What It Takes To Maintain 200+ Tropical Fruit Trees in California’s Central Valley

[@Alejandro_san]

You have the best info on YT about bringing the tropical plants to colder climates.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. A bit boring at times, but helps to know.

[@jlf9471]

This is so exciting to see! I'm just starting my journey of planting tropical fruits into my Fresno yard. Some of my neighbors think I'm crazy thinking there is no way I can grow things like guavas and mangos but I'm determined.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’s awesome. Yeah, I too have been told they don’t grow here, but here my trees are alive and thriving.

[@pongop]

@@TropicalCentralValley It's great to hear someone is growing tropical fruits in Fresno!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Absolutely. They don’t just grow, they thrive.

[@champagnegardening5182]

You are enjoying the fruits of your labor. Starting a food forest and permaculture takes work in the beginning. I'm just past my first year and it's a lot of work but well worth it. I can't wait until 5-6 yrs from now.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Totally. About half of my trees haven’t produced fruits yet; things get better with time.

[@EvolucionForestal]

Increíble lo que estás haciendo 💪🏻💪🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Gracias

[@niamnpisxy00j]

My husband is a huge fan of yours (and now I am too)! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

You’re very welcome.

[@pmurT4202]

Again another well done educational video bro 👍

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you.

[@pongop]

Beautiful food forest as always! It's looking so vibrant and healthy. Some of your trees are massive! I appreciate the tour and your tips!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you, and it only gets better as the trees mature. At this stage, most of my trees are still quite young.

[@pongop]

@@TropicalCentralValley Amazing!

[@madfarm]

Always appreciative of your approach. We have similar methods... overplanting, microclimates, experiment, etc. Very true about allowing trees to acclimate and overcome. The less effort over time makes the rewards that much sweeter!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Totally. It’s mostly just a sitting back and enjoying the fruits of my (minimal) labor at this point.

[@GreenJustin8]

Those mango trees my the street look so good, makes me think of south Florida. They grew really fast and really bushed out.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Totally, and they’re only 3 years in the ground. They take the heat and winter without any issues.

[@cyndihua8315]

Nice job😊

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you.

[@Harlemtofla]

I think having irrigation is my missing link. Thanks for the inspo!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

You’re very welcome. In the very beginning, I too hand watered all of my trees and that process took several hours.

[@mrnovak]

You are doing a great job

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you.

[@f1346m]

In Bakersfield we have a very similar soil and weather pattern like Visalia. It's good to see we can still grow all those beautiful tropical trees here in the valley. Would like to see a video on your fertilizing process.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Totally, and they thrive here. In many ways, we have all the benefits and minimal downsides. Here’s an older video I did that touches on the topic of fertilizing the trees: Organic Fertilizer Tips for Feeding your Tropical Fruit Trees kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5azeIh4nbSdY9k

[@daniello9697]

@@TropicalCentralValley Micro climate is very important right?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Without it, the trees will likely not even make it through its first winter or summer.

[@TucsonTropicals]

Good info thank you

[@TropicalCentralValley]

You’re very welcome.

[@santosservantes1475]

New to your channel really enjoying it can you comment as to the temperature under your canopy vs your neighborhood

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. This older video lightly touched on this topic: Heat Resistant Tropical Fruit Trees in California’s Central Valley kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZfFfHRubpJ7iJY

[@manyb.daisies]

Them longans look good. I planted two longan this year. It’s 2 ft tall. The flowers all dropped from the wind. Barely any fruits. I’m in the Central Valley too.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. All of mine are going 5 to 6 years old. They do take some time to bulk up and when ready, typically in year 4, fruit production increases.

[@pongop]

Central Valley!

[@LukeOranje]

Just curious - what types of poles do you use to hold up your tree branches with twine? And what pole is used to attach your irrigation sprayers?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Nothing special. Some of the poles are simple, cheap 12 foot lumber from Lowe’s, while the majority of my branches are tied to other larger branches. As for the irrigation sprays, just about anything I had laying around, including small bamboo sticks.

[@rr1ee163]

Love your plant collections, do you have moringa oleifera in there?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. I did, but chose to ultimately remove it as I was not using the tree. It’s a miracle tree and just about all aspects of the tree is edible, but in the interest of space, I took it out. In the future, I can easy grow them as they’re readily available in my region.

[@Dragonmastercj32]

Very nice! If ya wanted less fruit waste you could always freeze some for smoothies or whatever creations best suit each fruit like jellies or ice creams… during the off season. I dunno. But the fruits dropped also provide those important nutrients like you said, so there’s that. I’m always lookin forward to these videos. Hope that someday, I too will have a nice food forest like yours.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. The neat thing about the growing of tropical fruit trees is that the trees fruit almost year round, depending on the variety. For instance, some of my guava trees are still flowering while others have already dropped all of their fruits.

[@Dragonmastercj32]

@@TropicalCentralValley oh nice! That’s good to know about the guava. I’m actually focusing on fruiting Myrticaceae and annonaceae families for my seed purchasing. Have some seedlings of whatever I can get to sprout from store bought fruits, but those 2 families of plants are my focus for seed/plant purchases. Want to get Garcinias and relatives in there as well, but it adds so many more species, I think I’ll get overwhelmed keeping track of 3 or more plant families. You still adding new plants to your garden, or are you mostly satisfied with your current varieties?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’s awesome. I’m always growing my yard. In fact, just today, I had stopped by a tropical fruit tree nursery and got more trees.

[@Dragonmastercj32]

@@TropicalCentralValley can never have too many trees!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Totally. The neat thing about home gardening is that you just need walking space between the trees.

[@vivajones9472]

I love your vlogs. Where exactly this place at if you don't mind? My families are oriental farmers also. Love planting but I can only do so much. I like that you're showing us how you can grow exotic fruit trees. Would love to learn how? Thank you.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. I’m in Visalia, CA.

[@vivajones9472]

@@TropicalCentralValley wow! You are my neighbor. Would love to come and buy the fruits available if you don't mind. Thank you.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Unfortunately I do not sell any of my tropicals including fruits. That said there are a great number of ethnic grocery stores in the Fresno area that often carry exotic fruits.

[@vivajones9472]

@@TropicalCentralValley thank you so much. God bless you

[@TropicalCentralValley]

You’re very welcome.

[@toulor3403]

Its good to see someone i aspire to be, even if i want 15% of what you have 🤣😂. I just want lychee and jaboticaba. Then im done with tropical trees. Also need a kaffir tree. Also plan on passion fruit vines. Thats all i think i can handle. Have a ruby red grapefruit and satsuma already.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. Specific to joboticaba, kaffir lime and passion fruit, they are extremely easy to grow and requires virtually no sun or frost protection. Lychee is a bit more different but is completely doable with some technique. You’ll find that as you get these tropicals, you’ll want more and before you realize it, you’re out of space.

[@toulor3403]

@TropicalCentralValley I have a small lychee. Maybe 2 feet. It's struggling in this heat. Leaf burn last year and this year (sacramento). I have my trees under a sun shade/sail and it helped my lychee tree a lot. I saw you video of the mimosa nursery and plan on getting a larger lychee tree. The plan is to keep everything in containers 🤞

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’s awesome. There are many benefits to the growing of tropical fruit trees in containers. That said you’ll need to be absolutely consistent with watering and feeding them as the tree relies exclusively on you.

[@joweb1320]

You grow any Tithonia Diversifolia for fertilizer?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I do. I have plenty growing and chop and drop them as they grow.

[@joekunin]

Great video as always. How do you decide what to keep in a container vs put in the ground? With some plants its obvious (say for instance if it isn't frost hardy, it goes to into a container) but there are a lot of plants that could go either way, and I often have a hard time deciding whether to put them in the ground or in a container. This is true for when I have many varieties of a single type of plant, too. Also, for your mulch that builds up over time, do you have any worry over trunk rot for the established trees, as the mulch gets higher and higher on their trunks? I've always presumed that in an arid western climate, that isn't really as much of a problem. Thanks!

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. For the deciding factor when putting trees in containers versus in ground, it’s really the growth rate. For example, I wouldn’t put a Jamun or Moringa in containers as they are incredibly fast growers. Trees such as lychee, longan, guava, sapote, these make excellent container trees. Root rot has not been an issue for me due to our super dry summer months. In the raining winter months, I do not water the trees, this helps to prevent any root rot issues. Additionally, I can easily move the mulch away from the trunk of the trees if I see issues, which I have yet to encounter.

[@joekunin]

@@TropicalCentralValley That makes sense, I'll consider this when deciding next. I'm always on the lookout for non-plastic pot options but they are far and few between. 55 gallon drums cut in half so far have been pretty good. I've considered using the half without a bottom as a permanent raised planter, with some gopher wire installed on the portion that contacts the ground. This way the tree can establish in a protected/amended environment and eventually send roots into the ground. Integrating your pots among the trees is a great water and fertilizer conservation trick, with the runoff going to nearby trees. I presume many of those are permanently placed and have the opportunity to grow their roots into the ground? I've had this happen with some gooseberry that simply burst through the bottom of the 10-15 gallon plastic pot and grow some thick roots all throughout

[@ThanhTran-ok7ir]

where did you get your Grabber Reacher Tool to pick the fruits from?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Amazon, a bit pricey, but well with the price. a.co/d/b00fe5F

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Amazon. Zenport ZL6146B Long Reach Telescopic Fruit Harvester and Picker, 10-Feet Extension, Gray a.co/d/3162dWK

[@hu_b]

Very satisfying to grow your own food. Do you think it also saves you money compared to buying these fruits in the store (although some varieties aren't even available in the store I'm sure)? I would guess it depends a lot on how much your city charges for water.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. Overall, when it comes to the growing of your very own tropical fruit tree food forest, it’s not about saving money. With all of the trees, I can say I have spent thousands of dollars acquiring the trees alone.

[@hu_b]

@@TropicalCentralValley Sure it has its own rewards doesn't have to be a financial proposition. But it does seem like you grow quite a bit from seed also so that helps save.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

@@hu_b Totally. It’s also a hobby, and I know many hobbies can be quite expensive. Additionally, the overall health benefits, of potentially adding years to my life due to the nutritious fruits not found elsewhere. For instance, a single, tiny Barbados Cherry contains more than enough Vitamin C for the average adult per day.

[@EnlightenmentGarden]

That's amazing that you have less than 3 hours of maintenance a month. Your place looks great as always. At 13:03, is that clumping bamboo in a container? Is that because you are concerned about the roots?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you. It’s actually another Old Ham’s Bamboo in the container. I have it there for privacy.

[@EnlightenmentGarden]

​@@TropicalCentralValley Yes they are great for that. Sorry, I meant why did you opt to grow it in a container vs in the ground? I've heard they do not like being in a container long-term.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

It’s true they aren’t fans of container growing. In fact, although in a heavy duty 25 gallon plastic container, the new shoots have punctured the container and are growing through it. I elected to not put it in the ground as it’ll fight with the nearby Tropical White Guava as well as the Nam Wah Banana, especially for sunlight.

[@creeks_]

Respect from Visalia. Do you mainly focus on trees or shrubs? I grow mainly vegetables and herbs however trees are next on my list.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Yeah, mostly trees on my end, due to the hassle-free and being tropicals, produces fruit year round.

[@pmurT4202]

What’s the best fertilizer you recommend?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I use any general organic fertilizer, including chicken and steer manure.

[@THE22ABEL22]

How do you deal with the mosquitos?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

It’s an ongoing battle, without any clear solutions, especially in my city where we do have a mosquito problem. In fact our mosquito control HQ is only half a mile away from my house, and they don’t seem to do much.

[@daveaz9962]

What size emitters are you using on your trees when you water every hour and for how many minutes? What company do you use to purchase your emitters? Thanks

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Here’s a complete list of my irrigation systems: Melnor Bluetooth Timer www.lowes.com/pd/Melnor-BT-1-Zone-Timer/1002888324 Faucet Connector www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-Universal-Polypropylene-Drip-Irrigation-Female-Adapter/3326118 Primary Tube www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-5-8-in-x-200-ft-Polyethylene-Drip-Irrigation-Distribution-Tubing/3125827 Primary Tube End Cap www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-5-8-in-Polypropylene-Drip-Irrigation-End-Cap/3406906 Irrigation Distribution Tube www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-1-4-in-x-50-ft-Vinyl-Drip-Irrigation-Distribution-Tubing/999994766 Irrigation Tube Connectors www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-5-Pack-Drip-Irrigation-Connectors/3653816 Bubblers www.lowes.com/pd/Orbit-5-Pack-29-GPH-Full-circle-Spray-Drip-Irrigation-Bubbler/3133823 Sprinklers www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-28-2-GPH-Half-circle-Spray-Drip-Irrigation-Multi-Stream-Dripper-Stake/3577316 www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-28-2-GPH-Half-circle-Spray-Drip-Irrigation-Multi-Stream-Dripper-Stake/3577316 Accessories www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-20-Pack-Drip-Irrigation-Goof-Plugs/3407278 www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-5-8-in-Polypropylene-Drip-Irrigation-Coupling/3136519 www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-5-8-in-Polypropylene-Drip-Irrigation-Tee/3407818 www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-10-Pack-1-4-in-Polypropylene-Drip-Irrigation-Tees/3136237 www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-50-Pack-1-4-in-Polypropylene-Drip-Irrigation-Couplings/3151607 www.lowes.com/pd/Raindrip-28-2-GPH-Half-circle-Spray-Drip-Irrigation-Multi-Stream-Dripper-Stake/3577316

[@daveaz9962]

@@TropicalCentralValley Very much appreciated! Been watching your channel for a few years now and my backyard has become a fun hobby.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Thank you.

[@Astro_Mozart]

Okay, I gotta ask the name of that tripod tool because I need one!😭

[@TropicalCentralValley]

It’s a no brand from Amazon. a.co/d/7aK9UDb

[@rockers7889]

I have the birds getting my figs and later ripe persimmons . My newest tree will be a guava . Any choices for 10b ? Thinking on a pink or orange colored inside variety ? Just started doing the research

[@HenryAvila-u9g]

U can get alot of tropical fruit trees at 10b

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I agree. Just about all tropical fruit trees will thrive in your climate. In lieu if guava, have you looked into the Guava mango varieties. You get the best of both worlds.

[@madfarm]

Ruby Supreme is an top notch Guava here in 10b, the Guava mango (sein ta lone) is an exceptional fruit with good production. I grow both here in S Florida.

[@rockers7889]

​@@TropicalCentralValleythanks , its one of those trees that I must have now and won't be satisfied until i have one . My dwarf navel orange is going thru a late bloom after getting absolutely zero flowers in spring ?? As the previous year's fruit set was medium to low ??

[@rockers7889]

​@@madfarmthanks i appreciate your suggestion

[@Caltrain208]

Do you grow any date palms?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I do. I have a few Medjool date palms, grown from Costco bought date fruits. Not sure if they’ll ever produce fruits as I do not know if they are female, but they’re not taking up any space so I just leave them alone.

[@adriangutierrez1415]

Hey i saw you had a soursop tree in a video from a few years ago, have you had any luck with flowers/fruit?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I did, but eventually gave up on it as it was a bit too cold sensitive. I may give it a try again in the future.

[@anhnguyen-rm5es]

How can your trees have fruits with so much shading? I thought fruit trees require a lot of sunlight

[@TropicalCentralValley]

While true in their native and similar climate, too much 115°F dry Central Valley sun burns the foliage to a crisp.

[@HenryAvila-u9g]

Hi could i grow tropical fruit trees in lancaster california i say im in zone 8b rarely but more 9a right now i have a small cherimoya loquat longan igna ice cream bean lychee malika mango starfruit avocado and passionfruit growing and a rambutan seedling that seems to be growing well indoors

[@HenryAvila-u9g]

I have a large lime tree that hasnt died i had it for five years and it gives me limes every year no protection

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’s awesome. I know folks in Northern Florida similar to your cold winter that have successfully grown various tropical fruit trees. It’s really about the microclimate protection you can setup that will allow the trees to thrive during winter months.

[@GrowsGoneWild]

Do you let your neighbors harvest the fruits on your front yard? I’m surprised there are any left over.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I do, though many are unfamiliar with these tropical fruits. They have seen the fruits in grocery stores but likely haven’t seen them on trees.

[@GrowsGoneWild]

@@TropicalCentralValley that makes sense. Either way, nature will reuse it as fertilizer.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Totally. As the trees mature, they require less and less attention and overall protection.

[@pongop]

@@TropicalCentralValley If you have extra pawpaws when it's ready, I will gladly drive there to take them off your hands! Or any other fruits =)

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Unfortunately I only have 1 paw paw tree. It may not be a bad idea to start germinating seeds from fresh tropical fruits that you enjoy. Most will produce fruits in about 3 to 5 years from seed.

[@JoseGonzales-ul9sv]

You can tell the landscape company to come later

[@TropicalCentralValley]

That’d be great, but I’m sympathetic as it does get hot in the afternoon.

[@carlschmitt9562]

Maybe you need to some more land like in the foothills.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Yes, though my main concern is wild fire, as well as a consistent water source.

[@hu_b]

Beautiful productive home jungle looks like it might also be very attractive to rats... have they been a problem for you?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

This is very true, though I’ve been able to easily get rid of them through old fashion rat traps.

[@joweb1320]

You ever try paw paws?

[@TropicalCentralValley]

I actually do have one. It’s an incredibly slow grower, at about 2 feet tall and going 5 years. It’s not a fan of the dry summer heat.

[@joweb1320]

@@TropicalCentralValley Thanks! Good to know. Someday I will move to California and use your wisdom to create a food forest.

[@TropicalCentralValley]

Totally, I’m sure even in your climate, you may find success.

[@billyd7628]

@@joweb1320 nah don't move here dude the homeless roam around in armed bands looting and shooting up heroin and pooping everywhere and also theres a bunch of liberals and stuff and the whole state is perpetually on fire!! please stay in your state for your own good!!! also the big one will come and make us sink into the ocean even though we're literally on the continental crust!