feijoa sellowiana
Many of us would like to have tropical fruit trees in our gardens, but because it is cold in winter we sometimes back down and opt for traditional species that we know can endure without problems our climate. This is very logical, but it is not a reason to be discouraged. Actually, there are several exotic fruit trees that resist mild frosts, and today we are going to introduce you to four of them. They will surely surprise you ...
…as the feijoa sellowiana. A beautiful tree native to Brazil that it can withstand frosts down to -10º. Its leaves are evergreen, and it can grow to a height of two meters ... something that makes it an ideal species to have in a pot if you don't have a garden or simply want to decorate your patio.
Fortunella daisy (Kumquat)
Fortunella daisy
El kumquat, whose scientific name is Fortunella daisy, is a shrub or small tree about two meters high, native to East Asia. Its leaves are evergreen, green. It has small white flowers which give off a pleasant aroma. It is also suitable for potting.
It prefers sunny exposures and that the substrate is always kept slightly damp. Resists up to -4º.
Mangifera indica (mango)
Mango
Did you know that there are some varieties of mango that resist cold? Originally from tropical climates around the world, these varieties will only be found in specialized nurseries, but if you are interested in having one and you live in a climate with a cool winter, you can opt for these varieties:
- gomera 3
- Ataúlfo (the most recommended for small gardens since it grows up to about 3m in height)
- Maha chinook
These three are suitable for climates whose winter is cool, that is, with mild frosts down to -1º or -2º. The Ataúlfo can resist a little more (up to -4º), but it is recommended that while they are young trees they keep a little shelter.
Although the mango is evergreen, in climates farther from the equator it behaves as expired. We should not be concerned if the tree loses its leaves because in spring it will sprout again.
Persea americana (avocado)
Persea americana
El avocado, whose scientific name is Persea americana, is another tropical evergreen native to South America, which would be curious to see in slightly cool climates. However, there are some that have proven to have enough resistance so that we can have them in such climates. We are talking about the following varieties:
- Hate
- Strong
Both resist mild frosts And, even if the leaves fall in winter, they will sprout again in spring without problems.
Planting tips
To plant a tropical fruit tree in our garden, and make sure it grows properly we must take into account the following:
- They must be in full sun
- We will make a deep hole and mix the earth with worm castings or any organic compost.
- We will water abundantly after planting them
We hope you enjoy your tree!
Hello, I live in the USA. In the state of Tn. This summer we have planted some mango seeds, and they have germinated right now they are about 12 inches large, and we would like to have more information to plant them in the ground and be able to preserve them. Thanks for your help.
Forget to add that it is an ataulf mango.
Hi Rossy.
The first thing I recommend is that you treat them with fungicide, either by sprinkling a little with cinnamon, or by spraying with chemical fungicides sold in nurseries. This ensures that the plants can continue to grow without fungal problems.
The Ataúlfo can withstand mild frosts, so if the temperature in your area does not drop more than -4ºC, you can plant them in the garden in spring; otherwise, it is convenient to keep them indoors, in a room with plenty of natural light, and away from drafts.
If there are animals such as moles and others in your area, it is convenient to put around them a wire mesh with small holes (grid) attached to tutors.
A greeting.
Hi Monica, look a little over 4 months ago I planted a mango seed which took out roots and a stem of approximately 3 or 4 cm but it did not grow back nor did it take any leaves, I don't know why, if it will no longer grow and I better remove it or if it is because we are in winter and although the temperatures do not drop more than 13 degrees, the sun does not come out. Thank you very much I hope you help me
Hello Valentina.
Mangoes are tropical trees. 13 degrees is a good temperature, but for them to grow at a good rate it must be at least 18ºC.
What I do recommend is that you treat it with a fungicide, for example copper or powdered sulfur, since at that age all trees are very vulnerable to fungi.
Regards!
Hello Monica
I have a question. I would like to plant some mango and avocado trees in Aguascalientes mx… But sometimes frosts fall, until how long can they be sheltered before planting them outdoors to resist the cold?
Thanks for your help
Atte
mary
Hello Maria.
To survive outdoors you must choose resistant varieties. The ideal time to buy them is in spring, since this way they will have the whole year to adapt.
You can buy young specimens, and keep them in a pot for a couple of years outside. By the third year they can be planted in the ground.
A greeting.
Monica, Thank you for your dedication to plants and their environment, with possibilities to expand the bio diversity of a place. Do you think I could plant a tropical oil palm in a semi-desert climate with winters of about -6 centi degrees, or do you know of a resistant variety, some people from the tropics do not answer me, thank you.
Hello Olegario.
Thanks for your words 🙂.
I understand that the oil palm can withstand very weak and short-lived frosts once it is adult, but frosts of -6ºC would be too much for it.
Tropical or tropical-looking palms that withstand frost are, for example, the Parajubaea, or the Ceroxylon alpinum, although this one wants shade when young.
If you are looking for edible palm trees, you can put a Phoenix dactylifera.
A greeting.