Almost all citrus trees will thrive here. They enjoy the heat and are tolerant of humidity. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, and limes are all good choices. They will need to be nurtured throughout the summer, so keep them watered but not soggy that they rot. Irrigation should not be placed too close to the stem. Citrus is frequently grafted onto the existing root stock of other citrus-fruit species, so when selecting your plants, make sure the graft union is well established and strong. As part of ongoing maintenance, remove any shoots from below the graft to discourage the plant from reverting to its original stock. This is why you might see a tree bearing both lemons and oranges at the same time.
Pomegranates are tough shrubs that can grow to be several metres tall. Give them good soil and regular water, and they will produce beautiful scarlet flowers and, eventually, fruit.
Try papaya for a tropical look and an unusual shape. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil in full or partial sun. Young plants bear more fruit, so succession planting is recommended.
Edible plants in Dubai
Bananas, which can flower and bear fruit within 18 months of their first shoot from root stock, also provide a lush and tropical feel. Trees require protection from hot summer winds, which can cause them to break, but they can withstand heat and humidity if given enough water.
Figs have attractive scented leaves and grow well, but they need to be protected from the wind in summer because the stems can burn and die back. They prefer and require a sunny location with well-drained soil, and they grow well in containers.
Most grape vines will grow here as well, but they are very susceptible to humidity and mildew, and will most likely require fungicide treatment after the summer. They enjoy being trained and thrive best in clay soil. They do well in heavy soils; digging clay through your soil will help prevent water from draining away too quickly. Grapes benefit greatly from heavy pruning after fruiting to encourage growth the following season.
Pineapples (though not strictly a tree) grow slowly and bear fruit in their second year. To promote growth, they prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils and regular feeding.
Landscapers are increasingly incorporating olive trees into planting schemes, and while they make attractive ornamentals, don’t invest in an olive press. Because the trees require cold weather to be truly productive, you are unlikely to harvest a significant crop.
Some mango trees, as well as guava, mulberry, and passion fruit, will grow in the UAE. Nectarines and apricots, like apples and pears, are unlikely to thrive.
Date palms, unsurprisingly, make the list, with hundreds of cultivars each with their own unique characteristics and flavor. However, it can be difficult to find a named variety when buying on the side of the road because they are frequently mislabeled.
