Growing Fruit and Citrus Trees in Florida

Published on May 24, 2021 | Last Updated December 8, 2021

Interested in Growing Fruit trees in Florida but you don’t know where to start?

South Florida’s year round warm temperatures and high humidity makes it one of the few places in the United States that can grow a variety of tropical plants

There are a few things you should consider when determining which types of trees and plants to grow. Obviously Citrus trees come to mind, in particular Orange Trees! However, given the several sub-climates that exist in Florida’s growing conditions in different regions of the state won’t be the same, and growing Orange Trees in North Florida will be more limited than in the more tropical Southern parts of the state.

Choosing a well suited type of tree for the climate will increase your chance of producing lots of high quality fruit, as well as reduce the amount of attention the plant needs. It can be time consuming and costly to acquire and upkeep fruit trees, however it is also very rewarding! Let’s dig in!

Florida’s Climate Types & Growing Zones

Florida is predominately classified as a subtropical humid climate. It typically has very long warm & humid summers, with cool winters. Parts of the state can support tropical and subtropical plants. South Florida & The Keys have a tropical climate.

Florida Oranges — Florida is known for its oranges, in particular Valencia Oranges

Florida’s USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11
– The Florida Keys: zone 11
– Jacksonville: zone 8b
– Miami: zone 10b
– Orlando: zone 9b
– Tampa: zone 9b
– Tallahassee : zone 8b

The Best Fruit Trees to Grow in all parts of Florida

Grapefruit Trees, along with orange, Lemon, and Lime Trees, are staple trees grown in Florida.

Banana Trees – These trees can grow throughout the state well. For northern parts of the state, including the panhandle, growing a more cold-hearty banana tree variety is ideal since zone 8 can get frost.
Citrus Trees – Orange Trees, Grapefruit Trees, Lemon Trees, and Lime Trees grow well throughout most of the state. More cold hearty variants such as Hamlin Oranges are better options for Northern Florida. Citrus trees can be highly temperamental, they don’t like drastic changes in light or temperature and can be known to drop leaves when stressed. They like a deep watering about once a week, slightly more frequent in the summer and less frequent in the winter. Fortunately, Florida is a perfect place for citrus trees and growing lots of delicious citrus fruits!
Fig Trees – There are many different types of fig trees and many grow well everywhere in Florida. Due to the high temperatures in Florida typically you can harvest fruit twice a year, once in June and again in late summer.
Loquats Trees – If you’re unfamiliar with loquat trees, these trees grow little oranges that resemble apricots. Extremely well-suited for Florida, they can grow into large trees that can produce hundreds of loquats a year. The fruit they produce is sweet and delicious.
Mulberry Trees – Grow very well in the state. Mulberries are similar to blackberries except a little bigger and little sweeter than blackberries. Excellent for making jams.
Persimmon Trees – A native plant to Florida and S.E. United States that is known to produce large brownish-orange fruit. It is an extremely durable tree that can handle large fluctuations in weather and rainfall. Generally pests and diseases don’t harm Persimmon trees. This is an excellent choice if you do not want to worry too much about your trees.

Orange Trees are Florida’s most notable fruit tree. However, there are plentiful other types of fruit trees than can be grown in different regions throughout the state. Here’s a few more fruit trees to consider growing in Florida.

Mango Trees are absolutely delicious! And they can be grown in the South Florida and The Keys!

Apple Trees – can grow well North Florida and Central Florida
Avocado Trees – can grow well Central Florida and South Florida
Barbados Cherry Trees – can grow well Central Florida
Blackberries – can grow well Central Florida
Blueberries – can grow well Central Florida
Carambola Trees – can grow well Central Florida
Plum Trees – can grow well Central Florida
Cherimoya Trees – can grow well South Florida
Dragon Fruit Trees – can grow well South Florida
Guava Trees – can grow well Central Florida and South Florida
Jaboticaba Trees – can grow well Central Florida
Jackfruit Trees – can grow well Central Florida and South Florida
Lychees/logans Trees – can grow well Central Florida and South Florida
Mango Trees – can grow well South Florida
Muscadine Grapes – can grow well Central Florida
Nectarines Trees – can grow well North Florida and Central Florida
Papayas Trees – can grow well Central Florida and South Florida
Passion Fruit Trees – can grow well Central Florida
Peach Trees – can grow well North Florida and Central Florida
Pineapple – can grow well Central Florida
Pomegranate Trees – can grow well Central Florida
Tamarind Trees – can grow well Central Florida and South Florida

There are many different wonderful fruit trees you can grow in Florida, in particular Citrus Trees! Pick a tree that’s right for your region and enjoy growing and eating your own fruit!