Gardeners or not, we’re always seeking new ways to infuse our outdoor and indoor spaces with beauty and also flavor. One trend gaining traction in 2024 is the cultivation of exotic fruit trees. Cultivating exotic fruit trees transcends mere horticulture, seamlessly blending into home design and interior aesthetics. Whether you’re blessed with a suitable climate for outdoor growth or prefer indoor pots, exotic fruit trees offer a tantalizing array of flavors and colors. In this article, we’ll discuss the joys of growing exotic fruit trees year round and how they can transform your gardening experience.
Let’s delve into the allure of cultivating fruit trees year round:
Exotic fruit trees transport us to tropical paradises with their lush foliage and tantalizing fruits. From the vibrant mangoes to the sweet fragrance of guavas, these trees offer a sensory feast for gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. Whether sipping fresh-squeezed orange juice from your own backyard or relishing the creamy avocados straight from the tree, growing exotic fruit trees adds a touch of luxury to your gardening repertoire.
Many are realizing you don’t need a tropical climate to enjoy the bounty of exotic fruits. Thanks to advancements in horticulture, the availability of dwarf and container-friendly varieties, it’s now possible to grow fruit trees year round in any climate. By selecting the right cultivars and providing proper care, even gardeners in cooler regions can harvest delicious fruits like lemons, figs, and pomegranates. Plus, cultivating exotic fruit trees in pots allows for flexibility, making it ideal for urban gardeners or those with limited outdoor space, thus making it possible to grown fruit trees year round.
Popular exotic fruit trees and their growing requirements:
Citrus Trees:
- Citrus trees, including oranges, lemons, and limes, thrive in warm, sunny climates and well-drained soil.
- They can also be grown indoors in pots, as long as they receive ample sunlight and regular watering.
- Varieties like Thai Lime, Fukushu Kumquat, Calamondin, and Meyer Lemon are all excellent choices for indoor growing.
Avocado Trees:
- Like indoor lemons and many other citrus trees, avocado trees do really well indoors.
- Avocado trees outdoors require a subtropical to tropical climate with mild winters and well-drained soil.
- Dwarf varieties are well-suited for container cultivation, making them an excellent choice for indoor growing.
- Natural terra cotta is a great choice for pots because the porous clay allows air and moisture to move through soil. Start with a 6- to 8-inch-diameter pot with good drainage holes.
Fig Trees:
- Figs are adaptable fruit trees that tolerate a wide range of climates and soil types. They can be grown outdoors in warmer regions or in pots in cooler climates.
- Must receive full sun and adequate moisture.
- In areas where fig trees cannot survive outside climates, they are common houseplants. Weeping figs, rubber trees, and fiddle leaf figs are especially popular for indoor growing.
- Outdoor Hardy fig varieties: Chicago Hardy Fig tree
Olive Trees:
- It thrives in regions with warm, sunny springs and long, hot summers.
- The ideal temperature range for an indoor olive tree is 65°F-80°F.
- This indoor tree plant can also handle mild winters with no risk of frost when grown outdoors in a pot.
Incorporating fruit trees into your garden is a delightful way to elevate your gardening experience and expand your interior design horizons. With a little care and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the sweet rewards of your labor, straight from your own backyard or windowsill.
*For more gardening trends check out our blog: Gardening Trends of 2024
Sources:
- “Growing Citrus in the Home Landscape” by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
- “Growing Avocados in Your Backyard” by University of Florida IFAS Extension
- “Growing Fig Trees in the Home Garden” by University of California Master Gardener Program
