Cultivated Paradise: Tropical Fruits That Thrive In San Diego

San Diego’s diverse microclimates—from sun-kissed coastlines to warm inland valleys—offer the perfect canvas for cultivating exotic and tropical fruits.

Explore our curated list of varieties that thrive in this region, transforming outdoor spaces into lush, edible paradises with year-round harvests and timeless beauty.

Tropical & Exotic Fruits:

Tree Fruits

Cherimoya – Creamy, custard-like texture with hints of banana and pineapple

Loquat – Tangy-sweet, apricot-like flavor; great ornamental tree

• Minnie Royal & Royal Lee Cherries – Sweet cherries adapted to mild winters

• Tropic Snow Peach & Desert Delight Nectarine – Designed for warm climates

Sapote (White, Black, Mamey) – Rich, pudding-like flesh; black sapote tastes like chocolate!

Guava (multiple varieties) – Tropical aroma, sweet-tart flavor; excellent for hedges

Mango – Select dwarf or grafted varieties for better success inland

Lychee & Longan – Sweet, juicy, and floral; require warmth and humidity

Starfruit (Carambola) – Crisp and juicy with a mild citrus flavor

Pomegranate – Drought-tolerant and vibrant; great for fall harvests

Passionfruit (Purple & Yellow) – Aromatic, tangy pulp; grows on vigorous vines

Jaboticaba – Grape-like fruit that grows directly on the trunk—visually stunning!

Fruit on Vines or Shrubs

Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) – Grows on cactus-like vines; magenta or white flesh varieties

Passionfruit – Fast-growing vine with fragrant flowers and tangy fruit

Goji Berry – Hardy shrub with antioxidant-rich berries

Mulberry – Sweet, blackberry-like fruit; great for shade and wildlife

Citrus & Subtropical Hybrids

Kumquat – Eat whole, peel and all; perfect for container gardening

Calamansi – Filipino lime with a sweet-tart punch

Finger Lime – “Caviar” citrus pearls; prized in gourmet cuisine

Yuzu – Aromatic Japanese citrus used in sauces and cocktails

Unique Additions

Banana (Dwarf Cavendish, Ice Cream, Manzano) – Best in protected microclimates

Papaya – Fast-growing but frost-sensitive; ideal for warm pockets

Pineapple Guava (Feijoa) – Edible flowers and fruit with tropical flair

Tamarillo (Tree Tomato) – Bold flavor, great for chutneys and sauces