Thursday, March 1, 2012

What fruit trees grow best in Central Florida?

What Fruit Trees Grow Best in Central Florida?

What Fruit Trees Grow Best in Central Florida?thumbnail
Florida's climate is conducive to growing a variety of fruit trees.
Central Florida boasts an average annual temperature of approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Coupled with abundant sunshine, the climate is well suited to growing a variety of plants, including several types of fruit trees. Add color and edible appeal to your backyard landscaping by planting one or more fruit trees. When shopping for fruit trees, look for trees that are insect free and have healthy trunks.
Oriental Persimmons
    • Oriental persimmon trees require very little care once established.
      According to the University of Florida, Diospyros kaki -- the Oriental persimmon -- is well suited to the growing conditions of central Florida. Oriental persimmons produce a larger fruit than the American persimmon. Additionally, unlike the American persimmon, oriental persimmons do not require exposure to cold in order to sweeten the fruit. When the fruit is ripe, persimmons will soften and have a yellow, orange or red hue. Use shears to remove fruit from the tree branches. Plant your Oriental persimmon tree in well-drained soil. It will do well in a variety of light conditions and requires no care once the tree becomes established.

    Common Pear

    • Grow pears in your backyard--pear trees do well in the Florida sunshine.
      The common pear tree flourishes in central Florida's climate. Trees grow as tall as 45 feet, depending on the variety. Trees grow quickly and bloom with white flowers beginning in the early spring. Plant your pear tree in full sun on a sloped area of your yard or landscape. According to the National Gardening Association, this encourages superior drainage and optimal tree growth. If you are planting multiple trees, space them 12 to 25 feet apart, depending on the projected mature height of the tree. Young pear trees should be weeded regularly and watered frequently to allow the root system to become established. Fertilize annually approximately two weeks before the tree begins to bloom, beginning the second year after planting. The National Gardening Association recommends using 1/8 lb. of ammonium nitrate multiplied by the tree's age.

    Stone Fruits

    • Stone fruits get their name from the dense pit inside of each fruit.
      Stone fruits include fruits such as apricots, peaches and cherries. While apricots and cherries are not suited to the climate, certain varieties of peach, plum and nectarine trees will flourish in the central Florida climate. According to the University of Florida, peach varieties include Rayon, Tropic Beauty, TropicSweet, UF Gold, UF Beauty and Earligrand. Types of nectarines include UF Royal, Sunraycer and Sunbest. Look for plum trees such as Gulfbeauty, Gulfruby, Gulfrose or Gulfblaze. According to the University of Florida, stone fruit trees such as plum, nectarine or peach require thinning out to prevent the tree from being overrun with fruit. Remove excess fruit from the tree prior to the pit hardening for best results. The soil must be kept moist for optimal fruit growth. Water each tree with two inches of water every 10 days to two weeks.

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