Blogs
Purple Tree Collards
Purple Tree CollardsPurple tree collards are an edible perennial vegetable that are essential to any permaculture food forest. They are super low maintenance and very nutritious. The leaves are full of calcium as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B9, and C. They are also an excellent source of soluble fiber. Purple tree collards can be strained to grow up a wall or other structure, or can be grown as lateral ground cover, if they have adequate space. During the growing season, the leaves can be harvested daily, and the plant can live up to 20 years. They typically get sweeter and turn from green to purple during fall and winter.
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Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)
Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)is a perennial lefty vegetable plant that grows rapidly in warm climates. It grows to about 2 feet in height, but can spread rapidly as a grown cover. It thrives in full sun and also grows well in partial shade. It will die back in freezing temperatures, but will grow back in the spring. The plant also time of year, and the orange blooms attract Monarch butterflies. Okinawa Spinach is related to Longevity spinach; however, the leaves of Okinawa have a purple underside. Both the leaves and young stems can be eaten raw or cooked and provide an excellent source of nutrition. Cooked leaves and stems make a great addition to stews or soups. During the growing season, prune and eat daily. Okinawa Spinach will regenerate quickly and can be harvested for years.
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Cherimoya Annona cherimola Tree
Cherimoya Annona cherimola Tree Cherimoya trees (Annona cherimola) have become a popular tropical fruit tree to grow. It is native to South America and is an evergreen there. However when grown in cooler climates, it is deciduous. The tree produces a large fruit, which can weigh up to five pounds. The taste of the fruit has been described as similar to pineapple banana custard. Cherimoya trees can reach heights of over 30 feet, but they respond well to frequent trimming and can be maintained at much lower heights. If several trees are planted in close proximity, they often grow together and form a natural espalier that can be trained against a fence or wall. Young trees should be protected from freezing temperatures.
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Thompson Seedless Grape
Thompson Seedless Grape When you think of classic seedless grapes, Thompson grapes are definitely one of the most popular varieties out there. They were first developed in the Middle East and introduced to California during the 1870s. There were also European varieties that originated from the cultivar Vitis vinifera. Thompson seedless grapes are now the most common grapes grown in California. They are also the most used grape to produce raisins in the world. They make an excellent ornamental and grow well against walls and fences. Thompson grapes are self fertile, and they do best high fertile soil. Full sun is also best for this plant. They should also be provided support such as a trellis or arbor.
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Bay Leaf Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Sweet Bay Tree
Bay Leaf Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel Sweet Bay TreeSweet Laurel Bay Leaf is a useful addition in a herb garden and makes a great privacy hedge plant. It is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean. The leaves are aromatic and are frequently used in soups and pasta. Sweet Bay is fairly easy to grow and does best in full sun to partial shade. Well draining soil is best for this plant, and it needs to be protected form freezing weather. Sweet Bay makes a great landscape plant, because it can pruned into a topiary and also used as a decorative hedge.
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Growing Surinam Cherry Trees
Growing Surinam Cherry TreesSurinam cherry, also called pitang, is a subtropical and tropical evergreen shrub. It grows to about 10 feet away in height and produces an edible fruit. The fruits are round and have eight prominent ribs. They are red at first then turn black when ripe. They are refreshing and do well in juices. Surinam cherry trees grow best in zones 9 and 10, but can handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees. They make an excellent privacy hedge and are easy to grow. Surinam cherry grows in any type of soil and can even withstand water logging. Fertilize twice a year as it begins to flower and fruit.
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Growing Pineapple Guava Feijoa sellowiana Plants
Growing Pineapple Guava Feijoa sellowiana Plants Pineapple Guava is a subtropical evergreen shrub that is native to South America. Both the fruit and flowers are edible. The tropical fruit is delicious as is the white and red. flowers. The fruit usually ripens in late fall. This guava plant also attracts bees and butterflies to the garden. Pineapple Guava is easy to maintain and grow. It can be grown as a hedge and also in a container. If allowed to grow naturally, it can grow to approximately 15 feet tall. It does best in well draining soil and responds well to frequent pruning. You should fertilize in spring and make sure the plant is well watered during the heat of summer.
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Blue Java Ice Cream Banana
Blue Java Ice Cream BananaBlue Java ice cream banana plants are native to Hawaii and other tropical areas, but are gaining popularity everywhere. As the name implies, these bananas truly do taste like sweet vanilla ice cream. They make a great addition to any food forest. We have them everywhere around our permaculture garden. The beautiful thing about growing banana plants is that they produce several pups a year. Banana plants are truly amazing, especially when they taste like ice cream. How to Grow an Ice Cream Banana Banana plants are heavy feeders and require frequent watering. They do best on a routine watering schedule. When the weather is warm, water every other day. However, make sire that water doesn’t pool up at the base of the plant. Ice cream banana plants require well draining soil. We fertilize with worm castings and kelp, but they respond well to many types of fertilizer. With a little care, you will be eating home grown ice cream bananas harvested from your garden.
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Ecuadorian Palora Yellow Selenicereus megalanthus Dragon Fruit
Ecuadorian Palora Yellow Selenicereus megalanthus Dragon Fruit Palora Yellow Dragon Fruit is known for being one of the sweetest tasting cultivars of dragon fruit. It has yellow skin and white interior flesh. The fruit is oval shaped and heavily thorned; however, the thorns typically fall off as the fruit ripens. Palora is self fertile and is a slow grower compared to some of the other varieties of dragon fruit. Palora also known as Ecuadorian dragon fruit is much larger than the other variety known as Colombiana. It gets its name from the city known as Palorain Ecuador where it is brown commercially. Growing Palora Yellow Dragon Fruit Dragon fruit grows best in warm climates. Temperatures should be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Palora should always be protected form freezing weather. They can be brown in containers and do best in well draining soil, such as cactus mix. Also avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
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