7 Edible Plants that Thrive in Hot and Humid Climates
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As a gardener, I always search for plants that handle hot and humid weather well. These seven edible plants are perfect for tropical gardens or growing food in subtropical areas. They include fragrant herbs and juicy fruits that can spice up your cooking.
Key Takeaways
- There are 22 heat-tolerant edible plants recommended for hot, full-sun locations1.
- Feijoas require at least 50 chill hours per year for optimal growth1.
- Many heat-tolerant plants are perennials with established roots, making them better suited for hot environments1.
- Lavender flowers simultaneously with Feijoas in some climates, attracting pollinators to enhance Feijoa harvests1.
- Zinnias are edible flowers that thrive in hot and dry conditions, attracting a diverse range of pollinators1.
Introduction to Edible Plants for Hot and Humid Climates
Gardening in hot and humid areas can be tough, but the right plants make it rewarding. You can grow a lush, productive garden. It’s all about managing pests, diseases, and keeping plants watered and fed.
But the joy of eating fresh, homegrown food is unmatched. It’s all worth the hard work.
The Challenges of Growing in Extreme Heat and Humidity
High heat and constant moisture can harm plants. They can get sick, attract pests, and struggle to get enough water2. Plants that grow fast, like those with less than 70 days to maturity, do better at high elevations2.
Tomatoes, peppers, and squash love the heat2. Corn and beans also thrive in hot weather2.
The Benefits of Cultivating Heat and Humidity-Tolerant Plants
There are many perks to growing plants that love heat and humidity3. These plants, from tropical areas, can handle the heat and moisture. Their bright colors and waxy leaves help them stay healthy3.
Choosing the right plants means a garden that’s easy to care for. It will give you plenty of food with little effort.
Heat-tolerant plants can also increase your harvest2. Hoop houses with shade cloth can boost tomato yields by a lot2. Summer squash like Golden Dawn III can grow a lot of fruit2.
Leafy greens and other plants also do well in the heat. They give you a steady supply of fresh food2.
By facing the challenges and enjoying the benefits, gardeners in hot climates can create a paradise. It’s a place that feeds both the body and the soul.
7 Powerful Plants that Thrive in Hot and Humid Climates
1. Guava: A Tropical Fruit Powerhouse
Guava is a tasty and packed-with-nutrients fruit that loves hot and humid weather. It comes from places like Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, and even the Caribbean. People have been growing guavas since 2500 BC in Peru7. Today, guavas are grown in many places, including subtropical and tropical Asia, parts of the United States, tropical Africa, and Oceania7.
Strawberry and Lemon Cherry Guava Varieties
There are many guava types, like strawberry guava and lemon cherry guava. These add a special flavor to the usual guava taste. They open up new ways to enjoy guavas, whether you like the sweet strawberry guava or the tangy lemon cherry guava.
Growing and Harvesting Guavas
Guava trees can grow a lot, up to 20 feet tall, and spread wide8. They can handle different soils and need lots of sunlight, at least six hours a day8. Guavas grown from seeds take eight years to fruit, but they can keep producing for forty years78. This makes them great for indoor growing in subtropical areas7.
Guava growing is fun and rewarding for both new and experienced gardeners. With varieties like strawberry and lemon cherry, and trees that last for decades, it’s a great way to enjoy tropical flavors at home.
| Guava Production Statistics | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Guava Production Worldwide (2019) | 55 million tonnes7 |
| India’s Guava Production (2019) | 21.8 million tonnes, contributing 45% of the total production7 |
| Other Major Guava Producers (2019) | China (4.8 million tonnes), Thailand (3.8 million tonnes)7 |
Guavas are not just tasty; they’re also very nutritious. A 100-gram serving of raw guava has 68 calories and lots of dietary fiber and vitamin C, giving you 275% of your daily vitamin C needs7.
“Guavas are one of the few tropical fruits that can grow to fruiting size indoors, making them an appealing option for home growers in subtropical areas.”
2. Mulberry: A Fast-Growing Pioneer Plant
Gardeners looking for tough and useful plants for hot, humid areas should think about mulberry. This hardy tree grows fast and can quickly take over tough spots9. It thrives in USDA zones 10-12, perfect for tropical and subtropical areas9.
Mulberry is great for edible gardens because it grows fast and adapts well. It can grow up to 2 meters in the first year, offering shade and helping other plants grow9. It’s also good for food, medicine, and helping restore damaged areas9.
Mulberry does well in many soils, as long as it’s well-drained9. But, it needs lots of sunlight and can’t handle shade9. It also needs both male and female plants to produce fruit and seeds9.
Mulberry is perfect for gardeners wanting a diverse, thriving edible garden in hot, humid places9. Its fast growth and ability to adapt make it a valuable addition9.
Mulberry is a great choice for any gardener, new or experienced. It adapts to tough conditions, provides shade, and acts as a pioneer plant9. It’s a key plant for creating a productive, resilient edible garden9.
“Mulberry is a true marvel of nature, showcasing its adaptability and resilience in the face of extreme heat and humidity. Its fast-growing nature and pioneering spirit make it an indispensable addition to any edible garden.”
When looking for edible plants for hot, humid climates, mulberry should be at the top of your list. Its unique qualities and benefits make it a standout choice for a thriving, sustainable garden9. With mulberry as a base, your garden can flourish, even in tough conditions9.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Native Range | Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa)9 |
| Habitat | Rainforests, forests of drier regions, and semi-deciduous forests with elevations up to 1,650 meters9 |
| Edibility Rating | 2 out of 59 |
| Medicinal Rating | 3 out of 59 |
| Weed Potential | No weed potential9 |
| Growth Rate | Fast, with a height increment of almost 2 meters in the first year in unshaded nursery beds9 |
| Propagation | Typically propagated by seed, with germination starting 5-12 days after sowing9 |
| Common Names | Liguncumence, Tongaland Mulberry, Ossel9 |
3. Feijoa: An Evergreen Edible Hedge
Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava, is a great choice for gardeners in hot and humid places. This evergreen shrub is feijoa heat tolerant and can be used as an feijoa edible hedge. It’s a useful and tasty addition to any garden13.
Feijoa plants are very hardy. They grow 12 to 15 feet tall and wide. They’re hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, but not in the southeast’s high humidity13. The fruit tastes better after freezing and can handle temperatures as low as 12 degrees F (-11 C)13.
Feijoa also has feijoa fire retardant properties. It’s good for areas at risk of wildfires. It also needs light fertilization every other month with half the 8-8-8 fertilizer, making it easy to care for13.
Feijoa plants are great for dense, informal hedges or screens. They should be spaced 5 feet apart for a barrier hedge and 3 feet for a foundation planting13. They do well in growing feijoa humid climates, perfect for tropical and subtropical areas.
Feijoa is perfect for adding something unique and edible to your garden or creating a beautiful hedge. Its heat tolerance, fire-retardant properties, and easy care make it a top choice for growing feijoa humid climates.
“Feijoa is a remarkable plant that thrives in hot, humid conditions, offering both practical and delicious benefits to the home gardener.”
| Feijoa Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Height and Width | 12 to 15 feet (4-5 meters)13 |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 8 through 1113 |
| Fruit Taste and Temperature | Tastes better when exposed to freezing temperatures, can withstand 12 degrees F (-11 C)13 |
| Fertilization Requirements | Light fertilization every other month with about half the recommended amount of 8-8-8 fertilizer13 |
| Hedge Spacing | 5 feet (1.5 meters) for a barrier hedge, 3 feet (1 meter) for a foundation planting13 |
4. Passionfruit: A Vibrant Vining Fruit
Passionfruit is a captivating vining plant that thrives in hot and humid climates14. It grows to be 10 to 15 feet tall and spreads 3 to 5 feet wide. This makes it a beautiful and productive addition to any garden14. These plants love heat and grow best in zones 10 to 12. They start bearing fruit within a year of planting14.
Choosing the Right Passionfruit Variety
Choosing the right passionfruit variety is key for your climate14. The most common species is Passiflora edulis, from southern Brazil and Paraguay14. This fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and iron14. Make sure your vines get full sun to part shade for the best growth14.
In humid climates, keeping humidity between 40-60% is crucial for growth15. Use digital hygrometers to check humidity levels. Mist, water-filled pebble trays, and good ventilation help create the perfect environment15. Too much humidity can cause yellow leaves and fungal growth, so manage moisture well15.
By picking the right passionfruit and providing the best conditions, gardeners in hot and humid areas can enjoy these nutritious fruits1415.
5. Citrus: A Sunny Delight in Hot Climates
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are perfect for hot and humid places. With proper care, they grow well and give lots of tasty fruits. These fruits make any meal or drink more refreshing16.
Citrus plants are great for containers and can be kept small with pruning16. They can even handle some neglect, making them good for hot summers16.
But, growing citrus in pots has its challenges. Root diseases, like those from water molds, can be a big problem16. To fight this, use a potting mix that drains well and grow them in clay or terracotta pots16.
It’s key to avoid overfertilizing citrus plants. This can make them weak and more prone to diseases16. Signs of root trouble include leaf drop and the plant losing its shine, often due to Pythium and Phytophthora16.
To keep your citrus plants healthy, keep the soil slightly acidic, between 6.5 and 6.016. Don’t overfeed them in late summer to help them grow strong roots for winter16. Also, using beneficial bacteria and fungi can help fight diseases and keep the plant strong16.
While citrus needs special care, the rewards are worth it. With the right care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown citrus fruits in your hot and humid climate16.
Yuzu: A Citrus Fruit for Hot Climates
Yuzu is another citrus that thrives in hot and humid weather. It grows well in zones 8-11 when planted in the ground17. In Zone 7, it can grow near buildings, but it might not produce as much in cold years17. For zones 6 or lower, it’s best to grow yuzu in pots to protect it from cold17.
In the US, yuzu can cost up to $5 per fruit because it’s rare17. Different yuzu varieties have different traits, like plant size and seediness, but not juice flavor17. The ‘Tadanishiki’ variety is seedless, but it’s hard to find in the US because of shipping issues17.
Yuzu needs rich, well-drained soil and a slightly acidic pH17. It can grow up to 15′ tall and 10′ wide, with thorny branches17. It’s best to move yuzu plants into bigger pots every 8-12 months for the best growth17.
Yuzu’s unique flavor and ability to grow in hot climates make it a great choice for gardeners and cooks. By knowing how to grow it, you can enjoy its vibrant and refreshing taste17.
6. Lemon Verbena: A Lemony Fragrant Herb
Looking for a heat-tolerant, fragrant herb to brighten your cooking? Lemon verbena is your answer. This plant comes from South America, especially Argentina and Chile18. It loves warm weather, growing best between 65°F and 85°F18.
Lemon verbena is famous for its strong lemon scent and taste18. It’s perfect for any garden in warm places. It makes dishes and drinks taste amazing.
This herb is also good for your health, helping with digestion and stress18. You can use its leaves in teas, baked goods, salads, and dressings. It adds a fresh lemon taste to your food18.
Lemon verbena needs lots of sunlight, at least 6 to 8 hours a day, to grow well18. It’s important to water it right to avoid root rot. It grows well with basil, marigold, lavender, rosemary, mint, and thyme18.
The best time to pick lemon verbena is in the morning, after the dew has gone18. Its lemon flavor is bright and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness18. It’s great in Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Verbena and Basil Pesto, Lemon Verbena Lemonade, and Gin and Tonic with Fresh Lemon Verbena18.
Lemon verbena is perfect for both gardeners and cooks18. It adds flavor and a touch of the tropics to your home18. Its ability to handle heat and its many uses make it a great choice18.
Edible Plants High Humidity
Creating a food garden in hot and humid places can be tough. But, many plants love these conditions and grow well. Spider plants, gardenias, snake plants, and prayer plants are just a few examples. They offer many food options for gardeners and foragers.
The world of edible plants high humidity is full of possibilities. You can grow tropical fruits like guava and passionfruit. Also, herbs like lemon verbena and leafy greens are great for hot, humid areas19. By exploring these options, you can make your backyard a colorful and diverse jungle plant cuisine.
If you want to add to your humid region foraging guide or create a tropical region wild edibles oasis, it’s important to know about these plants. With the right knowledge, you can enjoy a variety of tasty and healthy foods in your hot and humid garden2019.
Let’s explore the world of edible plants high humidity together. We’ll find the hidden treasures that can turn your humid region foraging guide into a paradise of flavors. Get ready to enjoy a rich harvest of resilient and versatile edibles in your garden.
7. Loquat: A Hardy Fruiting Tree
Loquat is a tough and fruitful tree that does well in hot, humid places. It grows fast, up to 1 to 2 feet a year21. These trees love USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 1121. They need well-draining soil and a pH of 6.0 to 8.021.
While they can handle some drought, they do best with regular water21.
Managing Loquat’s Invasive Potential
When growing loquat, watch out for its invasive nature. These trees can handle cold down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit21. But, they won’t produce fruit if it’s colder than 28 degrees Fahrenheit21.
Planting two loquat trees together can help with fruiting21. Varieties like ‘Golden Nugget,’ ‘Champagne,’ and ‘Tanaka’ are ready to pick between March and May21. It takes about three months for loquats to ripen on the tree21. Once picked, they can stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week21.
Dwarf loquat varieties, like ‘Premier,’ are great for growing in containers21.
To keep loquat from becoming invasive, prune them in late winter or early spring21. This also helps with fruiting. Don’t try to propagate loquat trees because it can mess with fruit quality and timing21. These trees can get pests like scale insects and diseases like fire blight21.
Planting different loquat varieties 100 feet apart is a good idea21.
Knowing how loquat trees grow and the challenges they face helps gardeners use them wisely. This way, they can enjoy the fruit while keeping the tree from becoming invasive212223.
Conclusion: Embracing the Heat with Edible Plants
Exploring edible plants that love hot and humid weather shows us gardeners can face and enjoy these conditions. We’ve seen how plants like rosemary and guava add flavor and nutrition to our meals24. By learning how plants handle heat, we can grow food that’s better for our planet.
Whether you grow chili peppers or drought-tolerant fruits, the goal is to make your garden strong2526. Using smart gardening techniques, like creating microclimates, helps plants thrive in tough weather. This shows how nature can adapt and inspire us.
By growing our own food in the heat, we help our local food systems grow stronger24. Understanding plant science and supporting green farming helps us build a better future. Let’s work together to make gardens full of delicious, healthy food a common sight.
Source Links
- https://sustainableholly.com/22-heat-tolerant-edible-plants-to-grow-in-hot-full-sun-locations/ – 22 heat-tolerant edible plants to grow in HOT full-sun locations – Sustainable Holly
- https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2205 – Selecting Vegetable Crops for Small-Scale Desert Production | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
- https://www.summerwindsnursery.com/ca/inspire/blog/plants-for-summer-heat/ – Perennials That Love The Heat | Blog
- https://www.gardendesign.com/edible/rosemary.html – How to Plant, Grow, & Use Rosemary Plants – Garden Design
- https://www.joyusgarden.com/growing-rosemary/ – How to Grow Rosemary: Easy Care Tips (Complete Guide)
- https://talkflowerstome.com/upright-rosemary-guide/ – Upright Rosemary and Beyond: A Complete Guide to This Versatile Herb – Talk Flowers to Me
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guava – Guava
- https://www.epicgardening.com/barbie-pink-guava/ – How to Plant, Grow, and Care For ‘Barbie Pink’ Guava Trees
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Morus mesozygia – Morus mesozygia African mulberry PFAF Plant Database
- https://www.azurefarmlife.com/farm-blog/a-beginners-guide-to-growing-lavender – A Beginner’s Guide To Growing Beautiful, Healthy Lavender
- https://greg.app/munstead-lavender-weed/ – 🌸 Munstead Lavender Is a Garden Plant, Not a Weed
- https://www.thecommons.earth/blog/10-drought-tolerant-pollinator-plants – 10 Drought-Tolerant Pollinator Plants
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pineapple-guava/feijoa-pineapple-guava-info.htm – Feijoa Pineapple Guava Info: Tips On Growing Feijoa Fruit Trees
- https://www.beebetternaturally.com/blog/2020/4/28/passion-vine – PASSION VINE, Passiflora edulis—Kind, Care, Culture, and Comments — Bee Better Naturally with Helen Yoest
- https://greg.app/passion-fruit-humidity/ – 💧 How Much Humidity Does My Passion Fruit Need?
- https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/citrus-houseplants – Episode 280: Citrus and other fruits to grow as houseplants — Jane Perrone
- https://www.tyrantfarms.com/yuzu-citrus-how-to-grow/ – Yuzu: a rare citrus you can grow in cool climates!
- https://blog.gardenuity.com/lemon-verbena/ – Lemon Verbena One Sheet: Everything You Need To Know
- https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/g28471402/best-bathroom-plants/ – 30 Humidity-Loving Plants for Your Bathroom
- https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-10-28/10-humidity-loving-houseplants-that-will-thrive-in-your-bathroom – 10 humidity-loving houseplants that will thrive in your bathroom
- https://www.thespruce.com/loquat-tree-plant-profile-5091599 – The Evergreen Loquat Tree Produces Fruit in the Spring
- https://www.beebetternaturally.com/blog/2020/5/5/loquat-eriobotrya-japonica-kind-culture-care-and-comments – LOQUAT, Eriobotrya japonica—Kind, Culture, Care, and Comments. — Bee Better Naturally with Helen Yoest
- https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG050 – HS5/MG050: Loquat Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
- https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/plants-regulate-their-body-temperatures/74361/ – How plants regulate their body temperatures: Implications for climate change science & policy
- https://vegplotter.com/blog/10-heat-tolerant-veggies-for-hotter-summers – 10 Heat Tolerant Vegetables For Hotter Summers
- https://plantinfo.co.za/articles/growing-vegetables-in-the-heat-of-summer/ – Summer Vegetables That Grow in the Heat. – Plantinfo
