Lawn and Garden: Tropical and Subtropical Fruit

Canistel Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Tea Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Key Lime Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

Longan Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, Steven A. Sargent, and Ian Maguire

Abiu Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Provides homeowners with a basic reference for growing abiu in the home landscape. Tables include suggested cultural practices by month, fertilizer program, and nutritional values.

Coffee Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Gene Joyner

Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonthan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

This document provides a comprehensive guide to growing avocados in Florida. It covers the scientific classification, origin, and distribution of avocados, along with detailed descriptions of the tree, leaves, flowers, and fruit. The article discusses pollination, varieties, climate adaptation, propagation methods, and crop yields. It also includes practical advice on planting, spacing, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, pest and disease control, and harvesting. Additionally, it highlights the nutritional value and culinary uses of avocados, emphasizing their importance in the home landscape. First published March 1983.

Monstera Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Hand Pruning and Training of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Trees

Jeff Wasielewski, Jonathan H. Crane, and Carlos Balerdi

In order to maintain fruit production in a tree's lower canopy, it must be exposed to sufficient light. When fruit trees are allowed to grow too tall or to become shaded by adjacent trees, the lower canopy will be lost and only the middle or top of the tree will flower and set fruit. To prevent this, fruit trees should be pruned annually or biannually.

Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Crops for the Home Landscape: Alternatives to Citrus

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Michael S. Orfanedes

This article discusses the numerous varieties of tropical and subtropical fruits that can be grown in the home landscape as alternatives to citrus. This version reflects the current situation with respect to citrus disease threats and alters the recommendation for two fruit crops that are considered invasive in South Florida.

Cocoa (Chocolate Bean) Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Gene Joyner

Atemoya Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

Provides homeowners with an expanded and reorganized basic reference for growing atemoya in the home landscape. Tables include information on cultural practices by month, fertilizer program, and flowering behavior.

Jackfruit Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

Pitaya (Dragonfruit) Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Lychee Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

Pejibaye (Peach Palm) Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Loquat Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and M. Lilia Caldeira

Papaya Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

This document provides comprehensive information on growing papaya in Florida's home landscapes. It covers the scientific name, common names, origin, and distribution of papaya. Detailed descriptions of tree types, leaves, flowers, and fruit are included. The article also discusses climate requirements, propagation methods, crop yields, spacing, pruning, soil types, planting techniques, care practices, pest and disease management, and the nutritional value of papaya fruit. Practical advice on site selection, irrigation, mulching, and harvesting is provided to ensure successful papaya cultivation. Publication date: 1986.

Guava Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Carambola Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

This document provides a comprehensive overview of carambola, also known as star fruit, detailing its cultivation, varieties, and environmental requirements. It highlights the tree's growth patterns, optimal conditions for fruit production, and the importance of proper planting and care. The article also addresses potential challenges such as pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, offering solutions for effective management. Additionally, it emphasizes the nutritional value and various uses of carambola, making it a valuable addition to home landscapes in suitable climates. Original publication date April 1994.

The Pomegranate

Ali Sarkhosh and Jeff Williamson

Sapodilla Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

Lemon Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

White Sapote Growing in the Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Black Sapote Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

Caimito (Star Apple) Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

This article provides homeowners with a basic reference for growing caimito (star apple) in the home landscape. Tables include suggested cultural practices by month, fertilizer program and nutritional values.

Growing 'Tahiti' Limes in the Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane

Jujube as a Florida Fruit Crop

Kevin M. Folta, Dustin Huff, and Ali Sarkhosh

Despite being cultivated in China for millennia, the Chinese jujube is mostly unknown to Western consumers. The fruits are borne from vigorous trees that are tolerant to drought and other stresses, as well as disease. A number of cultivars have been demonstrated to produce in Florida. This publication is a review of jujube genetics and management as this crop gains favor among growers on small farms and home growers.

Quick Guide to Environmental Factors Impacting Subtropical and Tropical Fruit Crops in Florida

Jonathan H. Crane, Bruce Schaffer, Young Gu Her, Haimanote Bayabil, Jeff Wasielewski, and Clyde Fraisse

Commercial tropical fruit crop acreage is expanding in Florida outside the traditional extreme south Florida and coastal counties. This largely results from the significantly warmer climate, less frequent freezing events, and less severity and duration of freezing events throughout the state, especially south-central counties. In addition, as the loss of citrus acreage continues, citrus growers and entrepreneurs are seeking alternative crops to remain in business. The successful establishment and maintenance of tropical and subtropical fruit crops in Florida depend on the crop’s tolerance to critical abiotic factors, including tolerance to flooded or waterlogged soil conditions, its ability to withstand high soil and irrigation water salinity, and its high and low temperature ranges for growth, flowering, and production. This publication aims to provide an understanding of the impacts of environmental factors on subtropical and tropical fruit crops grown in Florida.

Mango Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane, Jeff Wasielewski, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

Provides homeowners with an expanded and reorganized basic reference for growing mango in the home landscape. Tables include information on characteristics of Florida mango varieties, cultural practices by month, fertilizer program, and nutritional values.

Jaboticaba: A Unique Fruit Tree for Florida Home Gardeners

Ajay Das and Jianjun Chen

Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a slow-growing, ornamental fruit tree suited to Florida’s climate (Zones 9a–11). It thrives in acidic, consistently moist soils under partial shade, producing fruit with nutritional and medicinal value. Its unique cauliflory and flaking bark make it a distinctive addition to home landscapes. Moreover, once established, the tree is relatively low maintenance. For home gardeners, the publication provides an overview of growing jaboticaba in Florida and a brief review of the fruit's nutraceutical value. Florida gardeners can enjoy increased pollination and biodiversity in the yard, as well as fruit with health benefits.

Cashew Apple Fruit Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

John McLaughlin, Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, and Ian Maguire

This UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s) describes this tropical fruit, suitable climate for optimum growth, propagation, production and spacing for the home landscape, soils, planting, care, and pruning, harvest, ripening, storage, and use and nutritional value of the cashew apple. Includes references.

Mamoncillo (Genip) Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

Jonathan H. Crane and Carlos F. Balerdi

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

Rollinia (Annona mucosa Jacq.) Fruit Trees: Botany and Commercial Cultivation in South Florida

Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, and Bruce Schaffer

Rollinia (Annona mucosa Jacq.) (sometimes called biribá) is a fast-growing tropical fruit tree cultivated for its large, aromatic fruits. It is well adapted to the warm, humid conditions of south Florida, where it produces an extended warm-season crop, is generally unaffected by major pest and disease pressure, and shows potential for niche fresh and processing markets. Constraints include sensitivity to flooding and salinity, fruit fragility, and short postharvest life. This publication is intended for commercial growers, Extension personnel, and homeowners and students interested in growing this species. Drawing on published literature and field observations from south Florida, the publication addresses botany, phenology, fruit characteristics, pollination biology, environmental requirements, horticultural practices, propagation, orchard management, yields, and postharvest behavior.