Market for tropical fruit? (Tamiami, Punta Gorda: airport, pine, farmers market)

[MikMal]

Hi all.
I was wondering if anyone knows of a market local to the PC/PG/NP area where you can find some out-of-the-ordinary tropical fruits, such as Sapote, Sapodilla, or Lychee. We've tried Clemons with no luck and didn't really want to drive down to Pine Island just for some fruit. If I don't find any, I'll probably end up getting some trees so she can grow her own (just to find out if she likes them or not)!

[TamRE]

Not sure on that one. Maybe try the Sun Flea Market on the weekends or the Flea Market at Liberty Community Church on Veterans on Fridays. Did you try the Flea Markets in Punta Gorda? I know they all have fruit stands, but I am not sure what produce and fruits they may have.

[the searchers]

There is a Flea Market every Saturday & Sunday at the American Legion or VFW on Taylor Rd near the intersection of Airport Rd in Punta Gorda. There are at least two vegetable @ fruit vendors there weekly.

There is also a Farmers Market On Saturday mornings in downtown Punta Gorda near the old courthouse on that area of Taylor Rd. near the intersection of Virginia Ave. There are a lot of fruit and vegetable vendors there too.

[Ed Bundz]

I've been trying to find some local grown Papaya. Mainly for the seeds to start my own plants. Everything I've seen is from Beleze and appears to have been radiated. Killing bacteria and the seeds.
Anyone see any local Papaya in the various markets, give me a shoutout.

[MikMal]

Originally Posted by Ed Bundz

I've been trying to find some local grown Papaya. Mainly for the seeds to start my own plants. Everything I've seen is from Beleze and appears to have been radiated. Killing bacteria and the seeds.
Anyone see any local Papaya in the various markets, give me a shoutout.

I did see some papayas at Clemons, at Tamiami and Toledo Blade Rd. but I don't know if they are locally grown or not.
I, too, am attempting to start some from seed. I had two papaya trees growing in my yard, but one fell over. The remaining tree still has some fruit so I am starting some seedlings in peat starter pots. So far two have been transplanted into larger pots and another will be transplanted shortly. Nothing has sprouted from the remaining seven peat pots yet. If they're successful, I'll PM you and you can have some of the extras.

[wpc691]

Originally Posted by the searchers

There is a Flea Market every Saturday & Sunday at the American Legion or VFW on Taylor Rd near the intersection of Airport Rd in Punta Gorda. There are at least two vegetable @ fruit vendors there weekly.

There is also a Farmers Market On Saturday mornings in downtown Punta Gorda near the old courthouse on that area of Taylor Rd. near the intersection of Virginia Ave. There are a lot of fruit and vegetable vendors there too.

The Farmers' Markets in downtown PG on Sat and at the History Park on Sunday have generic fruits and vegetables, pretty much the same as Publix. The 2 stands at the VFW (Legion?) flea market are larger, have more locally grown stuff, and might have exotic fruits; I think I remember seeing lychees.

[Ed Bundz]

I've had some luck with citrus trees on Amazon.
Bought a 2 foot Kumquat plant that arrived in great shape with flowers. I'm hoping to have fruit in the fall. Also ordered a Washington Navel Orange. Should be here in a week to 10 days.