Having a fruit tree at home is something almost everyone dreams of, but before planting, the most important step is choosing the right one for your climate.
Don’t worry! Florida’s heat and moisture aren’t a problem for several fruit trees; they’re a blessing. With the right fruit trees to grow in florida, your backyard can become a tropical paradise of snacks.
Once you plant a Florida-friendly fruit tree, you’ll want to step into your garden every morning to check what’s ripe and ready.
I always consider the connection between any plant and its climate. That inspires and forces me to write about growing any plant in a specific environment.
So, let’s begin this patience journey of planting fruit trees in Florida (with USDA zones 8b to 11a).
Fruit Trees in Florida: What Things Matter Before Planting
It is common sense that each plant is influenced by the environmental factors of that specific climate. The results may vary based on different varieties and care maintenance.
That’s why, before digging soil for any plant, the first consideration is choosing the right fruit tree according to your climate. We can not change our states and climate, but we can change our choices regarding plants😎.
Keeping in mind that principle, your first step should be to understand “which fruit trees will grow best in Florida’s climate.”
And the next thing will be the right planting time that keeps changing based on Florida’s state and propagation method.
Actually, fruit trees have long-term growth, and with the right climate and maintenance, they can give unexpected harvests, filling your garden with juicy fruits.
So, before thinking of a backyard garden, you must see how long the growing season and frost dates are in Florida.
What Fruit Trees Grow Best in Florida? 3 Top Options
Florida is often known for its hot summers and mild winters, making a subtropical climate in the north and a tropical climate in the southern parts.
Many fruit trees enjoy the heat and even the humidity of East Florida; three of them 3 options are described below. This content will be changed over time, with other best fruit tree options for Florida.
Only knowing the fruit name is not enough; the right sub-variety also matters. So, keep reading and discover which variety of which fruit tree grows best in YOUR Florida.
I have linked growing guides for each fruit tree, so you can easily see how that fruit tree actually grows. Keep checking the last section of each fruit tree to navigate the right planting time and growing method……
1-Peaches “Florida Grande” “UF Sun” “Florida Prince”
Whenever I eat peaches, I feel their taste and freshness with a sweet flavor. And then, I think it will be a more enjoyable event when I pick it from my own backyard.
Of course, its pinky golden color and juicy, sweet flavor, and foremost, its spring pinky flowers force us to grow it at home, whether the climate is suited or not. The breeder has made such possibilities!
Space and Pollination Requirement for Peaches
For Florida, peaches may be the foremost option, because they can also grow in containers or pots, making them a perfect selection for less space, such as balconies, patios, and small gardens.
Additionally, most peach varieties do not require a partner to make fruit, which adds more ease. Just choose a pot at least 25 gallons and dwarf or columnar varieties, such as Bonanza, for container gardening.
Growth Demands for Peaches in Florida
Peaches can grow more successfully in north Florida, but central to southern parts demand specific varieties and careful attention.
ECO Tree Experts also says that peaches start struggling in South Florida. However, growing the right peach variety that is specially made for the Florida climate makes this possible.
Actually, it happens due to chilling requirements for peaches that may not be available in USDA zones 9, 10, and 11 of Florida. That’s why variety choices become crucial in Florida.
Best Peach Varieties for Florida
According to the Florida Agriculture source, low-chilling peach varieties are recommended in the whole of Florida, including Florida Prince, Florida King, Tropic Beauty, Tropic Snow, and Tropic Sweet.
For the eastern coastal area and the southern parts, Florida Grande, Florida Prince, Tropic Prince, and UF Sun are the best options for successful growth.
When and How to Plant Peaches in Florida?
Whether buying a grafted peach tree or growing it from seed, always choose recommended low-chilling varieties.
A grafted tree gives fast production, usually within 2 to 4 years; however, seed-grown trees may take 3 to 5 years, but with strong climate adaptation.
Just sow peach seeds at the right time, which may vary based on location, even in Florida, based on its frost dates and seed stratification method. (Here’s when to sow peach seeds in Florida)
Finally, after planting and a bit of patience, peaches give you a sweet harvest in June or July.
2-Pears “Floridahome” “Hood” “Orient”
The mixed flavor of honey and apple, which I feel is like eating pears. Their soft, juicy taste makes them an amazing, refreshing choice to use in different recipes like pear crisp and sweet pear salad.
Its white spring flowers add another attractive color to my garden, along with pink peach flowers. Although pears grow best in a mild climate, hybrid varieties have made it easy to enjoy the taste of pears in tropical areas, like Florida.
Space and Pollination Requirement for Pears
After peaches, pears are also available in dwarf varieties, making it possible to grow in containers (18 to 20 inches) wide for small gardens.
For container gardening in the matter of pear plant, experts like BBC Gardening and the RHS recommend choosing compact trees grafted onto Quince C or Quince Eline rootstock.
Pear trees can be either self-pollinating or cross-pollinating. Still, planting a second pear tree is recommended to boost fruit production.
Growth Demands for Pears in Florida
The University of Florida’s IFAS Extension notes that pears are not well-suited for the whole of Florida. However, some low-chill pear varieties grow well here, and that too with little attention.
Pear trees also require chilling periods to bring fruit, but their chilling requirements may be less than peaches.
Most pear varieties grow best in north to central Florida, while for east coastal and southern areas, smart variety selection is necessary.
Best Varieties for Florida
Kieffer pears give good results in North Florida. But if you’re planting in Central Florida, you’ve got a wider selection: Baldwin, Carnes, Pineapple, Tennessee, and yes, Kieffer makes the list too.
For South and coastal Florida, where winters are mostly warmer with high humidity and risk of “fire blight” on pears, hybrid varieties, such as “Floridahome” and “Hood Orient,” are recommended.
According to Southern Living, some Asian varieties, including Shinko, Korean Giant, Ya Li, and Chojour, are also well-suited for South Florida.
When and How to Plant Pears in Florida?
First, select a low-chilling pear variety and then decide how to plant. A grafted pear tree is normally available in your local nursery and may produce fruit within 3 to 5 years.
However, you can also grow pears from their tiny browny seeds that may develop a more resistant pear plant.
Just sow pear seeds at the right time, which varies based on the last frost date in Florida. Here’s when to sow pear seeds in Florida to get a harvest from late summer through fall.
3-Figs “Celeste” “Brown Turkey” “LSU Purple”
Figs are soft, sweet, and full of flavor, like a natural dessert. I love adding them to salads or making simple fig jam at home. Sometimes, I even bake them into mini tarts for a quick treat.
Fig flowers grow inside the fruit, not outside like other trees. They don’t form showy blossoms, but if you cut open a fig, you’ll spot the tiny flowers tucked inside.
Space and Pollination Requirement for Figs
Many dwarf figs are best grown in containers, making them a foremost choice for gardeners with less space. Experts say to choose 6 to 8 inches wider than the nursery pot for compact fig trees.
Some cross-pollinating varieties need another tree to make fruit. Some figs, such as Smyrna and San Pedro figs, may need a partner.
However, most common figs are self-pollinating and can grow without another fig tree. Still, planting another fig tree can increase fig production.
Growth Demands for Pears in Florida
Fig trees generally thrive in Florida’s warm and humid climate, which makes them a popular choice for home gardeners, especially in southern regions.
Unlike peaches or pears, figs don’t need winter chill hours to produce fruit, and most common varieties like ‘Celeste’ or ‘Brown Turkey’ don’t require pollination either.
However, Florida’s high humidity, especially in coastal areas, can lead to fungal issues like fig rust. Also, northern Florida gardeners should be ready to protect young trees from occasional frost.
Best Fig Varieties for Florida
While many gardening sources, including HGTV, describe figs as cold-hardy, other experienced growers like FigBoss suggest that fig trees may struggle in parts of Florida due to persistent moisture and disease pressure.
If you’re planting a fig tree in Florida, it’s best to choose disease-resistant varieties, such as ‘Celeste’, ‘Brown Turkey’, ‘Ischia’, ‘LSU Purple’, and Chicago Hardy’.
When and How to Plant a Fig Tree in Florida?
Taking hardwood cutting from an existing fig tree is the most reliable method. However, you can also buy a fig tree from any nursery in Florida.
(Here’s how to take a fig tree cutting with just 5 key steps.)
Before going to fig cutting, make sure to do this at the right time, which varies based on the dormant stage of the fig tree and your local climate. (Here’s when to take a fig tree cutting)
If you are growing varieties like Celeste or Brown Turkey, expect ripe figs between July and September, depending on how well the tree is cared for.
Fruit Trees to Grow in Florida?: Growing Situations
| Fruit Tree | Best Zones in Florida | Recommended Varieties | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peach | North, Central, limited South Florida | Florida Grande, Florida Prince, Tropic Beauty, UF Sun, Tropic Sweet | Needs low-chill varieties; struggles in zones 10–11 without care |
| Pear | North and Central Florida; limited coastal/south with hybrids | Floridahome, Hood, Orient, Kieffer, Baldwin, Pineapple, Shinko (Asian) | Needs chill hours; prone to fire blight in warm humid areas |
| Fig | Statewide (zones 8b–11a); best in South & Central Florida | Celeste, Brown Turkey, LSU Purple, Ischia, Chicago Hardy | Most are self-pollinating; prefers dry roots, protect from fungal rust |
Quick Look: Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Florida
Every fruit tree needs a different level of care. Some need less attention, some need a little more. We’re working on simple care guides for each fruit tree to help you grow healthy trees and enjoy more fruits. Stay with us, more helpful tips are coming soon about more fruit trees to grow in Florida.
Now let’s talk about choosing the right fruit tree to grow in Florida:
Grafted trees grow just like the original tree. They give the same kind of fruit and grow in the same way.
Seed-grown trees can turn out a bit different, especially if they come from hybrid plants. If you’re planting a hybrid variety, it’s best to buy F1 seeds. But overall, choosing a grafted tree is a safer and smarter option for most gardeners.
