Florida Balm

List of Fruits that Grow in Florida

This list of fruits that grow in Florida will help you determine which varieties are perfect for sourcing fresh from local farms and which ones you might be able to grow right in your backyard or even in a container garden! Florida’s climate supports a wide range of fruits, and knowing the right planting zones is essential for ensuring that each type of fruit thrives.

When you’re planning to grow fruit at home, it’s important to consider the size of each plant or tree and how often it produces—especially if you have limited space. Some fruits need lots of room and take years to mature, while others can thrive in smaller spaces and yield multiple harvests each year. 

For instance, if you have a small backyard and want to grow as much fruit as possible, you might want to skip pineapple plants. While delicious, they take up around 3 feet of space each and only produce one fruit every 1 to 1.5 years! That’s a lot of space for limited fruit, especially compared to varieties that produce several times per season.

Use this guide to choose the best fruits to buy locally or grow yourself, and start enjoying Florida’s fresh, tropical flavors year-round!

CK author

by Christa Kelly | Updated 11/14/24
This blog post contains affiliate links

Florida Planting Zones

Florida plant hardiness zone map sketch by Florida Balm

Florida is divided into multiple planting zones, ranging from 8a in the northern regions to 11 in the southernmost parts of the state. 

These zones are based on the average minimum winter temperature and are crucial for determining which plants and fruits can thrive in a particular area.

Knowing your planting zone is important when planning to grow fruits at home because it helps ensure that the plants you choose are suited to the climate in your region. 

For example, tropical fruits like mangoes thrive in warmer zones (10-11), while more cold-tolerant fruits like apples can grow in cooler zones (8-9).

To find your specific zone, check out the USDA Planting Zone map USDA Planting Zone Map. This map provides valuable information about the hardiness of plants and guides you in selecting the best fruits and vegetables to grow in your area. By understanding your planting zone, you can make informed decisions, maximizing your chances of growing a successful fruit garden at home!

Orange Grove in Central Florida

Citrus Fruits

Most citrus in Florida grows between Central and South Florida, and the best way to figure it out is by using planting zones. However, there are many varieties of these different types of citrus which have been adapted to grow in different zones. 

When buying a citrus tree to grow at home, make sure to know what zone you live in and match it to the citrus that will grow there.

And if you have limited space, look for “dwarf” varieties of the citrus you’d like to grow.

  • Oranges
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Tree, 15-30 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in fall to winter
    See my blog post on Orange Season in Florida and Best Ways to Enjoy It

  • Grapefruits
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Tree, 15-25 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in winter to spring

  • Tangerines
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Tree, 10-15 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in late fall to early winter

  • Lemons
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Tree, 10-20 feet tall
    Production: Can produce multiple times a year; main harvest in winter

  • Limes
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Small tree, 8-15 feet tall
    Production: Can produce several times a year; peak in summer to early fall

  • Kumquats
    Zone: 9-10
    Size: Shrub or small tree, 8-15 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in winter

Valencia Pride mango season
Mango Tree
dragon fruit
Dragonfruit

Tropical and Subtropical Fruits

  • Mangoes
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Large tree, 30-100 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in summer
    See my blog on Valencia Pride Mangoes

  • Papayas
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Tree, 6-15 feet tall
    Production: Nearly continuous production year-round in warm conditions

  • Bananas
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Herbaceous plant, 10-25 feet tall
    Production: Perennial; each plant produces one bunch per season

  • Pineapples
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Short plant, 3-5 feet wide
    Production: Each plant produces one pineapple every 18-24 months

  • Lychees
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Tree, 20-40 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in summer

  • Guavas
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Shrub or small tree, 10-15 feet tall
    Production: Twice per year; harvest in summer and early winter

  • Passion Fruit
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Vine, up to 20 feet
    Production: Produces multiple times a year in warm climates

  • Starfruit (Carambola)
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Small tree, 10-20 feet tall
    Production: Multiple harvests a year; peaks in late fall to early winter

  • Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Climbing cactus, 10-20 feet
    Production: Several crops per year; peak in summer
    See my post on Dragon Fruit Season in Florida 

  • Mamey Sapote
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Large tree, 40-60 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in spring to summer

  • Sapodilla
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Tree, 30-50 feet tall
    Production: Produces multiple times a year, with peak in spring

  • Longan
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Tree, 20-40 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in summer

  • Jackfruit
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Large tree, 30-70 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in spring and summer

  • Avocados
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Tree, 30-60 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest depends on variety but typically summer to fall
Blackberries
when is blackberry season in Florida
U-Pick Blackberry Farm

Berries

  • Blueberries
    Zone: 8-10 (Southern highbush varieties)
    Size: Shrub, 4-6 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in spring

  • Blackberries
    Zone: 8-10
    Size: Bramble, 3-5 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in summer
    See my blog post all about Blackberry Season in Florida and see u-pick farms to visit, ideas for enjoying blackberries, a great blackberry cocktail recipe and more! 

  • Mulberries
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Tree, 30-50 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in spring

  • Surinam Cherries
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Shrub or small tree, 6-15 feet tall
    Production: Multiple times a year in warm climates

  • Strawberry Guava
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Shrub or small tree, 10-15 feet tall
    Production: Twice per year; harvest in summer and winter

  • Elderberries
    Zone: 8-10
    Size: Shrub, 6-12 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in late summer

Stone Fruits

  • Peaches
    Zone: 8-10 (low-chill varieties)
    Size: Tree, 10-20 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in spring

  • Nectarines
    Zone: 8-10 (low-chill varieties)
    Size: Tree, 10-20 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in spring

  • Plums
    Zone: 8-9
    Size: Tree, 10-15 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in spring

Figs

  • Figs
    Zone: 8-11
    Size: Shrub or small tree, 10-20 feet tall
    Production: Twice per year; main crop in summer

Grapes

  • Muscadine Grapes
    Zone: 7-10
    Size: Vine, can grow up to 20 feet
    Production: Annual; harvest in late summer

  • Scuppernong Grapes
    Zone: 7-10
    Size: Vine, up to 20 feet
    Production: Annual; harvest in late summer

Other Unique Fruits

  • Loquats
    Zone: 8-10
    Size: Tree, 10-20 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in late winter to spring

  • Pomegranates
    Zone: 8-11
    Size: Shrub or small tree, 6-15 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in late summer to fall

  • Pawpaws
    Zone: 8-9
    Size: Small tree, 15-20 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in late summer

  • Jaboticaba
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Small tree, 10-15 feet tall
    Production: Multiple times a year, with peaks in spring and fall

  • Acerola Cherries
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Shrub or small tree, 6-12 feet tall
    Production: Multiple times a year in warm climates

  • Soursop
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Tree, 20-30 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in summer

  • Tamarind
    Zone: 10-11
    Size: Large tree, 40-60 feet tall
    Production: Annual; harvest in late spring to early summer

  • Miracle Fruit
    Zone: 9-11
    Size: Shrub, 4-5 feet tall
    Production: Multiple times a year, with peak in summer

Exploring Florida’s local fruits is a delicious way to support health and local farmers, all while discovering new flavors. Visiting local farms or enjoying a fun day out at a U-pick farm allows you to get the freshest, in-season produce and connect directly with the growers who nurture these fruits.

U-picks are perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to experience Florida’s harvest firsthand—plus, there’s nothing like biting into a freshly picked fruit!

If you’re considering growing fruit at home, even a small space can yield rewarding results. Many fruits on this list thrive in container gardens or compact spaces, giving you the chance to enjoy your own harvest without needing a large yard. With a little planning, you can grow a surprising variety of fruits right on your porch or patio.

Whether you buy from local farms or grow your own, adding more fresh, local fruit to your routine is a great way to savor Florida’s natural bounty. Enjoy the journey of tasting, growing, and supporting local agriculture—your taste buds and community will thank you!

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CK author

Hi! I’m Christa Kelly, born and raised in Florida. My favorite vacations are staycations especially with my kids and family. We love exploring everything Florida: places, history, attractions, events… and sharing with you!