Taste the Tropics with Tropical Fruit

02 Dec, 2024

Bring a tropical vibe to your summer garden by growing your own tropical fruit. with the right tips and tricks, you can create your very own tropical fruit garden right in your backyard!

Auckland's subtropical climate creates the ideal environment for growing many fruits typically found in the islands. With the arrival of summer, our stores are filled with all the usual garden centre favourites, plus a few unique options to try.


Due to their island origins, tropical fruits are best suited to full-sun positions, sheltered from harsh winds. Most tropical fruits thrive in slightly acidic, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Consistent watering is key for tropical fruit, especially in the hotter summer months. Water slowly so it feeds down into the roots. Feed from spring through autumn with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.



Our Top Varieties

Passionfruit

This vigorous vine is a must-have for any tropical garden! With sweet and tangy pulp, freshly picked passionfruit offers a flavour like no other. Prune regularly to manage growth and encourage fruiting. Passionfruit vines are available in stores in late spring and summer, and now is the perfect time to get planting!

Bananas

Unlike other tropical fruit, bananas grow well in clay soil. They are incredible resilient as long as they are sheltered from any harsh wind, so why not try growing your own? Bananas are heavy feeders, so regular fertilising is essential. We recommend the 'Misi Luki' variety and you'll be rewarded with bountiful harvests of sweet fruit.

Cherimoya

This unique fruit offers a taste that's a blend of vanilla custard and fruit salad - delicious! While cherimoya is rarely found in supermarkets, it's actually pretty easy to grow in Auckland's climate. Once established, these trees can be quite productive, and the delicious fruit is most definitely worth the wait!

Pineapple

Sweet, tasty pineapples can be growing right here in Auckland! They're low-maintenance and can be grown in containers or garden beds, so long as hey are protected from frost. Pick a bright spot, and water once a week in spring and summer. Pineapple 'Queen' is one of our favourites with sweet gold flesh.

Casimiroa (White Sapote)

Known as the 'ice cream fruit', Casimiroa (or White Sapote) is a hardy tree that produces custard-like fruit with a sweet, tropical flavour. Prune regularly to control its height and shape, and you'll soon have a beautiful, productive tree that will wow with its unique, creamy fruit.

Black Sapote

If you've never tried a black sapote, you're in for a treat! Often called the 'chocolate pudding fruit' for its rich and creamy texture, the flavour of a ripe black sapote resembles a decadent dessert. Perfect for gardeners looking to try something unique and a bit adventurous.

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