Caring for Fruit Trees: From Figs to Mangoes

Fruit trees are a rewarding addition to any garden, offering fresh, homegrown fruit while adding beauty and diversity to your outdoor space. Whether you're new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, growing and caring for fruit trees can be both enjoyable and beneficial. From beginner-friendly figs to more advanced mangoes, this comprehensive guide will take you through the essentials of caring for the popular fruit trees available at Sow Exotic.

1. Figs (Ficus carica): Beginner-Friendly and Resilient

Figs are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and adaptable to various soil types, figs thrive in both containers and in-ground gardens.

How to Care for Figs:

Light: Figs love full sun, so plant them in a spot where they’ll receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: They prefer well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. If planting in a container, use a mix designed for fruit trees or add compost for nutrition.
Watering: Water consistently, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings.
Pruning: Light pruning helps maintain shape and encourages fruit production. Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.
Harvesting: Figs are ready to harvest when they become soft, droop slightly, and release a sweet fragrance. Fresh figs don’t last long, so enjoy them right away or preserve them.

Popular varieties like Brown Turkey Fig and Violette de Bordeaux offer rich, sweet fruits and are well-suited for Zones 7-10.

2. Citrus (Citrus spp.): Vibrant and Flavorful

Citrus trees, from lemons and limes to oranges and grapefruits, are a favorite for gardeners seeking bright, fragrant fruits. These trees are a bit more advanced but still manageable for gardeners with a little experience.

How to Care for Citrus Trees:

Light: Citrus trees need full sun to produce high-quality fruit, so plant them in a sunny, sheltered location.
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal. If your soil is heavy or retains too much water, consider planting in a raised bed or large container.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Citrus trees are sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing: Citrus trees are heavy feeders. Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer in the growing season (spring and summer) to support fruiting.
Frost Protection: In cooler climates (Zones 8-9), cover your trees or move container plants indoors when frost threatens.

At Sow Exotic, we offer several citrus varieties, including Meyer Lemon and Key Lime, both of which are excellent for indoor or outdoor growing in warmer zones (8-11).

3. Avocados (Persea americana): A Gardener’s Favorite

Avocados are highly prized for their creamy, nutritious fruits, but they require a bit more care than figs or citrus. Best suited for gardeners in warmer zones (9-11), avocado trees can be grown outdoors or in large containers in cooler regions.

How to Care for Avocados:

Light: Avocado trees thrive in full sun, so give them plenty of light, especially during their growing season.
Soil: Avocados prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7. They don’t tolerate waterlogged conditions, so raised beds or well-draining pots are ideal.
Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture without overwatering.
Fertilizing: Feed avocado trees regularly with a balanced fertilizer, especially during the growing season. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and worm castings, work well.
Pruning: Prune young trees to encourage a strong structure, removing weak or crossing branches.
Cold Protection: Avocado trees are sensitive to frost, so cover them or bring containers indoors if temperatures drop below 30°F.

Popular varieties like Hass Avocado are a great choice for home gardeners looking for a reliable fruiting tree in Zones 9-11.

4. Mangoes (Mangifera indica): Advanced but Rewarding

Mango trees are a favorite for those who love tropical fruits, but they require more care than other fruit trees. Best suited for Zones 10-11, mangoes can still be grown in containers in cooler regions (Zones 9 and below) with proper overwintering techniques.

How to Care for Mangoes:

Light: Mango trees need full sun to thrive, with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: They prefer sandy, well-draining soil. If growing in containers, use a soil mix designed for tropical plants, and ensure the pot has good drainage.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during the growing season. However, be cautious not to overwater, as mango trees are sensitive to waterlogged soil.
Fertilizing: Mango trees benefit from regular feeding with a high-nitrogen fertilizer in their early years, followed by a balanced fertilizer as they mature.
Pruning: Prune to shape the tree and encourage airflow. Remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches, especially after the fruiting season.
Cold Protection: Mangoes are highly sensitive to cold. If you live in a cooler zone, keep your mango tree in a container so you can move it indoors or into a greenhouse when temperatures drop.

Varieties like Kent and Keitt Mango are popular for their large, sweet fruit and grow well in warmer climates. For gardeners in cooler zones, dwarf varieties are ideal for container growing.

5. Guavas (Psidium spp.): Tropical Flavor in the Garden

Guavas are another tropical fruit tree that’s becoming more popular among home gardeners. These trees are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in the ground in Zones 9-11 or in containers in cooler regions.

How to Care for Guavas:

Light: Like most tropical trees, guavas need full sun to produce flavorful fruits.
Soil: Guavas are adaptable to different soil types but prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Watering: Guava trees should be watered deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage strong fruiting.
Pruning: Prune guava trees regularly to maintain their shape and remove dead or crossing branches. This also helps with airflow and reduces disease risk.

At Sow Exotic, we offer different guava varieties, including Tropical White Guava and Red Malaysian Guava, both of which provide delicious fruit and ornamental value with their colorful bark and leaves.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beginner starting with figs or an advanced gardener tackling mangoes, caring for fruit trees is an incredibly rewarding experience. With the right care and attention, your fruit trees will not only provide you with an abundant harvest but also enhance the beauty and biodiversity of your garden.

At Sow Exotic, we offer a wide range of fruit trees, from beginner-friendly varieties to more advanced species for experienced gardeners. Explore our collection and start growing your dream garden today!

Happy Gardening!
The Sow Exotic Team 🌿