Fruit Growing Guides
41 fruits with complete growing information
From berries to tropical fruits, find the right fruit plants for your garden and climate zone.
Strawberry
Perennial fruit that produces for years. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, strawberry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 60-90 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Watermelon
Summer's iconic fruit. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 24°C and 30°C, watermelon adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 70-90 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Cantaloupe
Sweet, fragrant melon that needs long, hot summers. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 30°C, cantaloupe adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 80-100 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Blackberry
Vigorous bramble fruit. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, blackberry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 18°C and 28°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Blueberry
Acid-loving berry bush. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -20°C, blueberry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. Growing your own means harvesting at perfect ripeness, something commercial growers simply cannot match.
Raspberry
Delicate, flavorful berry. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -20°C, raspberry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.
Fig
Ancient fruit tree. Remarkably adaptable, fig tolerates temperatures from -5°C to 38°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. The flavour of home-grown fruit, picked at peak ripeness, is incomparably better than anything from a supermarket.
Grape
Vigorous climbing vine. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, grape performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 18°C and 30°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-1095 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Lemon
Evergreen citrus tree. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 30°C, lemon adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Lime
Tropical citrus. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 20°C and 32°C, lime adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. Growing your own means harvesting at perfect ripeness, something commercial growers simply cannot match.
Avocado
Tropical tree fruit. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 28°C, avocado adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 1095-1825 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.
Mango
King of tropical fruits. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 24°C and 35°C, mango adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season, and expect to harvest in roughly 1095-1825 days. The flavour of home-grown fruit, picked at peak ripeness, is incomparably better than anything from a supermarket.
Papaya
Fast-growing tropical fruit. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 32°C, papaya adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 270-365 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Passion Fruit
Tropical climbing vine with exotic flowers and tangy fruit. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 20°C and 30°C, passion fruit adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-545 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Pineapple
Tropical bromeliad. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 32°C, pineapple adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks, and expect to harvest in roughly 545-730 days. Growing your own means harvesting at perfect ripeness, something commercial growers simply cannot match.
Banana
Tropical herbaceous plant (not a tree). A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 32°C, banana adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and frequent watering — it is a thirsty plant that dislikes dry soil, and expect to harvest in roughly 270-365 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.
Boysenberry
Large, dark berry -- a cross of raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, boysenberry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-545 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.
Cacao
Source of chocolate. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 24°C and 30°C, cacao adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and frequent watering — it is a thirsty plant that dislikes dry soil, and expect to harvest in roughly 1095-1825 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Coffee Plant
Tropical shrub producing coffee cherries. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 20°C and 28°C, coffee plant adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 1095-1460 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.
Dragon Fruit
Stunning cactus fruit with pink skin and speckled flesh. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 32°C, dragon fruit adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.
Elderberry
Hardy shrub with immune-boosting berries for syrups, jams, and wine. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -20°C, elderberry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Goji Berry
Superfruit shrub producing small red berries packed with antioxidants. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, goji berry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 28°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Gooseberry
Tart berry bush perfect for jams and pies. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -20°C, gooseberry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Jackfruit
Largest tree fruit in the world -- can weigh 35kg. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 24°C and 32°C, jackfruit adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 1095-1825 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Kiwi
Vigorous vine producing fuzzy brown fruit. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, kiwi performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 730-1460 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.
Kumquat
Tiny citrus eaten whole -- sweet skin with tart flesh. Remarkably adaptable, kumquat tolerates temperatures from -5°C to 35°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. The flavour of home-grown fruit, picked at peak ripeness, is incomparably better than anything from a supermarket.
Mulberry
Hardy fruit tree with sweet-tart berries. Remarkably adaptable, mulberry tolerates temperatures from -20°C to 35°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-1095 days. Growing your own means harvesting at perfect ripeness, something commercial growers simply cannot match.
Nectarine
Smooth-skinned peach relative. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, nectarine performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 18°C and 28°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-1095 days. The flavour of home-grown fruit, picked at peak ripeness, is incomparably better than anything from a supermarket.
Olive
Ancient Mediterranean tree. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -8°C, olive performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 18°C and 30°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks, and expect to harvest in roughly 1095-1825 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Peach
Beloved stone fruit with fuzzy skin and sweet juicy flesh. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, peach performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 18°C and 28°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-1095 days. Growing your own means harvesting at perfect ripeness, something commercial growers simply cannot match.
Pear
Long-lived fruit tree. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -20°C, pear performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 730-1460 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.
Persimmon
Beautiful ornamental fruit tree. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, persimmon performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 18°C and 28°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season, and expect to harvest in roughly 730-1460 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Plum
Adaptable stone fruit. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -20°C, plum performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 730-1460 days. A favourite of home orchardists and fruit gardeners, it can be trained, pruned, and shaped to fit most spaces.
Pomegranate
Ancient fruit with ruby seeds (arils). Remarkably adaptable, pomegranate tolerates temperatures from -5°C to 40°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks, and expect to harvest in roughly 730-1095 days. Growing your own means harvesting at perfect ripeness, something commercial growers simply cannot match.
Star Fruit
Tropical tree with waxy, star-shaped fruit when sliced. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 30°C, star fruit adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 730-1460 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Cranberry
Tart bog berry for sauces and juices. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -30°C, cranberry performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and frequent watering — it is a thirsty plant that dislikes dry soil, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-1095 days. Growing your own means harvesting at perfect ripeness, something commercial growers simply cannot match.
Guava
Tropical fruit tree with aromatic fruit. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 30°C, guava adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. The flavour of home-grown fruit, picked at peak ripeness, is incomparably better than anything from a supermarket.
Lychee
Prized tropical fruit with floral aroma and translucent flesh in rough red shell. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 30°C, lychee adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 1825-3650 days. Patience pays off — once established, it produces reliably season after season with proper care.
Physalis
Ground cherry / cape gooseberry with sweet fruit in papery husks. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 15°C and 25°C, physalis adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 70-90 days. The flavour of home-grown fruit, picked at peak ripeness, is incomparably better than anything from a supermarket.
Black Currant
Intensely flavored berry for jams, syrups, and cassis liqueur. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -30°C, black currant performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. Give it full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, and expect to harvest in roughly 365-730 days. Growing your own means harvesting at perfect ripeness, something commercial growers simply cannot match.
Jujube
Chinese date -- sweet, date-like fruit on extremely drought-tolerant tree. Remarkably adaptable, jujube tolerates temperatures from -15°C to 40°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. Give it full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks, and expect to harvest in roughly 730-1460 days. Well worth the space it takes — a single productive plant can supply a household through the season.