Back in the day, tropical fruits were the ultimate status symbol in the grand orangeries of Baroque gardens. Fast forward to today, and you don’t need a royal palace to enjoy that exotic vibe! Whether you have a sunny backyard or just a cozy windowsill, these varieties will bring a taste of the tropics right to your home.
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++Mexican Sour Gherkin (Melothria scabra)
Also known as “Cucamelons,” these Mexican Sour Gherkins look like tiny watermelons but pack a refreshing, tangy punch. They’re the perfect bite-sized snack straight off the vine! To get a good harvest, make sure to plant them in a sunny spot that’s protected from the wind. Give them a little TLC, and you’ll be snacking on these adorable fruits all summer long.
++Hardy Orange (Poncirus trifoliata)
If you want the citrus look without the frost anxiety, the Hardy Orange (or Trifoliate Orange) is your best friend. It produces beautiful yellow citrus fruits in the summer, and the best part? It’s incredibly cold-tolerant. Unlike most citrus trees, you won’t have to baby this one when the temperature drops. It can stay right out in the garden through the winter without any special fuss.
++Galia Melon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus)
For those with a sweet tooth, the Galia melon is a fantastic choice. While you usually see these in the produce aisle, they’re actually quite fun to grow yourself. These plants trail along the ground, turning pretty blossoms into delicious, fragrant melons. Just remember: melons are thirsty and sun-hungry! Keep them well-watered and in the brightest spot you have to ensure they ripen to perfection.
++Mango (Mangifera indica)
Did you know you can grow your own mango tree from a pit? Since they love the heat, they do best in a greenhouse, a sunroom, or even just as a houseplant. Pro tip: use a pit from a fruit that hasn’t been heat-treated. Carefully pop open the hard outer husk to find the soft seed inside. Wrap it in a damp paper towel for a few weeks until it sprouts, and then you’re ready to pot it up!
++Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
The pineapple is the ultimate icon of tropical living. You can start one from a store-bought top or buy a starter plant that already has a tiny fruit growing. As long as you keep them warm, they’re surprisingly easy to care for. Plus, they’re a total conversation starter—everyone recognizes a pineapple, and the plant itself has a cool, architectural look that brightens up any room.
++Ornamental Banana (Musa Banana)
Nothing says “tropical paradise” like the massive, lush leaves of a banana plant. While some varieties offer tasty fruit, many people grow ornamental bananas just for that gorgeous southern flair. You can keep them outside during the summer to give your patio a jungle vibe, but just be sure to bring them in or provide plenty of winter protection before the first frost hits.
++Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa)
Kiwis are a backyard favorite, but they have a few “dating” rules you should know about. Most kiwi plants are either male or female, so you’ll usually need one of each to get any fruit. Since they are vigorous climbers, they look amazing growing up a trellis or against a sunny house wall. Give them plenty of sun, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful vine and fuzzy, delicious fruits.
%%Avocado (Persea americana)
Growing an avocado tree is a classic gardening project. It takes a bit of patience—you’ll need to suspend the pit over water for quite a while before that first sprout appears. But once it takes off, it’s totally worth the wait! You’ll end up with a lovely little tree featuring long, glossy green leaves. Even if it never fruits indoors, it makes for a stunning and sophisticated houseplant.