Kem Ormond’s garden: How to grow tropical fruit in cooler climates

Kem Ormond reckons that growing bananas in a cold climate is not a crazy idea.

Kem Ormond is a feature writer for The Country. She’s also a keen gardener. This week, she’s going tropical!

The idea of living on a tropical island, relaxing on a lounger, surrounded by lush greenery and indulging in freshly picked fruit is a dream many of us share.

But what if you didn’t need to board a plane to experience that paradise?

What if your own backyard could offer a taste of the tropics?

If you live in the warmer regions of New Zealand, like Tauranga, Auckland, or Northland, you might already be growing tropical fruit.

But for those of us further down the island, the idea might seem far-fetched.

Yet, with a little planning and the right conditions, growing tropical fruit in cooler climates could be possible and surprisingly rewarding.

Thanks to New Zealand’s increasingly mild winters and long, warm summers, heat-loving plants like jackfruit, giant guava, dragon fruit, starfruit, bananas, and passionfruit are becoming more viable in regions once considered too cold.

These plants thrive in warm, humid conditions with minimal wind exposure.

If you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse, that’s ideal.

Otherwise, choose the warmest, most sheltered spot on your property.

Courtyards, sunny walls, and protected corners can all serve as microclimates that mimic tropical conditions.

I know someone in Whanganui who lives on the hill and has successfully grown bananas with no trouble at all.

It’s proof that with the right environment, even traditionally tropical plants can flourish in unexpected places.

Some tropical fruits are surprisingly adaptable.

Passionfruit, for example, loves to climb and will happily trail over a trellis or wall.

Others, like dragon fruit, can be grown in large barrels or pots, making them perfect for patios and balconies.

Many tropical species prefer to grow under the canopy of other trees, so take a good look around your property before planting.

You might already have the perfect spot; sunny, warm, protected, and just waiting to be transformed into a mini orchard.

As global temperatures rise, the boundaries of what we can grow are shifting.

It might sound fanciful now, but don’t be surprised if one day you see papayas or mangoes thriving in Invercargill.

If you’re keen to give tropical fruit growing a go, start small.

Visit your local nursery or garden centre and ask about varieties suited to your region.

Look for dwarf or container-friendly options, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

While a lot of us enjoy the taste of tropical fruit, there is one that really sticks out, or should I say “smells out,” and that is durian.

The smell of durian is considered by some to be so vile that the spiky-shelled fruit has been banned on Singapore trains and in hotels.

You either love it or hate it.

It is available sometimes in New Zealand supermarkets, but it is a no from me!

Whether it’s a single passionfruit vine or a full-blown banana grove, growing tropical fruit is a delicious way to bring a little sunshine into your life and your kitchen.