Many think that growing tropical fruits like mango and pineapple is only possible in areas like Florida or Hawaii. With container gardening, growing fruits like these is possible almost anywhere. In fact, these 9 amazing tropical fruits are exceptional for container gardening. They also do very well when grown indoors during the winter months.
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This tree will produce sweet fragrant fruit that will taste like a mix between strawberries and traditional guavas. Strawberry guava trees can be kept small (ideal for containers) and they will tolerate partial shade better than the majority of tropical fruits. The white flowers bloom several times a year, and are followed by deep red fruits which are amazing freshly picked and also make wonderful preserves.
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2. Lemon Trees
Container growing is easier than you think! Meyer lemon trees are a great option for this as they will keep their compact size while producing large lemons. The lemons have an aroma that is incredibly fragrant. When in bloom, the white flowers will also fill your space with a citrus perfume. Once mature, they can produce over 50 lemons a year! Meyer lemons are also one of the more cold tolerant citrus trees.
3. Surinam Cherry
The unique star-shaped red fruits have a bright citrus flavor which makes them ideal for eating fresh or for making interesting preserves. Surinam cherry bushes will produce fruit almost year-round depending on the conditions. Even when not fruiting, the glossy evergreen foliage is attractive. They naturally are compact as well, and respond well to pruning.
4. Calamondin Orange
This may be true that tiny oranges are indeed small, but their captivating aroma and zest is ideal for use in cocktails, and preserves. Calamondin trees are enormously fruitful and can often produce hundreds of fruits per tree. They are also one of the most decorative citrus varieties. The combination of their bright orange fruits and dark green leaves is simply stunning. Calamondin trees can also tolerate shade better than other citrus trees.
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5. Finger Lime
Finger limes are called 'citrus caviar' by chefs since their tiny juice-filled vesicles pop in your mouth. These Australian natives have a bushy growth habit, making them ideal for container growing. Fresh finger limes sell for a lot in specialty grocery stores, so growing them yourself will be profitable. Depending on the variety, the juice vesicles can be green, pink, or yellow.
6. Cacao Tree
Of course you can grow your own chocolate! Cacao trees produce large pods that contain cacao beans. The beans can be processed into chocolate after fermentation. Cacao trees do require consistent warmth and humidity. The tree naturally grows in the understory, so it prefers bright indirect light as opposed to full and blazing sun. The trunk of the tree has a fascinating display as cacao pods grow directly from it!
7. Pineapple Plant
Growing pineapples is fun and surprisingly easy! Over 18-24 months you get to watch your pineapple develop into a fully formed fruit. It can be a bit of a long wait, but the spiky foliage adds instant drama to your home as it takes on a tropical look. The plants prefer bright indirect light as well, and being able to survive in lower humidity makes them great houseplants.
8. Lychee Tree
The white fruits with bumpy red shells are surprisingly simple to grow in containers. Lychee trees produce bunches of incredibly sweet and floral tasting fruit that are sold at premium prices in the stores. The trees have beautiful evergreen foliage and like direct full sun. From seed it takes 3 to 4 years to fruit but grafted varieties can produce much sooner.
9. Soursop Tree
In smoothies, ice cream, and fresh drinks, these weird green spiky fruits have a creamy white pulp that is out of this world. Soursop has a one-of-a-kind taste that is sweet, and slightly tropically tart. These trees are naturally moderate in size and can tolerate some shade, but full sun conditions will result in the best production.
Container Success Secrets
To be successful in tropical container gardening, it's necessary to choose the best varieties (always look for the dwarf or naturally compact types), to use a good well-draining potting mix, and to balance consistent moisture with the potential of waterlogging the pot. Most tropical fruits like morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
Winter Care Made Simple
If the temperature drops under 50°F, move your containers into the garage, basement, or another indoor space that is well lit. Most tropical fruits will be fine with less light as they winter dormancy. Watering should be less frequent during cooler months and once spring arrives, temperatures warm up, resume normal care.
Container and dwarf fruit varieties are worth the investment, considering a single homegrown pineapple or a small handful of finger limes is worth more than a lot of fruit plants. In addition, being able to serve guests homegrown fruit and watch their surprise at the impossible in/your climate is incredibly rewarding!
