ties once you grow the most important raw materials in your own yard. An effort to place each warm-climate fruit crop into a "tropical," "subtropi- Subtropical Fruits cal," or * warm-temperate" pigeon-hole over-simplifies matters. This is because For Warm Climates our cultivated fruits, collected from many parts of the world, come from a Or Tub Growing variety of climates. An important group that requires near-equatorial growing conditions and JLF YOU HAVE retired recently or grows outdoors in the United States changed jobs and moved to one of the only in Hawaii and Puerto Rico in- favored regions where warm-climate cludes the mangosteen (Garcinia - plants can be grown, then a new world stana), the durian (Durio zihethinus), of gardening excitement is literally at rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), and your doorstep. If, however, youVe spent pili nut (Canarium oi)atum). much of your life in such an area A group that requires warm sub- you may already be aware of the rich tropical conditions includes the mango, store of benefits that conae from amateur Antillean (West Indian) avocado cul- fruit growing, and chances are that tivars, the guava, and the most tender you haven*t tired of such pursuits. citrus fruits such as the Key or Mexican Origins of many warm-region crops lime. More than half a million home- such as the mango are lost in antiquity. owners now live in parts of southern But others are comparatively new to Florida where these fruits can be grown. cultivation and systematic research on This group occupies the first section most is still in its youth. This means of the accompanying table as "Fruits you can engage in home garden experi- Suited to the Warmest Parts of the mentation to the degree that your United States." pocketbook and inchnation will per- Zones of cultural adaptation are im- mit. At the same time, enough know- portant because you spend your money ledge is now on tap to allow you to for plants that you expect to survive plant a good many subtropical species the normal extremes of winter cold and outdoors in much of the Southern and summer heat, and to yield satisfactory Western States with confidence of be- crops in your area. ing successful. Individual plant species (and groups Most subtropical fruit plants make within some species) vary widely in excellent landscape items that lend a their range of climatic suitability. The characteristic "tropical" flavor to your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Misc. surroundings. For this reason you can Pub. No. 814, affords the most practical include many in your home planting as means for you to determine beforehand dual-purpose ornamentals or shade trees whether a given fruit is likely to suc- that regularly add vitamin-rich deli- ceed in a particular locality. cious fresh fruit to the family's menu. Several cities in the zones covered Guava jelly and paste, mango chut- by this chapter are listed at the bottom ney, calamondin marmalade, loquat of the table. In addition, zones where a pie, and passionfruit jelly and wine species is expected to grow well are join a nearly endless list of gourmet included under ''cultural information." foods that become practical possibili- This means that a mango or Key lime, which you'd normally expect to grow and fruit well only in zone 10b, AUTHOR Robert J. Knight, Jr. is Research may occasionally fruit in sheltered spots Fruit Horticulturist at the Subtropical within zone 10a through a combination Horticulture Research Unit, Agriculture of good luck and special protective Research Service, in Miami, Fla. measures taken during cold spells. So

256 10a is placed on the table, but in cessful in California's Mediterranean parenthesis. Of course your chances of chmate than in the Gulf States are success in zone 10a will be greater if identified by a "W", and others more instead of the mango you plant hardier successful in the East are marked by an fruits such as the loquat and Mexican "E". All the fruits listed in the table and Mexican-Guatemalan hybrid avo- are evergreen in growth habit. cados (listed in the second section of If you are moving into a new home the table, under "Moderately Hardy and your landscape architect is sympa- Fruits"). thetic to the idea, you can start from A select group of warm-temperate scratch with outstanding ornamental plants that withstand more winter cold plants that double as fruit-producers: than those hsted includes the carob loquat, carissa, cattley guava, sea grape, (Ceratonia siliqua), fig (Ficus carica), lychee, longan, and many citrus species Japan persimmon (Diospyros kaki), kiwi are examples. If on the other hand your (Actinidia chinensis), olive (Olea euro- basic planting has aheady been made, pea), and pomegranate (Púnica grana- you can add or delete as conditions and tum). None of these thrive in the your inspiration dictate. warmest parts of zone 10, but you may Many subtropical plants are con- want to try them if you live in cooler tainer-grown for sale. These offer ad- parts of the area we are discussing and vantages over bare-root stock, since if locally experienced gardeners have from containers the shock of transplant- succeeded with them. ing is minimized and your planting One plant adapted to warmest con- season is not confined to those times ditions but omitted from the list is the when plant growth is at low ebb. papaya (Carica papaya) which is di£B- Sizes of container plants will seem cult to grow because of its susceptibility small if you are used to growth rates to diseases and the papaya fruit fly. of trees and shrubs in the Northeast and Another excellent tree for zone 10b is Midwestern States. But unless immedi- the tamarind (Tamarindus indica), but ate effect is important, you may find it grows too large for any except king- that a small but vigorous lime or avo- sized yards. cado tree is a better investment for a Special information is included in the congenial site than a larger, more ex- table where appropriate. For example, pensive specimen. many fruiting plants are admirably Where to get the trees and suited to pot or tub culture in patios vines for your home planting is a ques- or on porches in the Northeast and tion whose answer depends on your own Midwest where summer weather suits them (and they can be sheltered in- side during winter), and this is noted under "Cultural information." Guavas and loquats produce well in zone 10 but in common with other soft fruits they can be ruined by infestation with Caribbean fruitfly (Anastrepha suspensa) larvae. Therefore where this pest is abundant, as it is at present in much of peninsular Florida, you may want to defer planting susceptible fruits until adequate control measures are developed. For your information, par- ticularly susceptible species are identi- fied by the letters "CF." Trees and shrubs of outstanding value as landscape plants are marked by LDSCP." Avocado cultivars more suc- Carambola fruit.

257 FRUITS FOR HOME PLANTING IN WARM CLIMATES Fruits Suited to the Wannest Parts of the United States

Fruit: cultivars Uses of fruit Cultural Information Acerola {Malpighia Bright red ade drinks and Zone 10b (10a). Shrub or ghhra)'. ices of sprightly flavor. small tree with glossy dark Florida Sweet, B 17, Rich in Vitamin C. foliage. CF. others Avocado {Persea ameri- Salads, guacamole spread, Zone 10b. Medium-sized to cana ) West Indian and sandwiches, puree to add large tree. A rich soil is hybrid : to soup; a rich pie filling, very desirable, and perfect Ruehle, Simmonds, milk shakes. drainage is absolutely es- , others sential. Banana (Musa spp.): Fresh and in puddings, Patios, large tubs (Caven- Apple, Cavendish, cakes and custards, and ice dish); Zone 10b (10a). Orinoco, many cream. Fruit is delicious Giant herb which gives others fried or baked. a tropical "jungle" effect. LDSCP. Black sapote (Diospyros Blend pulp v>^ith cream or Zone 10b. Handsome me- digyna): brandy and spices to sub- dium-sized tree with glossy Seedlings stitute for chocolate pud- deep-green leaves and ding, mousse or pie filling. dark-colored bark. LDSCP. Richer in Vitamin C than Citrus. Carambola {Averrhoa Float star-shaped slices on Zone 10b (10a). Small or carambola): punch or add to salads. medium-sized tree that iGolden Star, Robert Juice is rich in Vitamin C bears waxy orange or yel- Newcomb, Mih Tao, and has a tea-rose scent. low fruit at least twice a Tean Ma, others. year. Coconut (Cocos Milk and pulp used in Zone 10b. Malay Golden nucífera ) : cakes, pies, beverages and resists lethal yellows dis- Malay Golden puddings. ease. LDSCP. Grumichama (Eugenia Eat fresh; similar to north- Tub for patios. 10b (10a). domheyi ) : ern cherry, black with a Large shrub with glossy seedlings single stone. leaves and white flowers like pear blossoms. CF. LDSCP. Guava (Psidium Jelly, paste, preserved Zone 10. Medium-sized guajavu)'. shells, punch. Rich in Vita- tree with ribbed leaves. Indian Red, many min C. CF. others Jaboticaba (Myrciaria Used as grapes are: fresh, Tub for patios. 10b (10a). cauliftora): or for juice, jelly, or wine. Large shrub or small tree Sabara, others, seed- bearing white flowers and lings black grape-like fruit on trunk. Grows slowly. CF, LDSCP. Limes (Citrus auranti- Essential component of Zone 10b (10a). Straggly, folia ) : many drinks, sherbet, and shrubby trees that need Key (Mexican), C. one of the world's great frequent pruning to shape latifolia: Tahiti pies, a gourmet dessert. them properly. Thorny. ( Bearss ) Longan (Dimocarpus Eat fresh; peel, pit and can 10b (10a). Vigorous, ex- longan ) ; like cherries. Stew for an cellent shade tree. Bears Kohala, Shek Kip, topping, quick- erratically; in "off" years Chom Poo, others freeze whole or dry in the branches may be girdled to Lychee (Litchi chinen- traditional way. induce fruit. LDSCP. sis): A superior fruit to eat 10b (10a). Umbrella- Brewster, Mauritius, fresh, canned, frozen, or shaped tree that needs rich SweetclifiF, Bengal, dried ( the traditional acid soil, good drainage others. method). Fresh fruit re- and a dependable moisture sembles a strawberry vdth supply, Brewster and a thin, rigid skin and a Bengal may crop erratical- grapelike flavor. ly. LDSCP. FRUITS FOR HOME PLANTING IN WARM CLIMATES (Cont.) Fruits Suited to the Warmest Parts of tahe United States

Fruit: cultivars Uses of fruit Cultural Information Mango { Popular everywhere. Eat 10b (10a). Medium to indica ) : fresh, juiced, and in or on large tree of graceful habit, , , ice cream. Immature fruit, it thrives on most soils. , many others an essential ingredient of Don't plant near air con- chutney recipes, makes an ditioner inlet or bedroom excellent pie. windows because flowers are allergenic. CF (oc- casional ). Passionfruit ( Passiflora Fresh in salads, as a richly Zone 10a (purple), 10b edulis, purple; P. aromatic juice in ades and ( yellow ). Vigorous vines edulis f. ßavicarpa, sherbets, or a fine-flavored that need support and late- yellow): seedlings jelly, also pie and cake fill- winter pruning to remove of purple and yellow ings. Makes an aromatic old wood. Plant more than forms wine suggestive of sherry. one yellow seedling for pollination. Pineapple (Ananas Eat fresh, candied, in pies, 10b (10a). Patios, planters. comosus ) : sherbets and as juice. Fruit Large leafy perennial, a Abachi, Red Span- ripened on your own plant favorite house plant. Cut- ish, Cayenne, others is superior to shipped. Har- off tops of fruit from stores vest when it "smells ripe". often root to make healthy plants that may fruit after two years. Sapodilla (Manilkara Eat fresh; latex from trunk, Zone 10b. Medium-sized zapota ) : chicle, was formerly the to large shade tree, resis- Prolific, Brown chief ingredient of chew- tant to high winds. Sugar, others ing gum. LDSCP. CF. Seagrape (Coccolohis Large-seeded fruit makes a 10b (10a). Highly orna- uvifera ) : mild-flavored jelly. mental tree resists salt. seedhngs, selected LDSCR cuttings. Moderately Hardy Fruits for Warm Regions

Avocado (Persea ameri- Fresh in salads, guacamole Guatemalan and hybrid cana) Guatemalan and spread; pureed in soups, as cultivars, Zone 10 (9b); hybrid: pie filling and in milk Mexicans, 9b (9a). Attrac- Choquette (E), shakes. Eaten alone with tive spreading or tall trees Fuerte (W), Hass salt and/or lime juice as a that prefer rich soil and (W), Winter Mexi- vegetable. Halves of 'Mexi- demand perfect drainage. can (E), Yon (E) cola', unpeeled, make ex- Mexican race: Bacon cellent canape containers (E-W), Brogden for shrimp spread and such (E), Duke (E-W), foods. Gaiaesville ( E ), Mexicola (E-W), others Calamondin (Citrus Aromatic juice is excellent Patios, pot culture. Zone blancoi ) in drinks. Fruit makes a 9b (9a). An upright tree superb marmalade. which bears colorful mini- oranges. LDSCP. CF. Carissa ( Carissa grandi- Makes a beautiful jelly re- Zone 9b-10. Patios, Fancy flora): sembling red currant jelly; is upright. Alles low and Fancy, Alles, Atlas also jam; eat fresh when spreading. Atlas moder- fully ripe. ately upright and nearly thornless. CF. LDSCP. Thorny. Cattley guava ( Psidium Eat fresh; makes an excel- Zones 9b—10. Shrub or cattleianum ) : seed- lent jelly and a good "but- small tree of outstanding lings of red and yel- ter" or marmalade. ornamental value with low-fruited forms. smooth, vari-colored trunk. CF. LDSCP. FRUITS FOR HOME PLANTING IN WARM CLIMATES (Cont.) Moderately Hardy Fruits for Warm Regions

Fruit: cultivars Uses of fruit Cultural Information Feijoa {Feijoa sellowi- Eat fresh; juice jells easily Zones 8b-10. Attractive ana): because it is high in pectin. shrubs with dark, glaucous Coolidge, Pineapple Flowers are edible. foliage. CF. LDSCP. Gem, others. Kumquat {Fortunella Fresh fruit is unique with Patios, pots. Zones 9-10. japónica ) ; sweet peel, tart flesh. Small citrus tree of unsur- Nagami, Marumi, Whole spiced preserved passed ornamental value. Meiwa kumquats are a gourmet CF. LDSCP. treat, as is kumquat mar- malade. Limequat (Citrus auranti- Hybrid for same uses as Patios, pots. Zones 9b(a)- folia X Fortunella lime: acid juice for drinks; 10. Hardier than the Key japónica): used as condiment and in lime which it resembles. Eustis, Lakeland confectionery. LDSCP. Thorny. Loquat (Eriobotrya Eat fresh; can, preserve; Zones 8b-10. Small tree of japónica ) : use in pies. elegant aspect with ribbed, Champagne, Thaïes glaucous green leaves. Fire (), blight disease can be seri- Wolfe, others ous. CF. LDSCP. Macadamia nut {Maca- Fine quahty nut, usually Zone 9b(9a)-10. Beautiful damia intergrifolia and borne in a very hard shell, oak-like tree of moderate hybrids ) : is roasted and salted or size; plant more than one Keauhou, Beaumont, used in confectionery. for cross-pollination. others. Rose-apple {Syzygium Children like the crisp Zone 9b-10. Moderately jambos ) : seedhngs fresh fruit which can be large shade tree with brandied like peaches. pointed leaves and creamy colored mimosa-like flow- ers. Surinam-cherry Eat ribbed red or black Zones 9b-10. Compact ( Eugenia uniflora ) fruit fresh, drink juice, or shrub with glossy green use in ices. leaves. CF. LDSCP. Tángelo ( Citrus reticu- Fresh dessert fruit, easily Citrus tree, handsome at lata X C. paradisi): peeled; juice is comparable all seasons. LDSCP. Minneola, others to orange juice but brighter colored.

Cities in Zone 9a: Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Baton Rouge, San Antonio, Corpus Chnsti and San Bernardino; in Zone 9b: Daytona Beach, Orlando, McAUen, Sacramento; m Zone lOa: Melbourne, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Brownsville, San Diego to Santa Barbara (S. Cal.f. <-oast), San Francisco Bay cities; in Zone 10b: Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Naples and Key West. CF- this designates soft fruits prone to infestation by Caribbean fruitfly larvae. LDSCP: indicates trees or shrubs outstandingly attractive and useful for landscape planting. situation and desires. Nurseries, Garden Centers, and Feed-and-Seed stores are excellent sources of locally adapted planting stock in many places. Once you get the plants, information on cultural requirements is essential. Experienced salespeople in these stores, when you are fortunate enough to meet them, can supply valuable information. More generally, reliable information , is available from your County Agricul- tural Extension or Farm Agent. You can Golden brown fruU of the Longan. usually find necessary addresses and

260 numbers listed under the county head- ing in the white pages of your local telephone directory. Nursery items are frequently adver- tised in garden magazines and other The Why and How agricultural publications. Regional mail- order nursery catalogs are interesting Of Garden Design and fun to absorb at leisure but they are not as prominent in the warmest parts of the country as elsewhere, so Y r HEN WE THINK of a garden you are not likely to find them a rich we imagine many things... A place for source of subtropical material. flowers... or where we can sit and look Garden clubs and organizations of at greenery and sky. . .perhaps a place people interested in fruit growing can perfectly situated so one can watch the be enormously helpful as sources of cul- sunrise or sunset... or a spot where tural information and sometimes of the just vegetables grow. plants themselves, when both are scarce. No matter how each of us interprets You may find it rewarding to join a garden, we almost invariably associate one or more of these groups, depending it v^ith a restful, serene area—maybe on their geographic accessibility and even mysterious and secluded—or your interests. Most of them welcome where we can go to be warm or cool. new members, and the more knowledg- Gardens do touch our deeper senses. able of the older members can often They represent privacy and shelter, supply practical information that you comfort and relaxation. Simultaneously, can't readily find elsewhere. we can. witness nature's brilliant mix- ture of colors and textures emerge into ORGANIZATIONS OF INTEREST: full glory during many seasons. It could Rare Fruit Council International, Inc., be said that a garden is truly where P.O. Box 601, Miami, Fla. 33143 (one variety is the spice of life. . . and that branch meets in Miami, another in West is why good garden design becomes Palm Beach. ) such a challenge. Rio Grande Valley Horticultural Society, P.O. Box 107, Weslaco, Tex. 78596. But how do these wonderful gardens California Rare Fruit Growers, Northern grow? And is your garden exactly what Section, 3370 Princeton Ct., Santa Clara, you've always thought it should be? Cal. 95051, or Southern Section, Star Route Gardens begin with a pen and paper, a P, Bonsall, Gal. 95051. tape measure and time, and above all, Florida Mango Forum, 18710 S.W. 288 interest and imagination. Because a St., Homestead, Fla, 33030. garden is a very personal, individual expression, designing your ov^m garden, FOR FURTHER READING: with help and consultation, is one of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Plant most rewarding experiences. Hardiness Zone Map, MP 814, for sale by Superintendent of Documents, Washing- There are basic steps in planning ton, D.C. 20402. and/or planting a garden. If you are Lane Magazine & Book Go. Sunset West- successful with them, the goals which ern Garden Book, Menlo Park, Gal., 1967. you can achieve will be order, unity, Chandler, William H. Evergreen Orch- beauty and creativity. ards, Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, Pa., • Examine your site carefully. Write 1950. down interesting spots, clumps of trees, Sturrock, David. Fruits for Southern things you may not be able to identify, Florida, Horticultural Books, Inc., 219 how your house is situated, and what Martin Ave., Stuart, Fla. 33494, 1972 (re- print 1959 ed.). you would like to put where. Florida Department of Agriculture and • Determine the ecological idiosyncra- Consumer Service. Florida Market Bulletin, sies of your environment, its advantages published semi-monthly, 407 S. Calhoun and disadvantages. You must be aware St., Tallahassee, Fla. 32304. of the basic ecology: soil, vegetation,

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