Overwintering Tropical Fruit Seedlings in Zone 2

In Fort St. John, BC (zone 2), tropical seedlings (starfruit, mango, papaya, etc.) must be kept indoors all winter.

Strategy

• Large pots; prune to keep dwarf (cut central leader).
• Bright east/south window or basement with 100W grow light.
• Minimal water, no fertilizer in winter—semi-dormant.
• Expect leaf drop; they’ll recover.
• Summer: move outdoors for “vacation” in full sun.

Citrus (lime, orange) adapt well to containers. Avocado, banana need more heat. Fish tank humidity helps.