October is one of the best months to start a fruit garden in Hawaii. The warm weather and gentle rains create perfect growing conditions for many tropical and subtropical fruits.
Planting seeds now means you could be enjoying fresh, homegrown fruit in just a few months or next year!
1. Papaya Seeds
Papayas grow incredibly fast in Hawaiian gardens, often producing fruit within just nine months. October planting takes advantage of Hawaii’s warm soil temperatures and upcoming winter rains.
Choose a sunny spot with good drainage since papayas hate soggy roots. Plant several seeds together because you’ll want both male and female plants for pollination.
Water regularly but don’t overdo it, and watch your papaya tree shoot up faster than you’d imagine possible!
2. Mango Seeds
Starting a mango tree from seed is easier than most people think. After enjoying a delicious mango, clean the seed thoroughly and plant it within a few days for best results.
October’s warm conditions help the seed germinate quickly, usually within two to four weeks. Choose a location with plenty of space since mango trees grow quite large over time.
Your tree will need full sun and patience—fruit production typically starts around three to five years after planting.
3. Passion Fruit Seeds
Passion fruit vines are vigorous growers that love Hawaii’s climate year-round. Extract seeds from ripe fruit, rub them gently to remove the pulp, then plant them about half an inch deep.
These vines need something sturdy to climb on, so install a trellis or fence beforehand. October planting means your vine will establish strong roots during the cooler months.
Expect beautiful flowers and tangy fruit within one to two years of planting your seeds.
4. Strawberry Seeds
Hawaiian strawberries taste sweeter than mainland varieties thanks to our unique climate. Starting from seed requires patience since they’re incredibly tiny and take time to germinate.
Plant them in containers or raised beds with well-draining soil mixed with compost. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during the germination period.
October’s milder temperatures prevent seeds from drying out too quickly, giving you better success rates for healthy seedlings.
5. Guava Seeds
Guava trees are practically effortless to grow in Hawaiian conditions. Seeds germinate readily when fresh, so plant them soon after removing them from ripe fruit.
Clean the seeds well and plant them in loose, fertile soil with good drainage. These hardy trees tolerate various soil types but produce better fruit with regular watering.
Your guava tree will grow quickly and could start bearing fruit within two to three years, rewarding your patience abundantly.
6. Avocado Seeds
Growing avocados from seed is a fun project that yields beautiful trees. Remove the seed carefully from a ripe avocado, keeping the brown skin intact for best results.
Plant it with the pointed end up, leaving about half the seed exposed above soil level. October provides ideal conditions for root development before the tree focuses on upward growth.
While seed-grown avocados take five to thirteen years to fruit, the journey itself brings tremendous satisfaction.
7. Dragon Fruit Seeds
Dragon fruit cacti create stunning additions to any Hawaiian garden with their dramatic appearance. Scoop out the tiny black seeds from ripe fruit and rinse them thoroughly before planting.
Use well-draining cactus mix since these plants dislike wet feet despite needing regular moisture when young. Plant multiple seeds since germination rates vary, and thin out weaker seedlings later.
Expect flowers and fruit within two to three years once your cactus matures fully and establishes strong roots.
8. Lychee Seeds
Lychee trees bring exotic beauty and delicious fruit to Hawaiian landscapes. Plant seeds immediately after removing them from fresh fruit since they lose viability quickly when dried out.
Choose a location protected from strong winds with rich, slightly acidic soil for optimal growth. October planting allows young trees to establish before the drier spring months arrive.
Patience is essential—lychee trees grown from seed typically take five to ten years before producing their first harvest.
9. Pineapple Crown
While technically not a seed, pineapple crowns are the easiest way to grow this iconic Hawaiian fruit. Twist off the crown from a fresh pineapple, remove lower leaves, and let it dry for two days.
Plant the prepared crown in sandy, well-draining soil with the base barely covered. Water sparingly at first, increasing frequency as roots develop over the following weeks.
Your pineapple plant will produce fruit in approximately eighteen to twenty-four months after planting.