S.P.A.R.T.A.

Florida cranberry, also known as Jamaican roselle or hibiscus sabdariffa, is a popular tropical plant that can be easily grown in central Florida food forests. Here’s some information to help you get started.

Hardy varieties:

Hibiscus sabdariffa is commonly grown as an annual, but there are several hardy cultivars such as ‘Thai Red’, ‘Karkade’ and ‘Victoria Red’ that can withstand temperatures up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Planting and Care:

Florida cranberries are warm-season plants that grow in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers full sun but tolerates light shade. You can plant the seeds directly into the ground after the last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds should be planted approximately 1/4 inch deep and 2 to 3 feet apart.

Water the plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot. Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer every few weeks. Regular pruning of plants keeps them healthy and encourages new growth to bush out.

Harvest:

The calyx, or fleshy red fruit, of Florida cranberries can be harvested when they are plump and fully grown. Teas, jams, and other delicacies are made from the calyx. Even a kool aid type drink for kids. Plants can bear fruit in as little as 6 to 8 weeks after planting. The outside petals of the calyx are eaten rather than the pulpy inside.

Propagation:

Florida cranberries are easy to propagate from seed. Simply collect the dried calyxes that have fallen from the plant and remove the seeds. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil and water them regularly until they germinate.

Diseases and Pests:

Florida cranberries can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be treated with a solution of water and dish soap or with an organic insecticide. Plants can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.To prevent these diseases, ensure your plants have adequate air circulation and do not water their leaves directly too often.

Florida cranberries are easy-to-grow tropical plants that do well in central Florida food forests. With care and maintenance, you can get a bountiful harvest of delicious, nutritious calyx each year.

Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) is a beautiful, versatile plant that makes a great addition to your Central Florida food forest. Here’s a quick guide to growing this plant in your food forest.

Hardy varieties:

Cranberry hibiscus is a tropical plant, so it is not very hardy. However, some cultivars are more cold-hardy than others, being able to tolerate short-term frosts. Hardy varieties of Cranberry Hibiscus include ‘Cranberry Crush’, ‘Panama Red’ and ‘Red Shield’.

Planting and Care:

Cranberry hibiscus can grow in a variety of soils, but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Plant in full sun to semi-shade and water regularly to keep the soil moist. It will tolerate some drought, but too much drought can cause it to drop its leaves. Pruning it as it grows will cause it to branch out and become more bushy rather than a tall, central stem.

Harvest:

The cranberry hibiscus leaves are edible and have a tangy, cranberry-like flavor. The leaves can be harvested at any time, but young, tender leaves are the most delicious. You can also eat the flower petals of the beautiful dark red flowers when it blooms.

Propagation:

Cranberry hibiscus can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. To propagate by cuttings, take cuttings about 6 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Soak the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist, give it a humid environment either in a greenhouse or with a humidity dome over the pot or plastic bag, and keep it out of direct sunlight until rooted. As the calyxes dry, you can remove them and separate the dried seeds inside. There will be many per calyx to replant.

Diseases and pests:

Cranberry hibiscus is generally a low maintenance plant, but it is prone to root rot if the soil is too wet. They can also be attacked by aphids and whiteflies. Keep an eye out for these pests and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.

Cranberry Hibiscus is a beautiful, flavorful plant and a great addition to your Central Florida food forest.

Moringa oleifera, also known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree native to Asia/India, but can be grown in a variety of climates, including in central Florida. It is valued not only for its seed pods, which can be eaten like vegetables, but also for its nutritious leaves, which can be cooked or eaten raw. Moringa oleifera is also known for its medicinal properties, and the leaves, seeds, and oil of this tree are used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world.

If you’re interested in growing Moringa oleifera at the Central Florida Food Forest Guild, here are some planting and care tips.

Moringa can be grown from seeds, transplants, or cuttings. To start with seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours, then plant them about 1 inch deep in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Germination usually takes about 3 days to a week.

Moringa oleifera likes full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates a wide variety of soil types, but grows best in soil rich in organic matter. Try to disturb the roots a little as possible. It may be shocked initially, and may even defoliate, but should come back with new shoots quickly.

Water your Moringa regularly, especially during dry periods. The tree is drought tolerant, but grows more vigorously if watered regularly early in its life cycle. As they mature, they need much less water. And they definitely do NOT like “wet feet” as they mature. Make sure the soil is not consistently wet. In general, it is better to let dry and then water heavily, rather than spread watering out more frequently.

Fertilize Moringa every few months with an all-purpose fertilizer.You can also add compost or well-rotted manure or compost teas to the soil to increase its nutrients.

Moringa can grow very quickly and may require regular pruning to keep it from growing too large. Prune the tree in the spring, cutting off dead or damaged branches and adjust the size to your liking. It will sprout new shoots at buds below your pruning to become even bushier. Moringa oleifera is generally pest resistant, but can be susceptible to aphids and whiteflies. If you notice pest problems, you can use organic pest control methods such as neem oil to get rid of pests.

Moringa trees (Moringa oleifera) are native to tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, but they can also be grown in other parts of the world. Moringa trees can be grown as perennials in areas with a year-round warm climate, but they are not cold-hardy and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.

Moringa trees are typically grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, which correspond to areas with a minimum average temperature range of 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 to 4.4 degrees Celsius). In these regions, moringa trees can grow year-round and can even withstand a light frost for short periods.

If you live in an area with colder temperatures, you can still grow moringa trees as annuals by starting them from seeds indoors and transplanting them outdoors once the weather warms up. Moringa trees can grow quickly, and in warm conditions, they can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) in their first year.

While moringa trees are not cold-hardy, they can also grow in containers indoors or on a patio, as long as they receive adequate sunlight and water.

Many people harvest the leaves, dry them, and use them in teas and other recipes. This powder can be added to soups, stews and smoothies. It can be taken as a dietary supplement in capsule form. Moringa powder can be stored for a long time if stored in a vacuum-sealed bag in a cool, dry, dark place. Moringa powder is a natural product that does not contain synthetic preservatives, so storing it properly to prevent it from spoiling is important.

Moringa is the MOST nutritious terrestrial plant!
It has:
7 times more vitamin C than oranges
10 times more vitamin A than carrots
17 times more calcium than milk
9 times more protein than yogurt
15 times more potassium than bananas
25 times more iron than spinach
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453016300362

Studies have shown that moringa powder can remain stable for up to two years when stored in a vacuum-sealed bag at room temperature (20-25°C). Low temperatures can further extend the shelf life of moringa powder. For example, moringa powder can be stored for up to 4 years when stored in a vacuum-sealed bag at 4°C.

These are general guidelines and the actual shelf life of moringa powder may vary depending on factors such as the powder’s moisture content, storage conditions, and the presence of other impurities.

You can successfully grow Moringa oleifera in your Central Florida Forest Guild. Trees provide a nutritious food source and also contribute to the overall health and diversity of food forest ecosystems.