Yes, macadamia trees grow United States in several warm regions with good results for home growers. Hawaii leads production with its tropical climate. California comes second with growing orchards in mild coastal areas. You can grow these trees if you live in the right zone with frost free winters year after year.
Growing macadamia in America works best in USDA zones 9b through 11 where hard freezes stay rare. When I first looked into adding a tree to my yard, I checked my zone and frost history first. Your microclimate matters as much as your zone rating. A sheltered spot near a south facing wall can help trees in borderline areas.
Hawaii offers great conditions for these trees from Australia. The warm temps, high rainfall, and lack of frost make the islands perfect for US macadamia cultivation. Large orchards on the Big Island and Maui grow most of the commercial nuts sold in stores today. Hawaii has been growing macadamias since the early 1900s.
Macadamia trees in California do well in coastal and southern spots. San Diego County leads mainland production with its mild weather. Growers there prefer the Cate, Beaumont, and Vista types. UC Agriculture backs these picks for the local climate.
These California types do well in cooler areas than Hawaii. I visited an orchard in Fallbrook once and saw healthy trees full of nuts. The grower said his trees handle light frost without major harm. He picked those types for their cold tolerance above all else.
Florida offers hope for home growers in the southern half of the state where winters stay mild most years. You need to pick a spot that avoids frost and stays warm through the cold months. Coastal areas work much better than inland spots where cold snaps hit harder each winter.
Parts of coastal Texas and Arizona can support trees in warm protected spots with good care. Look for south facing slopes or areas near large bodies of water. Buildings that hold heat can help too. These spots can add a few degrees of warmth that spell success for your tree.
Check your local frost dates and coldest winter temps before you buy a tree for your yard. Talk to local nurseries about what types work well in your area. A cold tolerant variety gives you the best shot at success. Start with Cate or Beaumont types if you live outside Hawaii.
Read the full article: Growing Macadamia Trees: A Complete Care Plan
