At Inca Plant Nursery, we love fruit trees that are flavorful, unique, and full of culture—and Bilimbi checks all those boxes. Native to Southeast Asia and widely used in Filipino, Indian, and Caribbean kitchens, Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi) is a sour fruit that’s not for the faint of heart—but absolutely essential for anyone who loves cooking with bold tropical flavor.
🍈 What is Bilimbi?
Bilimbi, also known as cucumber tree or kamias, produces clusters of small, green, pickle-shaped fruits that grow directly from the trunk and branches. These fruits are extremely tart—too sour for most people to eat raw—but perfect for:
- Chutneys and pickles
- Ceviche and marinades
- Soups and stews
- Refreshing sour juices (popular in the Philippines)
The tree itself is also beautiful and fast-growing, with light green leaves and star-shaped flowers that bloom in pink or red.
🌿 Can You Grow Bilimbi in Zone 9b?
Yes, with a little care! Bilimbi thrives in warm, humid climates and can grow well in zone 9b with frost protection. In Florida, it usually reaches 10 to 25 feet tall.
How to care for Bilimbi:
- ☀️ Sunlight: Full sun is best for fruiting
- 💧 Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- 🌱 Soil: Rich, well-draining soil preferred
- 🧊 Cold sensitivity: Protect from frost—below 32°F can damage or kill young trees
- 🪴 Container option: Can be grown in a large pot and moved during cold snaps
Bilimbi is fast-growing, easy to prune, and can start producing fruit in just a couple of years. Once mature, it fruits heavily throughout the warm months.
🛒 Available Now at Inca Plant Nursery
We’re proud to offer Bilimbi trees for Florida growers who want something different—and delicious. It’s perfect for food forest enthusiasts, tropical gardeners, and anyone who loves cooking with traditional ingredients from around the world.
📍 Visit us Thursday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
3571 N CR 426, Geneva, FL 32732
🌐 incaplant.com
🚚 Shipping to FL, GA, SC, AL & MS – more states coming soon!
➡️ Limited availability—add this culinary gem to your collection today!
