Growing Inga (Ice Cream Bean) Tree in USDA Zone 9b

[@B30pt87]

Very informative video. I live in Northern California (zone 9b) and I'm thrilled to know I can grow these trees. This is the third great video of yours I've watched (I subbed this time). Thank you.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. This video was made several years back. Here’s the latest update to my Inga trees: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipO4n3qIj7Flgrs

[@TropicalGardeningCyprus]

I bought an inga tree, and I have it sitting right behind me in my workplace waiting to be planted next spring, and I thought I should do a little bit of research before time comes, and this video I believe provided the most important information. The plan was to plant it right next to my pond... now I know to plant it as far away as possible from the pond, thank you.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. The Inga tree grows super quick and it’s roots are massive. I think you’ll enjoy the fruits once your tree starts producing them.

[@josuediaz8392]

I have Inga edulis in Fresno, and tried Inga spectabilis. Spectabilis is native to the amazon basin and did not like our winter. Edulis is native throughout central America and that one is doing fine in fresno

[@BlakesNaturelife]

Enjoy hearing you was successful. That ya didn’t give up. Look at it now. Whoa!

[@TheJohnGray]

Made me chuckle that you have your ice cream bean right next to your jamun, I'm over here in Arizona and that's exactly where I was planning to put my ice cream bean too, still trying to determine if I have the space

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Nice. They make excellent protector trees, as well as producing delicious fruits. The icing on the cake is the fact that the Ice Cream Bean tree is nitrogen fixing.

[@olivercampbell2839]

Love the channel! I'm trying to grow inga as well in zone 9a but in the UK!! Which is a little more tricky. We don't get the heat or the consistent weather you get.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Our heat is a mixed blessing. In most days, we get too much of it, though the trees seem to love it.

[@anshbhatnagar251]

Recently got two seedlings from Exotica Nursery down south. They’re putting on some new growth. I plan to permanently grow them in containers. Thanks for the great video 👍🏽

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Awesome. I’ve been to Exoctica, and they had a great selection at the time. Priced very respectable as well.

[@anshbhatnagar251]

@@TropicalCentralValley Yeah the prices are definitely very good and a large selection. I also got a jujube seedling (which has one fruit set on it), a couple Surinam cherries, a cherimoya seedling, the ice beans, a white dragon fruit cutting, and a monstera deliciosa. Altogether under 90 dollars…amazing deal

[@amaturearcadia]

Nice, I'm about to buy one from Steve at exotica too

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’s awesome. I recall paying $10 for a small 1 gallon sized container. Aim for the smaller ones as they grow super quick.

[@TropicalGardenGuy]

Modesto low temps this past winter was only 32.8f… no freeze. I’m guessing thats why it did so well!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Visalia actually had gotten down to 26° this last winter. Last winter was warmer than typical, giving the tropicals a much needed break.

[@johnnyblade1293]

How did it do this year? It seems to be much colder this year.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

In my climate, it’s actually been the opposite. Thanks to the many weeks of atmospheric river, we only got about 6 below freezing incidents, so far.

[@OsirusHandle]

Wow 9b! Perhaps we could grow it in Cornwall. Sounds like with a dedicated breeding movement it could be made for 9a and even 8b. They are working on tomatoes for frost that survive via tubers, same as potatoes! What was the coldest it got in your winters?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Yep, USDA Zone 9b. This video was from a few years back, here’s a more recent/update video: Growing Inga (Ice Cream Bean) Trees in 25°F - 115°F Climate kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipO4n3qIj7Flgrs It’s been routinely down to -2.78°C for several times during my typical winter months.

[@OsirusHandle]

@@TropicalCentralValley Thats pretty amazing. Does it die back to the trunk every year or only early on? Ive been thinking of ways I might be able to give it warmer average soil temps in winter to attempt it here. Coldest air temp we get here is maybe -6 c every few years at night, but with a bit of protection and the right spot? maybe... just fantasising perhaps.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Specific to my Inga trees, they no longer die back. The outer branches do get frost damage, but as the temperature warms up, new growth appears. It’s like a Hydra, for every frost damaged branch, ten new branches grow to take its place. In your situation, I would imagine the tree will do well if protected somewhat during the coldest times.

[@OsirusHandle]

@@TropicalCentralValley Thanks so much for this. Ill have to give it a shot.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

You’re very welcome.

[@OnlyLivedOnce]

Oh, man I love my inga tree. I center-pruned it 3 years ago, cutting an 8in trunk. It grew fine the following summer with 4 remaining 6in trunks. I'd like to point out that you did say 'don't plant them near your property' and then you planted 3 trees between an easement and a public road. If all you want is shade then you only need one. I keep having to prune mine in winter because of florida winds, which apparently stunns it so I haven't seen fruit yet.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Specific to my city, we have these crazy massive oak trees that are planted in road mediums. That being the case, I’m fairly comfortable with the two Inga trees being planted near the street. Due to the Central Valley’s harsh winters, the trees will never reach their Amazon heights.

[@kiwiwriter]

Do consider that each years temperatures are record temperatures these past few years. While the inga will be adapting it is also 'assisted' by this (till a cold snap). I've one about five years old in the ground (zone 9b) it only took off the last two years.

[@kiwiwriter]

checked my notes, it's 4, so it was slow to grow for two years in the ground. Then two years record temps and it took off. Not saying it's just this (temp) I'm saying it's both (temp and ground planting).

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Luckily, the past 5-6 years have been La Niña winters for us, resulting in “warmer” than usual temperatures. This has resulted in 6-8 sub-freezing incidents, where some days of the weeks fall below 30°F. During these weeks, there’s some obvious foliage/branch damage, but nothing major.

[@FrankTrask95]

I have a inga planted in the corner of my backyard. We have pavement in-between where it's planted and where my house is. Do you think that's enough to keep it from messing up my foundation? I can send you a picture to show you.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I suspect it may be okay. If your soil is fertile and well draining, the roots of the tree will dig a bit deeper than if it were in poor soil, as the roots seek out oxygen and nutrients.

[@davidgardner1067]

Great video. This is my second time watching it. I just bought a six foot Inga tree with a couple of fruit on it yesterday. Do you think it will destroy my cinder block wall if I plant it about a foot away? Will it destroy my paver stone patio around it? Love your videos.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Without know your climate and assuming it is similar to mine, I would not recommend placing it that close to any walls or foundation, as they definitely can wreck your property.

[@davidgardner1067]

@@TropicalCentralValley thanks for your reply. I'm in Long Beach, CA. I believe it's zone 10b. I'll try to keep it in a large pot as long as I can.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

If able to, they would much prefer to be in the ground, however, just keep in mind that you may need to upsize the container as the tree outgrows it.

[@kayakman9845]

I have over 20 trees of these I also have about 10 white sapotes they take the winter very well and the fruit is delicious

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’s awesome. Both tree species can grow quite large. Glad you have the space to accommodate these awesome trees.

[@GraftingTactick]

I like to try the ice scream fruits, I wonder whow it tastes 👌💕

[@tiagooliveira4972]

One tree is enough to produce fruits? Is autofertil? Sorry for my english 😅

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Yes. As the tree matures, it produces way more fruits than I can consume.

[@moyaalysia]

Great channel. If I grow it in a large pot, will I still get fruits? I’m in 9a in central Florida.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

They grow, but at a slower rate. My container grown Inga tree is about 1/3 smaller than the one in the ground even though both are the same age.

[@vimeopictures5170]

can it tolerate temperature of 4-5 degree celsius? My iccream bean tree is growing in shade. It gets little sunlight.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Concerning the temperature, definitely. Mine has been able to handle -3°F with minimal damage. As for shade, they very much prefer full sun.

[@donahonra1361]

I just got this tree not too long ago. Wondering if I can keep it short? What do you recommend? I don’t really have much room since I’m growing other trees also. Love your videos by the way. You always seem to have grown lots of fruits that I have been thinking of putting into my yard.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

As with most trees, you can keep pruning it down, however, the tree won’t be able to grow at its full potential, which may impact fruit production.

[@donahonra1361]

@@TropicalCentralValley thanks for the tip. I will plant into the ground this week. Your videos are very inspiring. I’m always amazed at what could be grown when I watch your videos. I look forward to more videos all the time. Please keep up the good work! 🙏

[@danieldiaz9948]

You mentioned worrying about planting near foundation. Will planting next to sidewalk potentially mess up the sidewalk?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Excellent question. Specific to my situation, as the soil section between my street and sidewalk is relatively narrow, this should confine the overall growth of the tree. Additional, the Central Valley’s climate will keep the tree small. I’d be lucky if the tree reaches 25 feet in its lifetime.

[@kinglucas9922]

How are they now especially the one grown in your front yard? Thanks!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Doing great. I’ve given updates on it in some of my recent videos.

[@kinglucas9922]

@@TropicalCentralValley Do you think if you left it in the ground without digging it up to heal it, it could've survived on its own? Thanks!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

All of my Inga trees are doing awesome, including the one that I dug up and containerized. The reason I dug it up was to make room for more mango trees.

[@gkukel]

What if I control the growth by cutting the tips ?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

As with most tropical fruit trees, yes, you can prune the tree to the desired height and shape, but it will an ongoing process, as each branch cut, 3 more will grow to take its place.

[@jesuswarnedusaboutthem7710]

Could u please make a video on how to prune it or do u have one ? I got mine from someone and it looks kind of ugly.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Specific to my situation, as I do need the protection from the mother Inga tree, I have elected NOT to prune it. I’d treat it like a haircut; there’s really no wrong way.

[@oatiko3065]

Any update on your super rare plants?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Durian, rambutan and purple mangosteen are all doing awesome. Loving the heat.

[@crude4u1948]

will the inga bear fruit in a pot? should I feed it?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Absolutely, regular watering and fertilizing is crucial for container grown trees.

[@bobbyphaypaseuth9704]

How big does the ice cream bean roots get??

[@TropicalCentralValley]

They get quite big and extensive in their native climate, however, in my climate, the trees are manageable, though, I would advise against planting it next to your house.

[@bobbyphaypaseuth9704]

@@TropicalCentralValley then I should plant it closer to the roads

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Assuming your region is mostly tropical, it will have no issues spreading its root to the roads. I’d treat it like a mulberry tree.

[@bobbyphaypaseuth9704]

@@TropicalCentralValley maybe I’ll just keep it in a container

[@TropicalCentralValley]

They do okay in containers as well. One of mine in a 25 gallon container does fine, though it’ll never be as large or productive as their in ground counterparts, container growing artificially restricts their growth.

[@jesuswarnedusaboutthem7710]

How far away from your house do u put it. Thank u

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I would put it at least 20 feet away from the foundation of your property. Here’s a more recent video covering the topic of Inga trees: Growing Inga (Ice Cream Bean) Trees in 25°F - 115°F Climate kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipO4n3qIj7Flgrs

[@jesuswarnedusaboutthem7710]

@@TropicalCentralValley thank u! And what about trimming

[@TropicalCentralValley]

You’re very welcome. Concerning pruning, there’s not much to it. Just prune to keep its shape. Specific to my situation, I choose to NOT prune mine as I’m using them to protect nearby trees.

[@jesuswarnedusaboutthem7710]

@@TropicalCentralValley yes it’s in the back of my yard. I went out today to water it and there is already a new branch with leaves. U weren’t kidding when u said it grows fast. I guess the pot was stunting it

[@TropicalCentralValley]

It’s going to thrive in the ground. The more heat, the better.

[@arturoacanfora6158]

hello, I will try to grow it in the central south of Italy, is it a heating cable wrapped around the trunk of the largest tree?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I actually do not protect or provide any external heat source to the Inga trees. The cable wires you saw in the video is from my solar air pump for my pond.

[@mykvass]

WHAT DO YOU FEED YOUR TARO ???????????? it's thriving there

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’s the thing, I actually don’t. I also don’t directly water them. The taros get water and nutrients from nearby trees. The more water, the better.

[@republicratdemocran9101]

Love this! Subbed!!

[@austindelorenzo4486]

Love your content, thank you again!

[@sherryherran8546]

In Peru we called pacay.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’s awesome. I’ve been reading up on the history of the pacay’s 11,000 year history, dating back to the Inca civilization. Amazing tree that luckily performs great in my harsh climate.

[@sherryherran8546]

Read somewhere that 60% of the crops we eat now came from the Americas.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That doesn’t surprise me. The globalization of our economy makes this possible. It really wasn’t 5 years ago that I was unable to eat a fresh durian fruit shipped from Thailand.

[@lazymanle7070]

Some leaf look like burn. How hot your area?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

119° about 2 weeks ago.

[@bobbyphaypaseuth5519]

What is a Inga I never heard of it?? Can you grow it from seed an would if fruit from seeds??

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Yes, you can certainly propagate it from seed, as their germination rate is nearly 100%. In fact, almost all Inga trees are propagated from seeds due to its fast growing nature.

[@bobbyphaypaseuth5519]

@@TropicalCentralValley okay thanks I just have to find some then

[@50kT]

Anyone know where there are some fruits I can buy? I'm in central valley but north, near Chico/Redding but central valley. Basically 0 asian markets here lol, miss the bay kinda. Just really want to try an ice cream bean before I buy a tree.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

There looks to be a 99 Ranch Market in Redding. Not sure about the tropical fruit inventory up there, but the ones in Los Angeles carried fresh mangosteen, durian, rambutan, longan, etc.

[@50kT]

@@TropicalCentralValley hey thanks man. Yea I'll have to go check it out this weekend. Hope they have some, been craving it for the past couple days. I swear I've seen some ice cream bean trees growing somewhere but can't remember where.

[@mrfarfan1]

I live near Visalia. Where can I get viable seedlings?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Specific to the Inga fruit, the nearest would be either Hawaii or Florida and possibly San Diego. Alternatively, your best bet may be online merchants who may sell fresh pods. However, the various nurseries in the Los Angeles region often carry Inga seedlings.

[@mwnemo]

Love it!!!

[@BlissfulGardening15]

Your house look like a tropical nursery vs your neighbors. Is there anyone in your neighborhood growing tropical fruit tree?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Unfortunately, no. The nearest neighbor whose yard has a cherimoya and guava tree is about half a mile away. As I live in a relatively modern subdivision, almost all of my neighbors have grass lawn, with some deciduous, non-fruiting trees.

[@richardgonzalez1521]

Nice jungle

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I saw a couple of your comments come through in my notification, however, I suspect KZbin is blocking them. When I went to check, the comments were no longer available. There's probably a term or word that KZbin doesn't like.

[@richardgonzalez1521]

The videos are nice

[@richardgonzalez1521]

I watch your video im growing a tropical fruid jungle

[@trolltracker]

That's not how "nitrogen fixation" works

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Although I didn’t go into depth about how the Inga root produces nodules which contains nitrogen fixing bacteria, the overall process amounts to the tree not requiring external nitrogen. Perhaps you’ve observed a different method than what scientists have discovered about most legumes trees and their special symbiotic relationship with bacteria. We’ve love to hear about it.