Choosing tropical fruit trees can be a challenge. With harmful diseases like HLB, the ideal conditions and soil, and even watering frequency, knowing which to choose for a backyard (and which to keep in planters is tough. When a homeowner struggled to restore his hurricane-battered garden, he called landscape contractor Jenn Nawada and a local citrus expert to help.
Soil Matters
The condition and type of soil is a factor. Most citrus trees like well-draining soils as they prefer to be watered and then dry out between watering. It’s also a good idea to use citrus soil and controlled-release organic fertilizer when planting these trees to ensure they have the nutrition needed to grow and bear fruit.
Keep in mind that bananas and plantains can withstand more moisture. They also like soil high in organic matter.
Fruit Trees to Consider
If you’re in a tropical climate, there are plenty of fruit tree options to consider. Species like Key lime trees, Hua Moa Hawaiian banana, Dwarf Namwah banana, and Kari Starfruit trees are great options. Kari Starfruit, also known as carambola, performs well in filtered sunlight and offers a sweet flavor that kids love.
Consider Potting Too
Some tropical fruit trees actually perform better in containers. For instance, the Meyer lemon is a prolific fruit bearer and the lemons are sweet (great for cooking, teas, and lemonades), and the trees perform better in pots. They can be moved around the yard or home in the pot, and the pot makes them less susceptible to harmful nematodes.
Beware of HLB
It’s important to note that fruit trees are susceptible to HLB, or Huanglongbing. This is a citrus greening disease that causes fruit to grow, never ripen, and then just fall off the plant. Eventually, the trees will also suffer and die. It’s caused by a bacteria spread by the Asian citrus psyllid insect, but planting in breezy, waterside areas can help reduce the risk.
Planting Tips
When digging for trees, remove the tree from the container and dig a hole roughly the same size and shape as the container (fill the container as you dig for a helpful gauge). Then, place the plant in the hole so the top of its soil is level or slightly higher than the soil around it, add some fertilizing top coat, and backfill the soil around the plant.
When planting in containers, choose a container twice the width and depth of the root system. Add fertilizer around the soil and fill with soil. Make sure to pack the soil in to remove any air pockets.
Handling and Pruning
Some fruit trees might have sharp edges or thorns, so be sure to wear protective work gloves to avoid injuries. Also, prune banana trees by cutting yellowing leaves off with a hand saw. Cut close to the trunk to create the “honeycomb” effect.
Resources
Fruit Tree expertise provided by AG Farms, Miami, FL.
Fruit trees planted: Key lime, Meyer lemon, Hua Moa Hawaiian banana, Dwarf Namwah banana, Kari Starfruit.
Use a citrus soil and controlled release organic fertilizer when planting fruit trees to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
When planting a tree in a container select a container twice the width and depth of the tree root system. Use bamboo pieces as stakes to support a newly planted tree. This will protect the fruit tree from weather until the trunk grows stronger.
Wear gloves when handling trees that may have thorns or sharp edges.
To clean up overgrown bananas and prune trees use a pruning hand saw.