Unexpected Exotic Fruits You Can Grow in a UK Garden

This article discusses exotic fruits you can grow in a UK garden. With lots of tips along the way!

Fruits are one of the most popular crops that are cultivated in gardens around the world. This is because they provide a wide variety of health benefits, taste great, and can be grown easily in your garden, patio or even on your window sill! For example, many types of fruit like papaya will grow well in the United Kingdom almost like all the apples, pears, plums, and cherries that you grow successfully!

It is becoming all the more popular for people to use their garden space in recent times to grow their own crops. Not only is this fun, as well as satisfying, but it also means that you get the bonus of being able to eat the things that you have grown. Ideal for new gardeners and families alike. But have you thought about the challenge of trying exotic fruits you can grow in a UK garden?

The only trouble with this is that sometimes it can feel that the crops that you have cultivated are a little on the obvious side. Whilst there is nothing wrong with growing tomatoes or even fig trees, sometimes you long for something a little more, well exotic. 

Of course, you are going to think that here in the UK it is impossible to grow anything remotely exotic. However, this isn’t true. There are plenty of unexpected exotic rare fruits and exotic fruit trees that you can grow in a UK garden. 

But what are they? Let’s take a look at the options that are open to you and why they should become a feature in your garden. 

Pineapple Guava

The pineapple guava is also known as Feijoa Sellowiana originating from Brazil. The great thing about these plants is that not only can you eat the amazing egg-sized fruits when they grow, but during the growing process you can also eat the flowers too. The flowers produced not only smell gorgeous but are also a stunning crimson colour, which looks great. The fruit, when it has grown tastes amazing, some say that it is just like pineapple, peach, strawberry, apple and plum all rolled into one. 

Feijoa Sellowiana - Exotic Fruits You Can Grow in a UK Garden

Pineapple Guava and fruit flower

The fruits of this plant will only ripen ready to eat during the summer months, however, the plant itself can withstand cold temperatures and still survive.

Chinese Loquats

Sweet and cute with truly beautiful shrubbery. The great thing about this particular plant is that it will bloom in both autumn and winter. The flowers may only be a basic white colour, but they smell amazing, which is an added bonus.

Chinese Loquats

Chinese Loquats

During the spring months, the plant will start to produce these small deep orange or yellow fruits. This unusual fruit is plum-like in appearance and is incredibly sweet to taste. Ideal if you want a lovely fresh treat that will transport you to another world. The thing to remember about these particular fruits is that they prefer to be in warmer conditions, which means that you perhaps should consider investing in a greenhouse or a fruit cage to grow them in when the weather isn’t looking so kind. 

Passion Fruit

Many people think that it is near impossible to grow passion fruit here in the UK, but this isn’t true. This particular plant, a climber, will need to be grown facing south as they require lots of sun to get going. Not only this, but they do need plenty of TLC, with weekly watering throughout the warmer months, which means that they might not be the ideal choice for those who are short on time, or motivation to get out in the garden.

Passion fruit on the vine.

How To Grow Passion Fruit

Growing passion fruit involves several steps, from selecting the right location and soil to planting, caring, and harvesting:

  1. Select a Location: Passion fruit vines require a warm, frost-free climate. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
  2. Soil Preparation: Passion fruit vines prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
  3. Planting: You can start passion fruit vines from seeds or seedlings. If using seeds, it’s best to use fresh seeds as they germinate more quickly. For seedlings, plant them at the same depth as they were in the pot.
  4. Support Structure: Passion fruit vines are climbers, so provide a strong trellis or support for the vines to grow on.
  5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
  6. Fertilising: Use a fertiliser designed to encourage flowering and fruiting. Apply it in spring and then every four weeks during the summer.
  7. Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the vine, encourages air circulation, and can improve fruit production. Prune in the spring before the growth season begins.
  8. Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect passion fruit vines, and treat them promptly if they arise.
  9. Harvesting: Passion fruit is ready to harvest when the skin is purple or yellow, depending on the variety, and slightly wrinkled. The fruit will also fall off the vine when ripe.

They can grow quite tall in the right conditions, which means that you need to ensure that they have plenty of space as well as being properly supported. However, all this effort will lead to an amazing and exotic fruit that you can enjoy harvesting and eating. 

Pomegranates

We love pomegranates. Not only do they taste great, but they also look amazing and give a colourful and exotic burst to your garden. The plant itself, during bloom, will be covered in beautifully rich, red flowers, which makes for the ideal focal point for your garden. The dwarf variety of pomegranate is particularly good to grow and a great alternative.

Unexpected Exotic Fruits You Can Grow In A UK Garden

Pomegranate

One thing that you should realise about this particular fruit is that it will produce fruit, even in harsher conditions, however, to make the most and produce plenty of pomegranates that you can then enjoy, you need to properly look after the plant and make sure that it is as protected as much as possible. 

Dragon Fruit

Growing dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) in a UK garden is possible, but it requires some special considerations due to the UK’s cooler climate. Dragon fruit is a tropical cactus native to Central America and the Caribbean, and it thrives in warm and humid conditions. In the UK, to successfully grow dragon fruit, it is often necessary to keep the plant in a controlled environment such as a heated greenhouse or conservatory, where temperatures can be maintained at a suitable level, especially during the colder months.

Dragon-Fruit-plant - Exotic Fruits You Can Grow in a UK Garden

Dragon Fruit Plant

I have heard of someone growing dragon fruit in their conservatory, It’s a warm place! Just think the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius on a sunny day in the full sun, which is conducive to the plant’s growth! Did you know that dragon fruit can be grown in large containers? This allows for moving the plants indoors to protect them from cold weather and give them the best chance. 

While it is certainly more challenging to grow dragon fruit in the UK compared to its native habitat, with careful management and the right conditions, it can be done. Gardeners must be prepared to provide ample warmth, plenty of sunlight, and protection from frost to ensure the survival and potential fruiting of the dragon fruit plant.

Kiwi Fruit

Yes, you can grow kiwi fruit in a UK garden, and it has become the latest trend on TikTok, with many users sharing their experiences and tips for cultivating these plants. Kiwi fruit, specifically the hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) or the common kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), can be grown in the UK climate, although they will need some care to thrive. They are a great fruit to try and grow! 

Growing Kiwi Fruit in the UK

Growing Kiwi Fruit in the UK

The hardy kiwi is more suitable for the UK climate as it can withstand lower temperatures, but even the common kiwi can be grown successfully with some protection from the worst of the winter weather. Gardeners in the UK have been inspired by TikTok videos, such as those from The Mediterranean Gardener, showing the potential for growing kiwi plants in non-traditional climates. The imagination of TikTok users is infinite! 

Kiwi plants are dioecious, meaning that they have male and female plants, and both are needed for pollination and fruit production. When growing kiwi fruit in the UK, it’s important to plant at least one male plant for every eight or so female plants to ensure good pollination. The plants also require a sunny position and well-drained soil, as well as support for their vigorous climbing habit, typically provided by trellises or wires. A sunny wall is a perfect spot for growing these tropical fruits! 

By following the latest TikTok trend and guidance, green-fingered Brits can explore growing kiwi fruits in their gardens, enjoying the process and potentially harvesting their own fruit for a fruit salad!

Sharon Fruit

Growing Sharon fruit, also known as persimmon (Diospyros kaki), in a UK garden, is possible. Although it can be challenging due to the UK’s cooler climate. Sharon fruit trees are originally from East Asia and are accustomed to warmer climes; but with careful selection of a suitable variety and appropriate growing conditions, they can be cultivated in the UK.

Growing Sharon Fruit in the UK

Growing Sharon Fruit in the UK

For the best chances of fruiting, Sharon fruit trees should be planted in a warm, sheltered position with full sun exposure. The soil should be rich, fertile, and well-drained. Gardeners in cooler regions of the UK may have more success with certain hardy varieties or by growing the trees under cover, such as in a greenhouse or conservatory, to provide additional warmth and protection from frost.

According to this YouTube video, from gardening experts, there are instances of Sharon fruit trees carrying a heavy crop in the UK, demonstrating that with the right conditions, these trees can indeed be fruitful. 

While it may require some extra effort and protection against the colder climate, with proper care, it is feasible to grow Sharon fruit in a UK garden.

Goji Berries

Yes, you can grow goji berries in a UK garden. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are hardy and adaptable plants that can tolerate a range of conditions, including the variable climate of the UK. They prefer a sunny position, like a south facing wall, but can also tolerate light shade. For the best crop, it’s recommended to grow them in full sun. Goji berry plants are known to be hardy once established and can even tolerate wind and salt-laden air, making them suitable for coastal areas.

Goji berries in a uk garden - Exotic Fruits You Can Grow in a UK Garden

Goji berries in a UK garden

The plants prefer free-draining soil and can benefit from being enriched with well-rotted manure. When planting goji berries, spacing the plants about 2 meters (6 feet) apart is advised to give them room to grow. A sunny, sheltered spot  with fertile soil is ideal for planting.

Goji berries can also be grown indoors if given enough light, such as by a window that gets direct sunlight for part of the day. This adaptability makes goji berries a suitable choice for UK gardeners looking to grow something a little different in their garden.

Pineapples

Growing pineapples in a UK garden is possible, but due to the UK’s cooler climate, they are typically grown indoors or in a greenhouse rather than outside. Pineapples (Ananas comosus) are tropical plants that require high temperatures and humidity to thrive, conditions that are not naturally present in the UK for much of the year.

growing a pineapple in the UK

Growing a pineapple in the UK

For successful cultivation, pineapples need a consistent temperature of at least 18°C (65°F), which means they are best grown in a heated greenhouse or conservatory where the environment can be controlled for optimal growth. Not many would believe it is possible to grow pineapples in the UK, but it is indeed achievable with the right care. I’ve seen them growing for myself at The Lost Gardens of Heligan here in Cornwall!

In the UK, gardeners often start by rooting a pineapple top (the spiky bit) in water and then potting it into the soil once the roots have developed. The plant will require a large pot, plenty of sunlight, and regular watering. It can take a few years for a pineapple plant to flower and produce fruit, and even then, the fruits are typically smaller than those grown in their native environment.

Exotic Fruits You Can Grow in a UK Garden - Rooting a pineapple top in water on a warm windowsill

Rooting a pineapple top in water on a warm windowsill

For those interested in trying to grow pineapples in the UK, patience and a suitable indoor growing environment will be key to success.

When Is The Best Time To Grow Exotic Fruit In The UK?

The best time to start growing exotic fruit in a UK garden generally depends on the specific type of fruit you’re planning to grow, as different species have varying requirements. However, for most exotic fruits, the ideal time to start is in late spring, after the last frost has passed when the weather begins to warm up. This is typically from May onwards.

For example these most popular fruits:

Citrus fruits (like oranges, lemons, and limes): These can be planted in pots and moved outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, usually from late May to early June.

Kiwi fruit: Planting is best done in the spring when the soil is warm and there is no longer any risk of frost damage to the young plants.

Pomegranates: These should be planted in late spring to early summer when the soil temperature has increased.

Pineapple guavas and Chinese loquats: These should also be planted in late spring or early summer when the weather is milder. Early Spring is too soon to start. 

 Always research the specific needs of the plant species you’re interested in to ensure successful growth and fruiting.

Microclimates

To add to this, it’s important to consider microclimates within your garden. The use of greenhouses and cold frames can extend the growing season and protect more sensitive plants. For instance, fruits like kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) can be grown with some care to provide shelter and warmth.

Furthermore, gardeners in the UK might experiment with growing certain soft fruit varieties of peaches or nectarines, which, while not traditionally considered ‘exotic’, can be a challenge to grow in cooler climates. Almonds (Prunus dulcis) and olives (Olea europaea) can also be grown in the UK, with certain hardier varieties being more suitable for the British climate. Growing exotic fruit in a UK garden is definitely for the more patient gardeners!

For those looking to grow something truly unique, consider the Chilean guava (Ugni molinae), which can produce sweet, berry-like fruits and is known to be hardy down to -5°C.

Remember that while the UK climate can be challenging for exotic fruits, with the right care, such as using fleece to protect against frost, providing plenty of mulch for insulation, and ensuring adequate drainage, a surprising variety of fruits can be coaxed to grow in a UK garden. Create your own taste of the tropics! 

Invest in a fruit cage

If you like the thought of growing some of these awesome plants at home yourself, then you are going to need to make sure that you invest in the right special equipment. One great place to start is with a fruit cage. Being able to grow exotic plants in a fruit cage means that they are not only going to be protected, but also they can make the most of the UK weather, soaking up the sunshine when it makes an appearance and then hiding from the rains and winds when they come to visit. Choosing what fruit to grow in a fruit cage can be tricky so do your research first. 

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope this post has given you inspiration on what exotic fruits you can Grow in a UK garden.

Have lots of fun experimenting with your exotic fruit plants! 

Unexpected Exotic Fruits You Can Grow In A UK Garden - Pineapple Guava

Pineapple Guava

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12 thoughts on “Unexpected Exotic Fruits You Can Grow in a UK Garden

    1. I had one that produced lots of fruit,I have south westerly facing garden and I grew it up the side of the house on a trellis

  1. Oh wow, didnt know w could grow half of these, very interesting blog thank you, might be going to a garden centre now lol

  2. I will have to try some of these in my garden. My future garden project is to grow a lemon treee from the pips of a lemon x

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