These unusual edible houseplants will fill your home with both style and flavor.
But theres more to the world of edible houseplants.
Byron Martinis the co-owner of Logees Plant Store and co-author of the bookEdible Houseplants.
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It tops out at 3 feet with minimal pruning.
ensure to place your Australian beach cherry in a sunny window where temperatures won’t drop below 60F.
Martin describes the fruit as very sweet with the texture of a peach.
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Its a great little plant for a windowsill, he says.
Its sweet-tasting berries are often added to smoothies because theyre loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Acerola also appreciates plenty of direct sun and warmer temperatures.
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Out in the wild tropics, they can grow into enormous trees stretching well over 20 feet.
So unless youve got very high ceilings in your home, Martin recommends Dwarf Hawaiian or Dwarf Maher.
I have some specimens in 8-inch pots that have six or seven fruit on them, Martin says.
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Keep in mind, however, that star fruitneeds full sunand warmer temperatures to produce a harvest.
In Northern climates, Martin suggests moving the container outdoors to encourage fruit set.
Ensure youve got a warm and sunny spot for them and that temperatures are close to 80F or higher.
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Patience is required: fruit can take months to grow and ripen.
This dense, bushy citrus with small dark leaves produces slender green fruit about the size of a finger.
Plus they make an attractive and tasty garnish for salads, cocktails, and sparkling water.
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Passion Fruit
Andy Lyons
Many of the plants listed above grow into shrubs or trees.
Look forPassiflora edulisover other commercially grown varieties.
They self-pollinate, set fruit easily, and can be trained and pruned into a smaller plant.
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McCain produces yellow fruit, while Possum Purple gives you something more the color of a plum.
Both are sweet, tangy, and easy to gauge when theyre ripe.
Theyll drop right off their vines or break free with a gentle pull.
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Place your passion fruit vine in full sun andfertilize regularly during their growing season.
But if youre up for the challenge, this woody vine can be rewarding.
Once they turn red, theyre ready to harvest, brine, and process.
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To maximize your harvest, place in a sunny, warm window and prune into a 3-6-foot tree.
Dont be afraid to shape and cut back aggressively after a heavy-fruiting cycle.
Theyll bounce right back with new growth and a fresh round of blossoms.
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Grown under ideal conditions, a TR Hovey papaya (Carica papaya) could provide you with just that.
Theyre almost like a tomato, he says.
Investing in a sturdy hand cart can be helpful, especially if you live in a northern climate.
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