Best Tropical Plants to Grow in New Jersey
New Jersey spans USDA Zones 6–7, typically Zone 7. We've broken out 2 tropical varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
2
for New Jersey
USDA
Zones 6–7
180–210 days season
Beginner
1
easy to grow
Heirloom
1
heritage varieties
New Jersey in USDA Zones 6–7
New Jersey spans Zones 6–7. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Tropical Plants in New Jersey
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.
Zone 7 Tropical Plants for New Jersey★ Most of NJ
2 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 6 Tropical Plants for New Jersey
2 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 7 Growing Tips for New Jersey
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.