At the Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension Office, we’ve been cultivating a Food Forest to showcase the most productive, unique, and often underutilized edible plants suited to our distinctive southwest Florida climate. Through this project, we aim to inspire and educate our community by offering a firsthand look at these remarkable trees and shrubs, allowing visitors to sample flavors before purchasing, and providing opportunities to gather seeds and cuttings.
To deepen community engagement, we’re launching a monthly blog series that will highlight the best edible plants to harvest each month. While some trees are still maturing and may take a few years to reach full production, we invite you to visit anytime and enjoy the fruits that are ready now. Come experience the abundance and potential of local, sustainable gardening that can be added into your landscape. Nothing will be fresher or more fulfilling than something you grow and pick yourself!
The Perfect Nut to Crack During the Holidays
Native to the dry tropical rainforests of Australia, macadamias thrive in climates remarkably similar to Florida’s. While the United States once boasted the world’s largest commercial macadamia industry, it was all centered in Hawaii. These days Florida is just starting to explore the potential of this exceptional nut. With two primary species — “Smooth-shell Macadamia” (Macadamia integrifolia) and “Rough-shell Macadamia” (Macadamia tetraphylla)—and hybrids such as the popular “Beaumont,” macadamias offer both beauty and bounty for growers in the Sunshine State. Cultivars like “Dana White” and “Arkin” can also be found in local nurseries, making it easier than ever to bring this Australian delight to Florida gardens. Perfectly timed for holiday gatherings, macadamias typically ripen from late November into December, offering fresh, decadent treats ready to crack and enjoy.
A Stunning Addition to the Landscape
Beyond their nutty harvest, macadamias are stunning additions to the landscape. These evergreen trees boast dense, glossy green canopies reminiscent of holly trees, making them as ornamental as they are productive. They thrive in well-drained, deep soil and prefer slightly acidic conditions but are adaptable. However, their shallow root systems—common in air-layered specimens—make them vulnerable to wind damage. Planting them southeast of a sturdy windbreak, such as a large tree, can help mitigate this risk.
Springtime Brilliance and Fragrance
Springtime is when macadamias truly shine. Their cascading flowers, whether the pure white blooms of Macadamia integrifolia or the pink-hued blossoms of hybrids like “Beaumont” and “Pinkalicious,” perfume the air with a fragrance likened to honey and oranges. This sweet aroma attracts a host of pollinators, including honeybees, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Slow-growing but hardy, macadamia trees can take up to five years to begin producing nuts and may take a decade to reach peak yields of up to 150 pounds per tree. With mature heights of 30 to 40 feet, these trees are best left to grow to their full size, as harvesting is simply a matter of gathering the fallen nuts.
Low-Maintenance and Pest-Resistant
Low-maintenance and pest-resistant, macadamias require little care beyond regular watering and occasional pruning. Their tough shells deter most pests, though the resourceful Eastern Grey Squirrel poses a challenge. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, such as installing barn owl boxes and welcoming natural predators like rat snakes, can help protect your harvest.
The Best Time to Plant is Now
As with most trees, the best time to plant a macadamia was a few years ago, but the second-best time is now. Will you add this beautiful and productive tree to your landscape? Picture yourself celebrating the holidays with fresh, Suncoast-grown macadamias, ready to crack and savor. There’s no better time to start than today!
Resources
- UF/IFAS Blogs on Macadamia as an Alternative Crop for Florida: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2018/03/22/macadamia-production-as-an-alternative-crop/
- Growables – Grow Florida Edibles on Macadamia: https://www.growables.org/information/TropicalFruit/Macadamia.htm
- UF/IFAS EDIS Document: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/IR00003392/0000
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