Citrus, blueberries and figs are some of the most popular edibles found in North Florida yards, but the fruit-growing doesn’t have to end there. To the surprise of many, there are varieties of fruits like apples, olives and pomegranates that perform well in North Florida. Here are brief profiles for a diverse variety of fruit trees and shrubs that will thrive in our region.
Fuyu persimmon
Popular for their heavy production of large, non-astringent kaki-like fruits, Fuyu persimmons are self-fertile, full-sun-loving and reach 12-15 feet at maturity. Fruits are harvested in the fall, through the winter. Though they are adaptable, Fuyu persimmons prefer moist, well-draining, loamy, slightly acidic soil. Drought tolerant once established.
Wonderful pomegranate
A year-long showstopper, Wonderful pomegranates bear orange-red (edible!) blossoms in the spring and vibrant, large fruits in the fall. The flowers are a food source for butterflies and hummingbirds. Dense and bushy, Wonderful pomegranates generally grow to be 8-12 feet tall, and they are very responsive to pruning. Give your Wonderful pomegranate full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent water from spring to fall. Self-fertile, but having more than one tree increases each tree's fruit production.
Arbequina olive
Hailing from Catalonia, these self-fertile, highly aromatic olives are prized for their oil and for eating at the table. Aberquina olive trees are adaptable and cold hardy to 5°F. They need full sun and well-drained soil, and are drought-tolerant. In the ground they will reach around 18-22 feet at full maturity; in pots or containers they will be a bit smaller. Fruit ripens in the fall.
Ouachita blackberry
One of the most common cultivars grown at U-picks throughout the state, Ouachita blackberry is a high-yielding, thornless variety that yields plump, flavorful berries during the early summer months. They are self-pollinating, full-sun-loving, and prefer acidic, well-draining, loamy soil with ample moisture. Water consistently through drought. These blackberry bushes are erect, and can grow to be 4-5 feet tall and spread just as wide. Excess fertilizer can damage or kill the plant. This cultivar is resistant to rosette disease.
Dwarf Everbearing mulberry
Dwarf Everbearing mulberry is hardy, adaptable and low maintenance. Choose a site with full sun or light shade. Though adaptable, it thrives in infertile, sandy soils. Once established, Dwarf Everbearing mulberries are drought-tolerant. Easily grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or as a tree, if pruned. The maximum height is 10-15 feet at maturity. Self-pollinating, and fruits ripen in late spring through summer. Berries are large and packed with rich flavor.
Anna apple
Especially suited for warm winter climates, Anna apple trees are cold hardy to 15°F and need only 200-300 chill hours. The fruits are crisp, sweet and tart, with yellow skins that bear a beautiful pink-red blush. Pollinators love the showy spring flowers. Average mature height is 25 feet. Give your Anna apple tree full sun and consistent deep watering—especially in extreme heat—and do not plant in a low-lying area. Needs another cultivar for cross-pollination.
Dorsett apple
Dorsett apples trees bear crisp, aromatic, medium-sized fruits that are golden and rosy, and ripen early. Golden Delicious-like, the fruits are great for eating fresh off the tree, baking and preserving. Pollinators love the showy spring flowers. Average height is 20 feet at maturity. Give your Dorsett apple full sun, well-draining soil, and do not plant in a low-lying area. Not self-fertile. A perfect companion for Anna or Tropic Sweet, Dorsett apples are suited for warm winter climates, as they require around 200 chill hours and are hardy to around -10°F.
Tropic Sweet apple
Hailing from University of Florida's breeding program, Tropic Sweet apples live up to their name: the fruits are indeed super sweet and not too tart. Spring flowers will attract pollinators. The mature height is 20-25 feet. They want full sun and well-draining soil; do not plant in a low-lying area. Another low-chill apple variety, Tropic Sweet apples require only 250 chill hours and are cold hardy to 15-20°F. Not self-fertile; perfect companion for Dorsett and Anna apples.
Bruce plum
A chickasaw-Japanese hybrid, Bruce plums are one of the tougher plum varieties. The fruits have a sweet, mellow flavor, and ripen in the summer. Flowers are pollinator magnets. They are semi-dwarf and have a weeping growth habit, reaching 12-18 feet in height. Needs another variety for cross-pollination. Requires 500 chill hours and is cold hardy to 15-20°F. Give your Bruce plum tree full sun, heavily-composted and well-draining soil, and water sufficiently when young. Established trees are drought-tolerant. Prune and thin damaged fruit in spring to encourage high yield.
Segundo plum
Known for their robust flavor, Segundo plums bare bright red skin and blush orange flesh. They’re soft, sweet and juicy. Pollinators love the spring flowers; the fruits ripen in the summer. Mature height is 12-18 feet. Needs another variety for cross-pollination. Requires 500 chill hours and is cold hardy to 15-20°F, like Bruce. It wants full sun, heavily-composted and well-draining soil, and lots of water during dry periods.