Southwest Florida is known for its fruit trees, but many don’t know the vast varieties residents have to chose from.
Fruit trees will not only enhance the tropical feel of your home, but make for great additions to your meals or as healthy snacks.
The more well-known and popular fruit trees include mango, papaya, avocado, banana, Starfruit, Passion Fruit and guava.
Lesser known but with delicious fruit include annona, dragon fruit, jakfruit, longan, lychee, sapodilla and mamey sapote.
Peak season for almost all varieties is July through August.
There are several great sources in South and Southwest Florida to learn more about these trees and their fruit.
One is The Edison Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, with its Garden Shoppe has a great selection of trees and experts that can offer you tips on growing them.
Another is the Tropical Fruit Growers of South Florida, Inc. This group is an association of tropical fruit growers and enthusiasts who educate the public about Florida’s tropical fruits. Their website offers great growing tips and recipes.
Almost all other local gardening centers have their in-house fruit tree experts, and they are delighted to share tips on successful growing.
Here is some information on the more popular fruit trees:
Mango- The Mango is said to be the most popular of all fruits worldwide. It has been planted in Florida for over 100 years, and peaks in the summer months. High in vitamins A and C, it is a small to medium tree averaging about 15 feet tall.
Star Fruit – Also known as Carambola, produces a large amount of fruit from July to September and again in November to February. The fruit has a sweet, citrus-like flavor often used in salads or as a garnish.
Avocado – Avocado trees and their fruit can be enjoyed almost all year round as they come in three different season varieties. They are a medium sized tree around 20 feet tall that come in an early, mid and late season variety.
Lychee – The Lychee is a native of China and Asia, but grows incredibly well in our Southwest Florida area. A larger tree growing upwards of 40 feet tall, producing fruit after about three to five years.
Don’t worry if you are a seasonal resident; a property management company can take proper care of these wonderful trees for you all year long.
Jumpp To It is a property management and property maintenance company that is licensed, bonded and insured with a great reputation serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and Ft Myers, Florida since 2001.
Call us today and we will care for your home inside and out. We are available whenever and wherever you need us!
