best tropical fruit plants for Houston + when to plant? (Howe: houses, stores)

[chicagomama]

I'm wondering what the best tropical fruit plants are for Houston, with ease to grow in our soil and climate?

I'd like to have mango and papaya- I understand about taking care of them in the freezing temps and I'm fine with that.

Which garden stores sell Alphonse mango? (I've heard this grows well here?) ALso which type of papaya is best, and which stores sell it? Which type of orange tree is best?

When is the best time to plant?

[txdemo]

I don't know the answer but I'd recommend asking the folks at Buchanan's Native Plants in the Heights. They'll give you the right advice.

[Scientific]

Our winters destroy mango and papaya when the tree is still young. My dad has tried so many times, lol. Even cashew fruits. Our winters are mild, but these trees don't grow in even the mildest of winters. One freeze, and that's all it takes.

You'll catch a few houses with papaya, its a stronger fruit tree that can take some colder temps, with a lot of care in the cold months. But I've yet to see a mature mango tree anywhere.

[DanielWayne]

I planted a guava tree around March, and it is taking off. But I don't know how it will do in winter. I also killed a persimmon tree

[Oskar_Z28]

We got a guava tree that survived last 2 winters. However they were not too harsh. We'll see how it keeps going over next few years.

For tropical fruits we've had great success with citrus. In 1st two years we've had plenty of lemons and cumquats.