How to Grow Rambutan in Florida: A Complete Guide

Rambutan is a tropical fruit that has a hairy appearance and a sweet and sour taste. It is native to Southeast Asia, but can it grow in Florida? The answer is yes, but with some limitations. In this article, we will show you how to grow rambutan in Florida, where to buy fresh rambutan fruit, and what are the benefits of this exotic fruit.

What is Rambutan?

Rambutan is a fruit that belongs to the same family as lychee and longan. It has a red or yellow skin with soft spikes, which gives it a hairy look. The skin can be peeled off to reveal a white or pink flesh that surrounds a single seed. The flesh is juicy and sweet, with a slightly acidic flavor. The seed can also be cooked and eaten, but it has a bitter taste.

Rambutan is rich in vitamin C, potassium, iron, and antioxidants. It can help boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, prevent anemia, and fight infections. It can also improve skin health, digestion, and weight loss.

Where to Grow Rambutan in Florida?

Rambutan needs a warm and humid climate to thrive. It can tolerate temperatures between 71 to 86 degrees F (21 to 30 C), but anything below 50 degrees F (10 C) will kill the plant. Therefore, only South Florida has the suitable conditions for growing rambutan outdoors year-round.

Central and North Florida, on the other hand, are too cold for rambutan trees. However, this does not mean that you cannot grow rambutan in these regions. You can try growing rambutan in containers and move them indoors during the winter or when there is a frost warning. You can also use a greenhouse or a sunroom to provide the necessary heat and humidity for your rambutan plants.

How to Grow Rambutan in Florida?

Rambutan trees can be grown from seeds or seedlings, but they may take several years to bear fruit. You can buy seeds or seedlings online or use the seeds from fresh rambutan fruits that you find in grocery stores or markets. Rambutan trees are either male, female, or hermaphrodite, so you may need more than one tree to ensure pollination and fruit production.

Here are some steps to grow rambutan in Florida:

• Obtain a fresh rambutan seed from a fruit or an online source. Make sure the seed is not older than a week, as older seeds may not germinate.
• Plant the seed flat in a small pot with drainage holes and filled with organic soil amended with sand and organic compost. Cover the seed lightly with soil and water well.
• Place the pot in a warm and sunny spot, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. The seed should germinate within 10 to 21 days.
• When the seedling is about a foot tall, transplant it to a larger pot (at least 500mm wide) with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots before planting.
• Fertilize the tree every six months with a mix of potash, phosphate, and urea. You can also use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea.
• Protect the tree from cold temperatures and frost. If you live in a cold area, you will need to move the pot indoors during the winter or use a greenhouse or a sunroom.
• Prune the tree regularly to maintain a manageable size and shape. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also thin out some of the fruits to encourage larger and sweeter ones.
• Harvest the fruits when they are ripe, which is indicated by their reddish or yellowish color. You can pick them by hand or use scissors to cut them off. Enjoy them fresh or use them in salads, desserts, jams, or juices.

Where to Buy Fresh Rambutan Fruit in Florida?

If you don’t have your own rambutan tree or you want to try some fresh rambutan fruit before growing your own, there are several places where you can buy them in Florida, depending on your location and preference. Here are some options:

• If you live in South Florida, you can visit the Redland Market Village in Homestead, which is close to the tropical fruit-growing areas of the Redland. There you can find many produce vendors selling a variety of tropical fruits, including rambutan, under a large roof near the entrance. The market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.
• If you live in Central or North Florida, or if you prefer to order online, you can check out Miami Fruit, which is an online store that ships fresh tropical fruits from Florida to anywhere in the US. They offer rambutan boxes in different sizes, ranging from $97 to $397. You can order rambutan from their website or follow their Instagram account @miamifruit for updates on availability and discounts.
• Another online option is Exotic Fruits USA, which also delivers fresh rambutan fruits from Florida to your door. They claim to have the lowest prices for rambutan and offer free shipping for orders over $100. You can browse their selection of rambutan fruits on their website or call them at 1-877-398-0141 for more information.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about rambutan:

• What does rambutan taste like? Rambutan tastes like a combination of grape, pear, and lychee. It has a sweet and sour flavor with a juicy and crunchy texture.
• How to eat rambutan? To eat rambutan, you need to peel off the skin and remove the seed. You can use your fingers or a knife to cut the skin along the middle and pull it apart. Then you can pop the flesh into your mouth and spit out the seed. You can also cut the flesh into smaller pieces and add them to salads, desserts, jams, or juices.
• How to store rambutan? Rambutan can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the peeled flesh in an airtight container for up to six months.
• Is rambutan good for you? Rambutan is good for you as it is rich in vitamin C, potassium, iron, and antioxidants. It can help boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, prevent anemia, and fight infections. It can also improve skin health, digestion, and weight loss.

Conclusion

Rambutan is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be grown in Florida with some care and protection. If you love tropical fruits and have a green thumb, you may want to give rambutan a try and enjoy its exotic flavor.