5 amazing edible perennial plants for California gardens

California has hundreds of different biomes and ecosystems, and is considered to be a global “biological hotspot” with lots of diverse bio-regions found in close proximity to each other. Keeping this in mind, no piece of gardening advice can be applied for every area of California, however, the most common climate pattern found across the state is the classic Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot dry summers and cool wet winters.

The primary goal of the gardener in a Mediterranean climate is to extend the moisture availability from winter into summer as much as possible. There are many established ways of doing this, including terraforming (swales) to help infiltrate rainwater, rainwater harvest and storage, mulching etc. However, some plants have evolved to handle this exact climate! These plants should produce abundantly with minimal irrigation, maintenance or attention and are very resistant to summer drought. While the following plants might be able to handle summer heat just fine, most of these plants are also sensitive to winter frost, and will do best in mild climates with wet winters and dry summers.

1) Blackberries

Can be prolific, tolerate summer drought but a supplemental water once or twice will really increase yield. Prefers full sun and disturbed or marginal habitat

2) Loquat

An amazingly productive tree in-spite of summer drought. Prefers full sun.

3) Pomegranate

Perfect shrub layer for a California food forest, many varieties to choose from.

4) Fig

Thrives in Mediterranean climate, prefers full sun.

5) Avocado

Needs at least 2 trees nearby for pollination, the more the better, thrives even when neglected.