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4:00 AM 25th September 2021
nature

Tropical Fruits That Will Grow In UK Gardens

 
Brits wanting to bring homegrown tropical tastes to their plate are being given expert advice on how to grow them in the UK’s climate.

Pineapple guava flowers - Image by Nicholas Demetriades from Pixabay
Pineapple guava flowers - Image by Nicholas Demetriades from Pixabay
The plant professionals over at GardeningExpress.co.uk have compiled a list of the most exotic fruits that will grow in any UK garden, with or without the assistance of a greenhouse.

British weather isn’t always predictable, making it uncertain which exotic species will fare the best in our ever-changing and often unpredictable climate.

Gardeners might not be able to get abroad this year, but this guide will let them enjoy their favourite exotic fruit plant from the comfort of their back yard.

Pineapple guavas, Chinese loquats, pomegranates, figs and apricots can all produce tasty fruits in the UK, as long as they are well looked after.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Growing exotic fruit in your garden will pay off massively over the summer months when you fancy a refreshing bite of something homegrown.

“Whilst some of these plants aren’t super acclimatised to uncertain summers, they will thrive with a bit of TLC and warmth. Gardeners can employ a range of tactics to keep them flourishing, including fertiliser, using pots, and moving the plants indoors at the height of winter.

“Growing plants in pots allows gardeners to rearrange their containers and move them around the garden to catch the most of sunshine!”

Pineapple Guavas

Pineapple guavas - Image by Chesna from Pixabay
Pineapple guavas - Image by Chesna from Pixabay
Originally found in Brazil and South America, Brits can grow this deliciously sweet fruit in their back gardens. The plant produces green-skinned, egg-shaped fruit that tastes like a peach, plum, strawberry and pineapple all rolled in one! They like living in well-drained soil, in a warm position, preferably in light shade and don’t fare well in temperatures lower than -12C. They also sprout edible, crimson and white flowers, which are very pretty and perfect for decorating cakes. Patience will be the key to growing a Pineapple Guava, as the bush can sometimes take several years to produce fruit.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates - Image by hartono subagio from Pixabay
Pomegranates - Image by hartono subagio from Pixabay
Not only do Pomegranates taste great, but they are also high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and are also known for boosting immune systems. The tree has a rich and colourful appearance, making for a stunning, summery focal point for your garden. In order to harvest ripe fruits, the plant should be kept warm and sunny, but sheltered spot. The attractive ornamental specimen blooms with orange-red flowers and has gorgeously glossy green leaves. They shouldn’t be left to get any colder than -12C, so growing them in a pot or container will allow you to move them indoors during colder temperatures.

Chinese Loquats

Chinese Loquats - Image by 雲 曾 from Pixabay
Chinese Loquats - Image by 雲 曾 from Pixabay
These ornamental evergreen shrubs will add a pop of colour to any garden when they bloom with fragrant white flowers twice a year. Whilst they are durable when dealing with low temperatures, during warmer weather they will also produce deep orange and yellow fruits, which taste sweet and slightly like a plumb. The leaves of these shrubs are also used in the Japanese tea "biwa cha".

Figs

Figs - Image by Simon from Pixabay
Figs - Image by Simon from Pixabay
Thought to be one of the world’s oldest trees, figs were originally found in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. When growing them outdoors in the UK, they behave best when planted against a sunny wall. During colder months they need a bit of extra protection and should be kept in a frost-free place. A single plant will provide a successful crop of the unique, sweet, soft and chewy fruit.

Apricots

Apricots - Image by 夏 沐沐 from Pixabay
Apricots - Image by 夏 沐沐 from Pixabay
Best grown in a sunny space shrouded in sun, growers should be prepared to cover the tree in a fleecy blanket when in flower and frost is forecast. During the summer months, they should be kept in a sheltered, warm position to encourage blossom and nectar flow. They perform best out of pots, in well-drained soil.