Sub-Tropical Fruit

sMarch 27, 2012  Lively and informative Master Gardener Gloria Bowens, gave us a great lesson on sub-tropical fruit that can be grown in Highlands County. Among them were mango (Dee Dee's favorite), star fruit, sapote, lychee, and banana.  If you are lucky enough to live on a lake or on high ground, you may have good success with these because of the micro-climate effect you enjoy.  If you don't, be prepared to bring in or cover your plants and trees when the inevitable winter frosts and freezes arrive.  That said, if you love one or more of these, you can grow them here with the above caveats.  For best results, plant in spring and summer, the earlier the better so plants have time to get established before the cold weather arrives.  Plant on the south or west side of your house in a protected location if possible.  Don't plant in a low spot as even a few inches can make a difference in temperature.  Keep in mind the water needs of your plants.  Bananas love wet soil, but avocados will quickly die if subjected to flooding.  Chose varities that will tolerate lower temperatures when possible.  Determine the type of soil and PH your plant loves and try to meet its needs.  In our mostly poor and sandy soils, addition of organic matter always helps.

Gloria is showing us an easy way to cut up a pineapple.  First, cut off the top and bottom (save the top to grow a pineapple plant), slice the fruit from top to bottom and peel the skin.  It's easy, and unlike some other methods, doesn't waste the fruit.  Here is a link that tells how to grow a new pineapple from the top of the one you just ate:  Growing Pineapples

Bananas are another tropical you may like to grow.  Many, many varities are available and include some dwarfs so you can bring them in or cover them.  Below is Moddie with bananas donated by Master Gardener Don Ingram, who enjoys a micro-climate and can grow many tropicals.  Thanks Don.  They were delicious!