Growing Exotic Fruits in Non-Tropical Climates

Introduction: The Audacity of Fruit

There are few things more satisfying than plucking a sun-warmed, ripe piece of fruit directly from the tree and biting into its juicy flesh. Of course, if you live in a non-tropical climate, you may have resigned yourself to the belief that such an experience is only possible with apples and the occasional pear. But fear not, my fruit-loving friends! Today, we embark on an intrepid journey to explore the weird and wonderful world of growing exotic fruits in the most unexpectedly temperate of places.

Exotic Fruit #1: The Feijoa - A Pineapple Guava Hybrid

First on our list is the feijoa, a South American fruit renowned for its sweet, tangy flavor reminiscent of both pineapple and guava. This delightfully peculiar fruit is actually quite cold-hardy, with some varieties able to withstand temperatures down to 12°F (-11°C). However, it's worth noting that the feijoa must be hand-pollinated in the absence of its natural pollinators (which, alas, do not inhabit our more temperate climes).

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, feijoas can be eaten fresh, made into delectable jams and jellies, or even used as a garnish for your next cocktail. All that's required is a sunny spot in your garden, a little patience, and a paintbrush to play the role of a bee or bird, transferring pollen from flower to flower.

Exotic Fruit #2: The Persimmon - An Autumnal Treasure

Next up, we have the persimmon, a divine fruit that hails from the far reaches of East Asia. Though its journey to our gardens may have been arduous, the persimmon is a surprisingly hardy character, able to endure temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C).

While there are several varieties to choose from, the two most popular among cold-climate gardeners are the American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) and the Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki). The former produces smaller fruits that need a frosty kiss before they sweeten enough to be palatable, while the latter ripens in the autumnal months, providing a welcome burst of color and flavor in the chillier season.

With a taste akin to a cross between apricot and pumpkin, persimmons are excellent eaten fresh or used in a range of culinary concoctions, from pies and puddings to salads and smoothies. Just be sure to wait until they're fully ripe before sampling, lest your tongue be assaulted by an astringent assault of unripe tannins.

Exotic Fruit #3: The Hardy Kiwi - A Fuzzy-Wuzzy Surprise

Though the standard kiwifruit may balk at the prospect of residing anywhere colder than USDA Zone 8, its hardier cousin, the aptly named hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta), laughs in the face of frosty adversity. This tenacious little fruit is a veritable Jack Frost in kiwi clothing, perfectly content to weather temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C).

While the hardy kiwi may be smaller and fuzzier than its more familiar counterpart, it's no less delicious, boasting a flavor that's been described as a blend of strawberry, melon, and kiwi. Plus, let's be honest: who wouldn't want to cultivate something colloquially known as the "arctic kiwi"?

The hardy kiwi does require a male and female plant in order to produce fruit, so be sure to invite both to your garden party. Keep in mind that these plants are vigorous climbers, so you'll want to provide them with a sturdy trellis or pergola upon which they can frolic and fructify.

Exotic Fruit #4: The Pawpaw - An American Marvel

Lastly, we come to the pawpaw, a truly remarkable fruit native to the United States that has been unjustly overlooked by the masses. With a flavor that's been described as a blend of banana, mango, and melon, and a texture akin to custard, the pawpaw is a decadent delight waiting to be discovered.

Though it may seem counterintuitive, the pawpaw is actually quite amenable to colder climates, with its natural range extending into parts of Canada. It's the largest edible fruit native to North America, and the tree itself serves as the exclusive host for the larvae of the zebra swallowtail butterfly, adding an extra touch of whimsy to your garden.

Plant a couple of pawpaw trees in a sunny or partially shaded location and wait for the wonders of cross-pollination to work their magic. In a few years, you'll be rewarded with a bounty of delicious fruits and the satisfaction of knowing you've cultivated a true American treasure.

Conclusion: Cold-Climate Exotic Fruits—The Final Frontier

So there you have it, my fellow fruit aficionados. With a bit of ingenuity, a touch of patience, and a healthy dose of horticultural defiance, we can indeed enjoy the bountiful flavors of exotic fruits in our non-tropical gardens. Now, go forth and grow, embracing the audacious possibilities that await you in the realm of cold-climate fruit cultivation!


Article kindly provided by yourhomengarden.org