Exotic and heritage fruit trees to grow from seed.
Over 140 fruiting species, from the Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) and Papaya (Carica papaya) to Chilean Guava (Ugni molinae), Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), passionfruits, baobabs, Soursop and the American Pawpaw.
Where you live decides what you can grow outdoors. Mediterranean and mild Atlantic climates suit many subtropical fruits, such as Chilean Guava, Feijoa, Tamarillo and Passionfruit, with protection on frosty nights. Truly tropical fruits, such as Papaya and Soursop, need a greenhouse or a warm room that stays above about 15 °C in winter. In colder regions, choose hardy fruit trees such as the Pawpaw or the Date Plum.
Most fruit seeds germinate best at 25–30 °C with bottom heat. Clean off any fruit pulp, sow at two to three times the seed's width, and keep the mix moist but never waterlogged.
Yes: subtropical species outdoors on mild coasts, tropical species in a greenhouse or as large container plants brought indoors for winter.
It depends on the species: Papaya can fruit in about a year in warm conditions, Tamarillo in about two, and Pawpaw in four to six.
Wild species come true from seed; named cultivars may vary. Read more in our article on seed-grown versus grafted trees.
Learn more: Temperature: the ideal warmth
