5 Best Fruits To Grow in Florida [INSTRUCTIONS]

In the heart of Tampa, where farmer’s markets flourish, you hold the ace – the ability to grow some of the best fruits in Florida in your own backyard!

We have the unique ability to grow what we want, whenever we want.

Okay, while that’s not entirely true, we do have a lot of options!

Here are some of the best fruits to grow in Florida!

1. Oranges

The state fruit and the crown jewel of Florida’s soil.

Oranges are the quintessential Florida fruit, and for good reason. They thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate, soaking up the abundant sunshine. Homegrown oranges are bursting with flavor and freshness, far surpassing their store-bought counterparts.

With a bit of care, your orange tree can become a prolific producer, ensuring you never run out of a good source of vitamin C.

Growth Time: Oranges typically take 6-8 months to ripen, depending on the variety.
Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil is perfect for oranges.
Sunlight: Oranges love full sun, so ensure they get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering: Deep, infrequent watering is best. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

2. Avocados

Imagine plucking a perfectly ripe avocado from your own tree, ready to be mashed into creamy guacamole or spread over toast.

We’ve got good news for you: it’s completely possible in Florida.

Avocado trees thrive in the warm climate and can be a fruitful addition to your garden.

Plus, you can impress your neighbors when they come over for Taco Tuesday, and you tell them, “Yep— this is homemade guacamole!”

Growth Time: Depending on the variety, avocados can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to mature.
Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial for avocados. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Sunlight: Avocado trees love full sun, but young trees benefit from some shade in the afternoon.
Watering: Avocado trees need consistent watering, especially during dry spells.

3. Blueberries

Typically, fruit needs a solid “chill” time to thrive, which is why it can be hard to grow fruit in Florida’s humid climate.

However, blueberries can be one of the best fruits to grow in Florida because they withstand the heat really well!

Ready to enjoy their sweet, tangy flavor in your morning cereal or as a snack right from the bush?

Here’s how to get them started:

Growth Time: Blueberries typically start producing fruit in their second year.
Soil: Blueberries thrive in acidic, well-draining soil. Consider amending your soil with organic matter to achieve the right pH levels.
Sunlight: Blueberries love full sun but can tolerate a bit of afternoon shade.
Watering: They prefer consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season.

4. Papayas

Papayas thrive in Florida’s warm, tropical climate, offering you a taste of the exotic right at home.

These fruits are delicious and packed with vitamins and enzymes that support digestion.

You can expect to enjoy a steady supply of papayas once your tree matures in just 6 (ish) months!

Growth Time: Papayas can start producing fruit within 6-11 months.
Soil: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level is ideal for papayas.
Sunlight: Papayas love full sun, so ensure they get plenty of it.
Watering: They prefer consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells.

5. Strawberries

There’s a reason we have the annual Strawberry Festival in Florida.

Freshly picked strawberries have a sweetness that store-bought ones just can’t match.

Fortunately for us, they grow exceptionally well in Florida!

These low-maintenance plants produce runners, creating a lush carpet of strawberry plants in your garden.

With some regular care, you’ll enjoy a continuous harvest of these juicy red gems.

Growth Time: Strawberries can produce fruit within 4-6 weeks after flowering.
Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil is perfect for strawberries. Consider using raised beds to ensure proper drainage.
Sunlight: Strawberries thrive in full sun, although they can tolerate some afternoon shade.
Watering: They need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

RELATED: Tampa Lawn Irrigation 101

Remember, each fruit has unique care requirements, so pay attention to their specific needs.

With a little effort and the right conditions, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of the best fruits to grow in Florida.

Happy gardening!

Florida Fruit FAQs

What tropical fruit can you grow in Florida?

Mangoes
Papayas
Bananas
Pineapples
Guavas
Lychees

What is the easiest fruit to grow in Florida?

The easiest fruit to grow in Florida depends on your specific location within the state. But generally, these fruits are relatively low-maintenance and well-suited for Florida’s climate:

Mangoes: Once established, mango trees are pretty hardy and can produce abundant fruit with minimal care.
Papayas: These fast-growing plants are well-adapted to Florida’s warm climate and can yield a generous harvest.
Bananas: In South Florida, banana plants are relatively easy to grow and can produce fruit within a year of planting.
Pineapples: Pineapple plants are resilient and can thrive with minimal maintenance, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.
Guavas: Both common guavas and strawberry guavas are generally easy to grow in Florida, requiring little intervention once established.

What fruits cannot be grown in Florida?

While many fruits can thrive in Florida’s climate, some may face challenges due to the state’s specific conditions. Fruits that may be more challenging to grow in Florida include:

Apples: Traditional apple varieties require winter chill to fruit properly, which is typically not met in Florida’s warm climate.
Cherries: Similar to apples, many cherry varieties need a significant period of winter chill, which is (needless to say) lacking in Florida.
Cranberries: These berries are typically associated with colder climates and are not well-suited to Florida’s conditions.
Raspberries: Similar to blueberries, certain raspberry varieties may not perform well in Florida’s warmer climate.