First of all, you have chosen a perfect fruit to grow in South Florida. Canistel (also known as eggfruit) performs really well in the warm and humid climate of South Florida. While planting a fruit tree, the first question that comes to our mind is " Which variety should I pick to plant?" I am here to help you choose the best variety of Canistel or eggfruit to grow in South Florida.
The best variety is not only about the most delicious variant. We have to consider several factors such as yield (harvesting amount), maintenance difficulty, and how it tastes.
Read: South Florida Planting Calendar for the whole year
To make it easier for you I have considered all the factors for you and created an information table. If you wish you can select the best variety on your own checking all the information from this table. I will share my opinion at the end of this article as well.
Note: Canistel is a salt-tolerant tree. But do not plant it in areas extremely exposed to saltwater. You can this list: Salt tolerant plants and trees in South Florida
Canistel Varieties
Here is the list of canistel varieties you can grow in South Florida.
| Variety Name | Yield | Maintenance Difficulty | Taste | Max Height | First Harvesting Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairchild | Moderate | Low | Sweet and mild, custard-like texture | 10-15 ft | Late Fall |
| Trompo | High | Moderate | Rich, egg yolk-like, sweet | 15-20 ft | Late Summer |
| Ross Sapote | Moderate | Low | Sweet with a pumpkin-like flavor | 10-12 ft | Fall |
| Bruce | Low | Low | Dense and sweet | 8-10 ft | Winter |
| Aurea | High | Moderate | Mild and soft, pleasant flavor | 12-15 ft | Winter |
| Oro | Moderate | Moderate | Sweet and creamy, vibrant color | 10-12 ft | Early Winter |
| Palo | High | High | Rich flavor, smooth texture | 15-18 ft | Mid Fall |
| Yellow Sapote | Moderate | Moderate | Sweet with a soft, buttery texture | 12-14 ft | Late Winter |
There are a few other major varieties out there. I have not included those as they did not qualify my minimum consideration criteria to be on this list.
Tip: Light pruning after each harvest can increase the harvesting period.
Now the question is which variety is the winner?
It's hard to medal only one variety. I am considering these three varieties as the winners:
- Trompo
- Ross Sapote
- Fairchild
If the height of the tree is not an issue for you, then replace Rose Sapote with Palo.
If you are interested in growing other fruit trees, don't forget to read: Best fruit trees to grow in Florida ( Beside each tree, it is mentioned if the tree will perform well in South Florida or not )
Though it's a small article, it took a lot of time to organize information in one place. If you like what you read, subscribe to this site. It's free! ( I will keep writing gardening tips and articles for South Florida gardeners)
