Posted by By Kelly Jean Reyland
11th Oct 2024
Subtropical Fruit
Subtropical fruit are those that naturally grow between 23 and 30 degrees latitude north and south of the equator. They can survive in drier conditions than tropical plants which typically need more rainfall and higher humidity. Some have limited or no tolerance to frosts. Most need a well drained soil as they tend to be susceptible to root rot in heavy clay soils. Here are some of the common subtropical fruits in New Zealand.
Avocado
They will tolerate some frost once established. They must have well draining soil as they are susceptible to root rot. The large varieties grow 6mx 10m in 10 years and there are now some semi and dwarf varieties that can be as short as 3m tall. The varieties fruit at different times of year so if you have space, planting different varieties will extend your harvest. Avocado flowers are an ‘A’ type or ‘B’ type, referring to when they open during the day. To improve cross pollination, planting another variety that is opposite to yours (If you have a ‘A’ type, plant a ‘B’ type and vice versa).
Passionfruit
They love warmth and sun and are frost tender. They require a moist free draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay, we recommend that you raise the soil level or plant in a deep pot. They are a vigorous vine so they need a sturdy support to grow on. They are only considered a short term crop with the vine remaining fully productive for 2-3 years. This is generally because they fall victim to root rot. They carry their fruit on the current seasons growth so in early spring, cut approximately half of last years growth off, but leave a framework of laterals to produce new growth (and fruit!)
Loquat
These trees are relatively hardy but they do fruit much better in a warmer, subtropical position with free draining soil. They need protection from frost when young.
Tasting like a tropical apricot they are a delicious addition to the garden. Fruit ripens in November – December.
Feijoas
The fruit that people love or hate! It is the hardiest of the subtropical fruits, tolerating light to moderate frosts once established. They prefer a full sun position but will grow in a part shade situation, albeit with a reduced crop. They don’t usually require irrigation but periods of drought at critical times will affect yield and quality. Feijoas are a reliably self fertile but cross pollination with another variety will improve the overall crop size as well as fruit size. Birds are the main pollinator for feijoas. The fruit is ripe when they drop off the tree. They can be cut back very hard if needed but do it after fruiting so you don’t remove the flower buds later in the season.
Figs
They do particularly well in areas with long hot summers and will cope in colder climates in a sheltered sunny spot. Birds stealing the fruit is the main issue with figs and netting is a necessity to ensure you get any fruit. Some varieties fruit two or even three times in a season. They can be espaliered against a wall or grown as a tree. All figs are self fertile and do not require a pollinator.
Tamarillos
The most adverse to cold and frost, they prefer a minimum day temperature of 15 degrees celsius. They love heat. They need a rich, free draining soil. They are fast growing, cropping in only their second winter after planting. They grow to approx 3m x 2m. They benefit from regular feeding and watering during dry spells.
Persimmon
Preferring heat, in the cold they go dormant, tolerating the cold to –2 degrees Celsius.
They need a long warm season for the fruit to mature so plant in a sunny spot, sheltered from cold, harsh winds. Avoid areas with late spring and early autumn frosts. They will tolerate most soils but do best in rich free drained soils. Until they establish, the wood is thin and weak so support is crucial and don’t let it fruit before the branch framework is established. They start fruiting from about 4 years old. They can grow successfully as an espalier. Birds will eat the fruit off the tree so keeping the tree more compact so bird netting is possible is a sensible idea.
They are an attractive small tree with large glossy leaves, beautiful autumn leaf colour and the fruit looks stunning holding on the tree into winter. There are two different types of persimmon. Astringent and non-astringent. Astringent are heart shaped, they are harvested when the fruit has turned fully orange but is still firm. It is left at room temperature to soften before eating. Non- astringent varieties that are a round, flat shape can be picked firm (store with bananas or apples to enable it to ripen further) or left to ripen on the tree and eaten at either stage. Fuyu is the common variety available in supermarkets or to buy as fruit trees. It is non-astringent.
There are more sub tropical fruit options including cherimoya and casimiroa available in New Zealand but they are less available to buy as fruit or as plants. If you want to grow some of these subtropical varieties in your garden, ensure you have the right conditions or protect and shelter as required to keep it happy and thriving.
Written for Gubba by Kelly Jean Reyland from Garden Advice NZ (www.gardenadvice.co.nz)