Best Tropical Plants to Grow in Arkansas
Arkansas sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7. These 4 tropical varieties are suited to Arkansas's 210-day growing season with last frost around April 1 and first frost around October 30.
Varieties
4
for Arkansas
USDA Zone
7
210-day season
Beginner
2
easy to grow
Heirloom
1
heritage varieties
Arkansas in USDA Zone 7
Arkansas is primarily in Zone 7. Varieties that thrive in this zone will typically grow well across the state, though local microclimates vary.
When to Plant Tropical Plants in Arkansas
Growing Tropical Plants in Arkansas
Zone 7 presents a fascinating opportunity for tropical gardening—you're right on the edge where many heat-loving plants can thrive with proper planning. With your 210-day growing season stretching from early April through late October, you have enough warmth to grow impressive tropical varieties that gardeners in cooler zones can only dream of. The key is understanding that while your summers are plenty hot, your springs can be unpredictable and your falls arrive sooner than true tropical climates.
Success in Zone 7 tropical gardening comes down to choosing varieties that can handle cooler nighttime temperatures and make the most of your extended but finite season. Look for plants that produce quickly once established, tolerate temperature swings, and don't require the extreme heat that only zones 9-11 can provide consistently. The varieties I've selected here have proven themselves in Zone 7 gardens, offering reliable harvests and spectacular growth when given proper care.
What makes Zone 7 particularly exciting for tropical gardening is your ability to grow both annual tropical crops and marginal perennials that can survive mild winters with protection. This opens up possibilities for fruit trees, ornamental tropicals, and even some of the more adventurous edibles that require longer establishment periods.
Variety Comparison
| Variety ↑ | Days | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bertha Bell Pepper | 75-80 | Easy |
| Black Pearl Ornamental Pepper | 70-80 | Easy |
| Fish Pepper | 70-80 | Easy to moderate |
| Ice Cream Bean | 90 | Easy to moderate |
Variety Details
Big Bertha Bell Pepper
A massive sweet bell pepper that produces enormous 7-inch long fruits weighing up to 10 ounces each. This reliable hybrid delivers exceptional yields of thick-walled, sweet peppers that are perfect for stuffing or fresh eating. Big Bertha's impressive size and consistent performance make it a favorite among gardeners who want to grow show-stopping peppers.
Black Pearl Ornamental Pepper
A stunning ornamental pepper that doubles as an edible variety, featuring jet-black foliage, purple flowers, and small round peppers that ripen from black to red. This compact plant creates a dramatic focal point in containers or garden beds while producing fiery hot peppers perfect for hot sauce making. Winner of the All-America Selections award for its exceptional ornamental value and garden performance.
Fish Pepper
Initial color is lime green, turning to golden yellow when ripe. Excellent, sweet flavor. Medium-large fruits are mostly 3-lobed and slightly elongated.
Ice Cream Bean
Large 2" blossoms in bright, clear colors of red, purple, mauve, pink, blue, and white. Blooms over a long period with exceptional fragrance. Can be spelled either as sweet pea or sweetpea. Attracts hummingbirds.
Zone 7 Growing Tips for Arkansas
Start your tropical seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date in early April—so mid to late February for most varieties. This gives plants time to develop strong root systems before facing outdoor conditions. For heat-lovers like mangoes, papayas, and bananas, wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F before transplanting, usually mid to late April. Don't rush this step; cold soil will stunt tropical plants for weeks.
Season extension is crucial in Zone 7. Use row covers, cold frames, or hoop tunnels to push your season on both ends. Many tropical fruits like guavas and pomegranates can handle light frosts with protection, extending your harvest well into November. For container-grown tropicals like dwarf citrus or coconut palms, plan to move them indoors or to a protected area once nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F consistently.
Watch for Zone 7's notorious spring temperature swings—you might see 70°F days followed by 40°F nights well into May. Hardening off tropical transplants is especially important here. Start with just 2-3 hours of outdoor exposure and gradually increase over 10-14 days. A sudden cold snap can devastate tropicals that haven't been properly acclimated to your variable spring weather.