Dry Fruit Trees
Dry fruit trees, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, provide nutrient-rich harvests that can be enjoyed fresh, roasted, or stored for long-term use. These trees add beauty to the landscape while producing healthy, protein-packed snacks. With proper care, dry fruit trees can thrive in Florida gardens and offer abundant yields season after season.
Cashew Tree
The cashew tree produces both cashew nuts and a juicy, edible fruit called a cashew apple. Best grown in warm, frost-free climates with good drainage.
- Harvest Season: March–June
- Tree Size: Small to medium, ~12–25 ft
- Uses: Nuts (roasted) for snacking and baking; cashew apples for fresh eating, juicing, and preserves
- Pollination: Self-fertile; nearby trees can improve yields
- Chill Hours: None (tropical/subtropical)
Chestnut Tree
Chestnut trees yield large, sweet nuts in spiny burrs and require a pollination partner for best yields. Hardy and long-lived with beautiful shade foliage.
- Harvest Season: September–October
- Tree Size: Large, ~30–50 ft
- Uses: Roasting, boiling, baking (stuffings, desserts), milling into flour
- Pollination: Requires a compatible variety for cross-pollination
- Chill Hours: ~400–800 (variety dependent)
Dwarf Almond Tree
Dwarf almond trees offer ornamental spring blooms and edible nuts in a compact size. Ideal for backyard growing in mild climates with low humidity.
- Harvest Season: June–July
- Tree Size: Small, ~8–12 ft
- Uses: Snacking, baking, confectionery (marzipan), nut butters
- Pollination: Most need a compatible partner; choose self-fertile cultivars if planting one
- Chill Hours: ~300–500 (cultivar dependent)
Macadamia Tree
Macadamia trees produce rich, buttery nuts with a crunchy texture. They thrive in subtropical areas with well-drained soil and protection from frost.
- Harvest Season: September–February
- Tree Size: Medium, ~15–30 ft
- Uses: Roasting, baking, confectionery, nut oils
- Pollination: Partially self-fertile; cross-pollination boosts yield
- Chill Hours: None (subtropical)
Pecan Tree
Pecans are long-lived trees that yield abundant, flavorful nuts in fall. They prefer deep soil and need cross-pollination for heavy crops.
- Harvest Season: October–December
- Tree Size: Large, ~40–70 ft
- Uses: Pies, pralines, candies, roasting, nut butters
- Pollination: Needs cross-pollination (pair Type I & Type II cultivars)
- Chill Hours: ~200–400 (variety dependent)
Walnut Tree
Walnut trees produce high-quality nuts and make excellent shade trees. Best suited to cooler climates with well-drained soil and space to grow.
- Harvest Season: September–October
- Tree Size: Large, ~40–60 ft
- Uses: Snacking, baking, salads, sauces; valuable timber (some species)
- Pollination: Partially self-fertile; better yields with a second variety
- Chill Hours: ~400–700 (variety dependent)