Anyone grow Apples or Pears in Florida?
 

I just picked up two apple and a pear tree. Both trees are grafts from UF (University of Florida) designed to grow in Florida climates.

The Apples we purchased are a Golden Dorset and an Anna (supposedly produce best when cross pollinated).

The pear is a self-pollinating Kieffer.

All Three trees are in 15 gallon pots and stand at about 8 to 10 feet tall. In fact, our Golden Dorset already has an apple on it and managed to survive the two hour ride home!

In any case, I wanted to get any general advice any of you who have been successful at growing and producing fruit. Things such as best type and amount of fertilizer? Watering? Have you kept your trees in pots or have you planted? I was planning on keeping them in pots at least until we out grow 30 to 50 gallon pots then we will probably plant.

We will likely purchase more of these trees if we are met with success and then begin grafting our own.

Thank you!

Dave

Re: Anyone grow Apples or Pears in Florida?
 

I guess that is a "no". Are these trees only for north FL or can we grow them next to our coconuts and bananas.

Re: Anyone grow Apples or Pears in Florida?
 

Indeed, they will grow next to your coconuts and bananas. They will grow in North, Central and I believe Southern Florida assuming you plant the tree high enough above the water table in a sandy soil. If you plant, they reccomend you build a mound of about 10 feet in diameter and about 3 to 4 feet high of native soil where you plant it. This will keep it's roots well drained and safe from root rot which seems to be their biggest issue in Florida.

Unlike our orange trees, they are fairly adapt to cold weather (obviously due to their northern climate origin). They flower in spring and are ready to harvest in early summer.

I have talked to a few nurseries and they all seem to report good results if you water adequately and fertilize with a 10-10-10. You can water and fertilize too much so apparently this is something you will have to learn through trial and error but I have found a little material on the University of Florida website where they graft these trees.

We are quite excited and are looking forward to next years growing season. When I get a chance I will take a picture of what I purchased.

Our next purchases will be citrus trees and a few coffee plants.

Dave

Re: Anyone grow Apples or Pears in Florida?
 

Since there is no real winter there, it makes me wonder whether it could produce fruit without the down season. I thought all the leaves had to freeze off for new flowers to bud the following spring.

Re: Anyone grow Apples or Pears in Florida?
 

Some fruit trees have to be below freezing for a period of time to even produce fruit. Not sure about apples or pair variants for the southern climate.
Most peach trees in my neck of the woods need a deep freeze to produse fruit.

Re: Anyone grow Apples or Pears in Florida?
 

Yes, most Apples, pears, peach, etc. require a certain amount of "chill hours". The Golden Dorset and Anna are hybridized for the Florida climate. I am sure they do better the further north you have them but the do bear fruit in Florida none-the-less.

As I mentioned, the fruit is definitely smaller than your average northern grown apple but are just as tasty.

Obviously, you wouldn't count on the apple being a large producer in your orchid; however, it provides a nice treat for a climate not ideal for it's growth.

Dave