Gardening with Tropical Fruit

January 2005

By Gene Joyner, Extension Agent
Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

We’ve been fortunate so far by not having cold temperatures, but that could change over the next month or two. Keep tender tropical fruits protected during cold weather by covering them or if they are in containers moving them to more protected locations.

Now is not a good time for heavy pruning on trees unless they are fully dormant since pruning might stimulate regrowth which would be tender and more easily damaged by low temperatures.

Many fruit trees are kind of idling this month waiting for spring, but you may see some blooms on dooryard citrus as well as mangoes. Usually it’s the middle part of February before things really start going providing we don’t get late February cold weather.

You can still do grafting this time of year although it does take longer to heal and cuttings can be rooted if you can keep these in a protected location. Seeds are slower to germinate because of lower temperatures, but if you have seeds that you wish to plant you can still do it this time of year.

Many tropical fruits are losing a lot of last year’s leaves which is normal going through the winter months.