Daniel asks: I just moved here after travelling in Southeast Asia where I tasted a lot of durian fruit and loved it. Can I grow durian in Hawaii and, if so, how?
Tropical Gardener answer: Yes, you can grow durian here. It grows best in hot humid locations where the temperature never drops below 50 degrees and humidity is at least 80 percent with annual rainfall between 70 and 160 inches. Despite durian’s preference for humid weather conditions, it does need to be grown in soil that drains well to prevent disease. Durian trees can get very big and need space to grow. Since they have shallow roots and can blow over in high winds, they should be pruned to keep the canopy low and open.
If you have a place that meets durian’s ideal conditions, you just need to find seeds or grafted trees.
Lindsay Gasik, a fellow durian lover and aficionado will be in Kealakekua showing some of her photos from over 13 durian growing countries at a Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers meeting on Thursday evening. She’ll also be sharing growing information and answering questions. She has been working with Ken Love who will also be present. He will have trees available by the end of the year. (More information on page 2C)
You can get seeds through Gasik, from Oscar at ww.fruitlovers.com or one of several online sites. Growing from seed is fairly easy. Fresh seeds are usually only viable for 10 days, unless they have been specially treated, so be sure you are dealing with a reputable source. More information on growing durian is available at www.yearof thedurian.com.
When growing from seed you can expect production here in Hawaii in about 12 years. Grafted trees are smaller if you can find them and will usually produce in six to eight years. Though the fruit is prized by many, it gives off an extremely pungent odor that prohibits carrying the fresh fruit on public transportation in many countries. We do not have that prohibition in Hawaii, yet.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook. Some questions that appear here were originally directed to Kona’s Certified Master Gardeners. You may contact them with questions at kona.m.g@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Gardening Events
Thursday: “Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers on Durian” from 7 to 9 p.m. at HTFG office 81-6393 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua. With Lindsay Gasik and Ken Love. Free. Bring fruit to share. For more information, contact Brian Lievens at greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com.
Saturday: “10th annual Avocado Festival” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay. Free community event with lots of information about avocados. For more information, visit www.avocadofestival.org.
“Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance. Water and light refreshments offered. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Hooulu Farmers Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.
“Sunset Farmers Market,” 2 p.m. to sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market,” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center.
“Kamuela Farmers Market,” 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables.
Sunday: “South Kona Green Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.
Monday through Saturday: “U-Pick greens and produce,” 10 a.m. to 4p.m. at Tropical Edibles Nursery in Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: kona.m.g@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu – 322-4892
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9 a.m. to noon at UH CES at Komohana in Hilo 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu