Caring for Fruit Trees in Florida

Florida is well known for many things. Sunshine, temperate climate, beach life, theme parks and world famous citrus and strawberries are among a few.

In fact, the Mid-Florida region offers many fruits that grow well in our climate. There are the obvious citrus like Oranges, Grapefruit, Limes and Lemons but there are also Avocado, Bananas, Figs, Guava, Jackfruit, Loquats, Lychee, Mangoes, Mulberries, Papayas, Peaches, and Tamarind that all grow well in Florida’s temperate climate.

Growing fruit trees can be a valuable asset to home gardeners who want to save money, enjoy health benefits of freshly picked fruit, and like to have a wider variety than is typically found in most grocery stores. Picking your own fruit allows you to enjoy the full flavor that only fruit fresh from the tree can offer. Commercially grown and distributed fruit is often times picked long before it’s ready so it “looks” ripe by the time it reaches the store. This means that the fruit hasn’t fully developed and will be lacking in both flavor and nutrients.

While a lot of trees can take years to grow from seed before producing fruit, there are many options available for getting a harvest much sooner. You might consider buying a grafted tree that will produce fruit in the first year or buying mature trees that are already producing. It’s advantageous to take into considering the schedule for mature fruit and plan a garden that will produce nearly year round.

• Some basic guidelines to planting fruit trees are:
• Allow ten to fifteen feet of space between fruit trees.
• Plant where your fruit trees will receive at least six hours of sun a day during the growing season.
• Sun should not be blocked by buildings, fences or other obstacles.
• Plant at least three feet from sidewalks and driveways and six feet away from buildings, as roots will spread wider than the tree crown.

Once you know what kind of fruit you want to grow and have determined that there is enough sun and space, your next step is to select varieties and rootstocks that are appropriate for your situation. The idea is to choose varieties that are suitable for your climate to maximize your success.

After the trees are planted, there will be general maintenance required.  The amount will depend on what kind of trees you have planted.  Watering, mulching to help retain soil moisture, fertilizing, insect and disease control and pruning or removing damaged and dead wood.

Since every tree comes with its own strategy for success, we strongly recommend contacting a professional, like the ones at Mid Florida Tree Service, to assist you in making the most out of each tree. Call them today at 813-986-2258.