Fruit tree success begins with picking the proper tree to your growing zone. At the Mediterranean-like climate of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 9, it is possible to develop a range of tasty, fruit-producing trees that are overgrown. Some of the top types to develop include citrus (Citrus spp.) , figs (Ficus carica), several kinds of avocados (Persea americana) and olives (Olea europaea).
Figs
With over 200 varieties of fig trees hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10, this exotic-tasting fruit gives you a vast range of options. Native to western Asia, figs are ideally suited to its Mediterranean climate of USDA zone 9. Try classics such as the “Black Mission” fig, a cultivar that produces sweet black figs with delicate pink centres or, “Adriatic,” a green-skinned fig using pink to purple centres. Apart from fig cultivars with unique flavor comprise “Brown Turkey,” the sweet “Excel” and the red-browned fruit of “Osborn’s Prolific.”
Citrus
Citrus trees, using their thick petals and fragrant, tangy fruit, provide a tropical flair into your garden. All these mild-climate trees grow in USDA zones 9 through 11. It is possible to develop a rack of orange trees (Citrus sinensis), an assortment of lemons (Citrus limon) along with the big, tart grapefruit (Citrus X paradisi). If you would like to try more exotic citrus fruits, then develop the giant pummelo (Citrus pummelo) tree, or even a sweet clementine (Citrus reticulata “Clementine”).
Olives
Based on the way you feel about olives, you might or might not believe them a fruit. Technically, however, they belong to this fruit group of stuff you may grow in your own garden. A native of the Mediterranean, olive trees are ideally suited to USDA zone 9, and are hardy in zones 9a through 11. For curing and eating — olives have to be cured before they are edible — plant “Sevillano” or “Manzanillo.” If you know someone who can press the olives for oil, good varieties comprise “Frantoio,” “Mission” or “Arbequina.” Olives can be invasive in some areas.
Avocados
It’s possible to develop avocado trees (Persea americana), hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, by picking out the cold-tolerant Mexican species which may survive under icy temperatures. At USDA zone 9a, temperatures fall down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, limiting the kinds you’ll be able to plant. Try the cold-hardy “Mexicola,” sturdy down to 20 F, or “Mexicola Grande,” a number which tolerates temperatures as low as 18 F. “Duke” avocados survive down to 22 F. At USDA zone 9b, in which winter lows rarely drop below 25 F, it is possible to develop “Bacon,” “Hass,” “Zutano” and “Queen” varieties.