Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 26 Nov 2024

What is the most rewarding hardy fruit tree suitable for hot climate

Low Chill Peach (Prunus sp.) tree

Low Chill Peach (Prunus sp.) tree

Low Chill Peach (Prunus sp.) flowers

Low Chill Peach (Prunus sp.) flowers

Low Chill Peach (Prunus sp.) fruit

Low Chill Peach (Prunus sp.) fruit

Low Chill Peach (Prunus sp.) fruit

Low Chill Peach (Prunus sp.) fruit

🍑 What is the most rewarding hardy fruit tree suitable for hot climate



💬 Can I grow peaches and plums in Florida?

✅ Yes, you can grow peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums in Florida, provided you choose low-chill varieties.
  • 🍑 These have been developed specifically for subtropical regions like Central and South Florida, where traditional temperate varieties struggle due to insufficient chill hours.
  • 🍑 Low-chill varieties require as little as 150–300 chill hours (temperatures below 45°F) and thrive in hot climates, making them perfect for Florida' warm winters and hot summers.
  • 🍑 These heat-tolerant fruit trees also perform well in other challenging climates, like Arizona.
  • 🍑 While apricots generally need more chill hours than Florida's climate can provide, hybridization efforts have made peaches, nectarines, and plums reliable options for gardeners in these areas.


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Date: 22 Mar 2021

The most rewarding hardy fruit trees

Q: Recently I started working remotely and I kinda like it, no need to commute, it saves me so much time so I can have life now! My friend got me involved into growing some small houseplants but I really want to take advantage of our Florida climate and sun. I want to plant some cool fruit trees since I have a decent size yard. But I live in Florida Panhandle and we do have some occasional freeze in winter, although not for too long. But it gets very hot in summer! Are there any tropical fruit trees that will be happy here? Or should I keep everything in pots? I am excited to have my own tropical plant collection!

A: There is a perfect plant for everyone, and a perfect tree for every climate. Many tropical and especially subtropical plants can be much hardier than they are believed to be, both flowering and fruiting trees among them. You may keep the most sensitive species in pots and bring them inside for winter, while there are so many trees that will be happy in your area. Start with these that are perfect for climates with hot summers and cool winters:

1. Peaches and Plums

Low-chill, Heat-tolerant Peaches, Nectarines, Plums are especially selected for Florida hot summers. They produce well and do not require many "chill" hours like temperate fruit trees. They only need 150 chill hours and grow well in even in Arizona, so you know they are taking the heat.

2. Figs

2) Fig trees - they are easy to grow, heat- and drought- resistant trees. They are prized for their delicious fruit, which can be one to three inches in length, violet, brown or black. There are even varieties with yellow fruit. Most fruits are borne from early summer to late fall on new growth, and the fruits generally mature very quickly. These trees are sensitive to frost only when actively growing, but can withstand 10F when dormant. Read more about Fig trees.

Date: 5 Apr 2023

What are Low Chill Apricots?

Prunus armeniaca (Armenian plum)

Apricot var. Katy (Prunus armeniaca)

Q: Can I grow apricots and plums in Florida?

A: Low chill apricots have been specially developed for subtropical regions like Central and South Florida, where the climate is not typically conducive for apricot cultivation due to the high number of chill hours required. This is also true for other fruit trees such as plums and peaches. However, through successful hybridization, several low chill varieties have been created that require less than 300 hours of cold weather below 45 degrees.
One such example is the low chill Katy Apricot tree, which only requires 250 chill hours and is self-fertile. It is a popular choice among homeowners due to its large size, rich flavor, and free-stone characteristics with a semi-sweet, low-acid taste. Katy Apricot tree typically bears fruit early, usually in May.

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Apricot fruit on a tree

Date: 7 Feb 2025

When Peach trees are in full bloom

Flowering Peach Tree in Florida

When Peach trees are in full bloom

  • 🍑 Our Peach trees are in full bloom now. Early Spring started in January this year in Florida!
  • 🍑 You can grow peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums in Florida, provided you choose low-chill varieties. These have been developed specifically for subtropical regions like Central and South Florida, where traditional temperate varieties struggle due to insufficient chill hours.


📚 Learn more from previous post:


The most rewarding hardy fruit tree suitable for hot climate: peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums

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Date: 28 Apr 2021

Cold hardy tropical fruit trees for Zone 9

Q: Can you suggest tropical fruit that can be grown (cold hardy) in Zone 9?

A: There are quite a few tropical/subtropical trees that will grow well in zone 9. Our favorites are: Figs - very cold hardy and drought tolerant.
Loquats - grafted trees that start fruiting right away, reliable producers.
Tropical Mulberry - very fast growing trees that can take freeze, heavy producers.
Macadamia - these trees are of a compact nature, very easy to grow and start producing nuts right away.
Many different varieties of Eugenias - tropical cherries - all-time favorites. Another tropical cherry - Malpighia, or Barbados cherry - starts fruiting in small size under one food tall! Great for containers.
Tropical (Low Chill) Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums. See full list of low-chill, relatively cold hardy fruit trees.
And of course - Bananas!

Don't forget to fertilize your fruit trees to improve their cold hardiness!

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