It's the first unboxing of the season, with a purchase from https://jerrasgarden.com (use code SAVE10 for your order).
Today we're unboxing and uppotting 3 new varieties of fruit for the meadow.
Learn More With a little help from Gemini AI:
Olympian Fig (Self-Fertile)
The Olympian Fig is a standout variety for North Florida gardeners. Discovered in Washington state but remarkably adaptable, it is known for producing two crops of massive, tangerine-sized fruit each year. In Zone 9B, its cold hardiness is a major asset; it can withstand temperatures down to 0°F, meaning our occasional January frosts won’t pose a threat to the established wood.
Growth & Care in Zone 9B
Since it is currently January, your new starts are in their dormant phase. This is the ideal time for up-potting because the plant’s energy is concentrated in the root system rather than foliage. Once the Florida spring hits in March, expect rapid growth. Olympian Figs have a sprawling habit, so giving them a larger pot now ensures they won't become root-bound during the summer growth spurt.
Yellow Dragon Fruit (Self-Fertile)
The Yellow Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus) is often considered the “Champagne of Dragon Fruits” due to its incredibly high sugar content (Brix level). Unlike the common red-skinned varieties, the Yellow Dragon has a thorny skin that sheds its spines as it ripens, revealing a white, translucent flesh that is far sweeter and more floral than its cousins.
Winter Management in North Florida
January is a “danger zone” for Dragon Fruit in Zone 9B. While they love our summer heat, they are much more sensitive to cold than figs. Keep them in a protected area (like a porch or garage) if a freeze is forecasted. They prefer a well-draining, sandy cactus mix. Overwatering during the cool January weeks is the quickest way to cause root rot, so keep the soil on the drier side until the nights stay consistently above 50°F.
Pollination & Support
Being self-fertile is a massive advantage for home growers, as you won't need to hand-pollinate at 2:00 AM.
Giant Granadilla (Passiflora quadrangularis)
The Giant Granadilla is the “king” of the passion fruit family. These are not your average vines; they are vigorous, woody climbers that produce the largest fruit of any Passiflora species—sometimes reaching the size of a small melon. The flowers are stunning, intricate, and highly fragrant, acting as a magnet for local pollinators.
Zone 9B Challenges
In Northeast Florida, the Giant Granadilla is considered “tender.” It thrives in the heat and humidity of a Florida July but can be killed back to the ground by a hard freeze. By up-potting them now in January, you are giving them a head start to develop a strong root base. If a frost hits, be prepared to bring these pots inside. They love “wet feet” more than the Dragon Fruit does, but in the winter, you should still dial back the water to prevent the roots from chilling in soggy soil.
These vines grow incredibly fast—up to 30 feet in a single season—so ensure that wherever you transplant them this spring has a heavy-duty fence or arbor to support the weight of the massive fruits.
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About Michelle In The Meadow
I'm growing on a 1/4 acre suburban lot. I started gardening here 6 years ago and am glad you are here.
We have more than 80 individual fruit trees and shrubs and more than a dozen different kinds of annuals growing on this property. The slopes make for some interesting ways to garden, but we're trying to make the best of it.
On the first Sunday evening of each month (7PM Eastern), I go live on YouTube sharing updates and answering your questions.
If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to follow along on all the happenings in my Northeast Florida Zone 9B Garden. Until next time, my friends, remember to drink plenty of water, wear high-quality sunscreen and have a fantastic day.
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