Growing Raspberries, Blueberries, Bananas, Papaya, Pineapple in the Desert

Q. What soil and mix do you recommend for berry bushes like raspberries, blueberries and so forth. I am also planting some oranges and exotic trees like banana, papaya and even some pineapple. These will be planted in containers so they can be moved inside in case of frost. Or are the soil requirements of these plants too variable and get different soils for each?

A. The soil is less of a problem than the climate. We have worked with people in Las Vegas who grow exotics such as these in our desert environment. Growing plants that are not supposed to live in the desert takes more time, effort and money to make them work here. The question becomes whether it is worth it to you are not. The management and attention required of you to make them work here will be considerable.

Dorman Red raspberry growing in the Mojave Desert. Notice the yellowing leaves and leaf scorch because of alkalinity, salinity and high light intensities.

Regarding raspberries and blueberries, the varieties that you pick will go a long way toward making a successful. Both of these plants are difficult to grow here. If you pick the wrong varieties they flat-out won’t work. Do an exhaustive search online in desert gardening discussion groups and find promising varieties. Look for varieties that have a low chilling requirement.

Womack blackberry growing in the Mojave Desert. Notice the uneven ripening of the berries which is common with high temperatures.

Tropical plants like banana, papaya and pineapple have been grown in hot desert climates by avid gardeners. Yes, you can grow them here but you must decide if it is worth your time, effort and money. Again, search the online desert gardening discussion groups regarding these topics.

Bananas grown in the Las Vegas Valley by local Gardener. This was done in a small greenhouse. I will post his comments regarding his experiences in the very near future.

Any of Viragrow’s soil mixes will work for you including Premium Garden Soil and Rejuvenate. You would then adjust this soil mix, or have us adjusted for you, by adding amendments that will help lower soil alkalinity. These would include products such as Organic Magic and Dispersul (a highly soluble form of sulfur). Soil sulfur (granular) doesn’t dissolve very quickly. To make soil sulfur effective you should be pulverizing it into a powder and adding it 3 to 4 times each year to the soil in moist areas.

Same Gardener in the Las Vegas Valley with a successful crop of bananas.

Use acid-forming fertilizers or 100% compost to fertilize these plants. Add a 1 inch layer of compost to these soil mixes every year to renew the organic matter content. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of wood chips to the soil surface to help keep it cool and add organic content to the soil as they rot.

Put these plants in areas where they can be shaded from late afternoon sun such as the east side of walls. If they are put in full sun you should consider 30 to 40% shade cloth.

Freezing temperature management is important. Those that are winter tender must be protected or moved into a shelter where they will not freeze but still get sunlight. 

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