfect for many fruit trees. The only downside is that the tropical species have trouble thriving in this region because the winters can dip to under 20 degrees.
You are limited to specific species in winter unless you can shelter them in a greenhouse. Still, resilient trees can survive the cold and short growing season.
The trees in North Florida include pecan, pear, fig, plum, persimmons, chestnut, and Che fruit.
(Image: Couleur22)
On the other hand, citrus, mangoes, and other species that love warm temperatures will struggle in this region. The same applies to avocados unless you plant the cold-hardy Mexican types.
Central Florida
The middle part of the state is intermediate, allowing fruit trees used in tropical and temperate climates to survive. They can grow alongside each other with only a slight difference determining which types do best in particular places.
The species that prefer the tropical climate will struggle for the first and second winters but soon adapt. The chillness, in contrast, favors temperate species, which will bear many fruits.
Citruses can live in this region but are at risk of HLB disease.19
The best species for central Florida include avocado, macadamia, loquat, pineapples, papaya, dragon fruit, mulberry, and passionfruit.
South Florida
The list of fruits that love growing in South Florida is longer than in the north and central regions. The climate there is tropical, with hot summers and warm winters.
However, not all tropical fruits can grow in these parts because some avoid even the mildest winters. They hate the cold fronts and cool breezes, but luckily, the number of options is still massive.
This region has several tropical and subtropical fruits, including sugarcane, citruses, guavas, mangoes, jackfruit, bananas, sugar apple, cashews, papayas, and pineapples.
Factors Affecting the Growing of Florida Fruit Trees
Before planting fruit trees in Florida, it is critical to understand the factors that will influence your choice. Not all fruits will survive in the region, and growth doesn’t always mean success.
The following are the aspects to consider before picking a tree.
Climate
Your region’s climate always influences what to plant. What works for other countries or states will not necessarily work for you in Florida.
The sunshine state is a subtropical place that experiences cold from December- February, and this short season dictates which fruits to plant.2
The southern and coastal areas don’t get as cold as the north, guaranteeing more survival chances for tropical fruits that love warm climates. The sun is hottest around the equator, where South Florida lies, explaining why more juicy fruits prefer the region.
Soil
The soil in Florida is usually sandy, making it less fertile than soils in other states. Therefore, if your fruit tree is picky about how nutritious its soil should be, it will be tasking to grow.
All trees have specific nutrient requirements or fail to develop or bear fruit.
The best you can do for your plant is to improve the soil’s quality by mulching and adding compost or fertilizer. Mulch not only decomposes to make the soil more fertile; it also helps retain moisture and hinders weed growth.
Building fruit tree guilds can also help the trees grow healthier in more fertile soil. Besides, it will help you conserve more space if you have a tiny garden.
Area
Florida has three main sections, the north, central, and south, each with special conditions supporting or hindering particular fruit trees’ growth. The northern part is colder, which is unbearable for some tropical species.
Unless you offer protection for the winter like greenhouses, your plant may die from exposure to extreme cold and frost. Traveling down to the central section, it is friendlier than the north, but some trees would instead grow in the south, which is warmer.
This region and other microclimates along the coast offer the best chances for tropical fruits to survive because the weather and the climate mimics where they grow in the wild.20 The full sun, heat, and more rainfall offer everything the trees need.
The main consideration is the low temperatures that characterize the area. Choose fruit trees that can withstand that temp.
Care and Maintenance of Fruit Trees That Grow in Florida
Proper care and maintenance are important for growing fruit trees because it determines whether you get a bumper harvest. The aim is that your tree grows tall and healthy to maturity and bears tasty fruits, which is crucial if you plant an orchard for commercial use.
As with growing trees in any other region, the maintenance level usually depends on which species or variety you have planted. However, generally, tropical fruits need frequent watering and mulching to retain moisture levels.
(Image: Manfred Richter23)
Some also need well-draining and fertile soil, and you can add organic or slow-release fertilizer for better growth.5 Pruning may also help some species that grow excessively because the tree should focus more on fruit development.
Your trees also need protection from pests and diseases. Fungal and bacterial infections are fatal because they spread faster and rarely have cures.
An infestation means removal because these dangerous trees can infect the nearby ones and wipe out an entire orchard.
What If My Tree Doesn’t Produce Fruit?
There are several explanations for instances where the tree fails to bear fruit. For one, pollination may not work; the flowers are the parts of a tree responsible for pollination and fruit formation, and the fruits cannot form if nothing happens.
Another logical reason may be that your tree is sick, infected with a disease, or attacked by pests. Incorrect or excessive pruning also interferes with the tree’s growth and fruiting.
Alternatively, the weather may be responsible, especially when the tree goes dormant during freezing seasons.
Alternatively, your tree may be acting out due to unfavorable conditions. If the soil is too wet or dry, there is no direct sunlight, the winds are too harsh, or the fertilizer is too much, the tree will find it uncomfortable and fail to grow or reproduce.
Do Trees Have Gender?
Trees can have genders, but it really depends on the species.
Some types, like cedar and mulberry, are dioecious, meaning every plant is either male or female.
Similarly, monoecious trees like oaks and figs are monoecious, with the male and female parts on the same tree.
Tips for Planting Fruit Trees in Florida
The climate and weather are essential when picking the perfect fruit tree to grow in Florida. While the south offers better conditions for tropical fruits, you may have to reconsider if you live in the North.
Before planting, research the cold-hardy varieties that will thrive in your location.
Since Florida is generally warm for the better part of the year, you will not have trouble providing warmth and sun for tropical and exotic fruits. The juiciest varieties need at least 6 hours of sun daily for the foliage to grow and the fruits to retain their excellent taste.
Therefore, keeping your tree from buildings and hedges that will likely cast shadows and block the sun’s rays is essential. If planting in driveways, you can grow them at least three feet away and 6 feet from buildings.
The roots and the canopy can stretch wide, and you don’t want damage to your property. The trees also need ample spacing between them, and you can maintain at least a 10 feet distance between each.
Types of Palm Trees in Florida
There are several types of palm trees in Florida coming in various shapes and sizes. They enjoy the sunshine states, warmth, and humidity, especially along the coasts.
The most common species you will bump into include the following:
- Bottle Palm
- Windmill Palm
- Queen Palm
- Pindo Palm
- Mexican Palm
- Coconut alm
- Canary Island Date
Types of Oak Trees in Florida
There are more than ten native types of oak trees in Florida growing in the wild and on private properties. They are majestic, stunning long-living trees, and the following are the most popular species.
- Black Oak
- Bluejack Oak
- Shreve Oak
- Post Oak
- Shumard Oak
- Southern Line Oak
- Willow Oak
Florida is the sunshine state, known for its hot summers and forgiving winters. If you live in the region and want to grow fruit trees for personal use or sale, you will be excited that many options exist, from tropical to exotic varieties.
The only challenge to overcome is knowing which tree works for you based on your microclimate, weather, and soil. While the south is warmer, the north usually experiences colder winters, a deal breaker for many tropical fruits.
Once you have established which species and variety will survive in your location, the next step is proper care and maintenance.
Luckily, fruit trees in Florida thrive because the state is closer to the tropics, which works for many tasty, juicy species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fruit Trees in Florida
Which Is the Most Common Florida Fruit?
While the Floridian weather can support several tropical and exotic fruits, the most common types growing in orchards and backyards include bananas, mangoes, and avocados. They are some of the most popular fruit types that many love for their great taste and versatile use.
What Is the Best Florida Apple Tree?
Florida’s soil and cold winters in the north are not favorable for apple growing. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can grow varieties like Anna, Red Prairie Spy, Newton Pippin, and the Drogo Crabapple.
What Are the Exotic Fruits in Florida?
The exotic fruits that can survive the climate in Florida include guava, loquat, Brown Turkey fig, star fruit, key lime, pineapple guava, and kumquat, among others.
What Are the Tropical Fruit Trees in Florida?
The trees that love the warm, humid parts of Florida include the banana, avocado, jackfruit, papaya, pomegranate, persimmons, pineapple, mango, carambola, guava, lychees, and several more.
Read More About Fruit Trees in Florida
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23Photo by Manfred Richter (manfredrichter). Resized and changed format. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/gardening-wheelbarrows-broom-mulch-3997259/>
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31Photo by Tobias Wilden. Resized and changed format. Unsplash. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/orange-fruit-on-tree-during-daytime-EAWizNQ-eqg>
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