Contrary to popular belief, you can grow leafy greens, herbs, vegetables and even fruit in Singapore with a little effort and the right amount of sunshine. Our best performers are tuscan kale, chillis (we like to grow habaneros and jalapenos), basil, mint, cucumbers, eggplant, passionfruit, rosemary and tarragon.
Avocados can grow in Singapore, however only certain varieties, such as the smooth skinned varieties that are commonly grown in Indonesia and others that are acclimatised to the climate, will be able to flower and set fruit. You may want to look for grafted specimens so they can fruit with a small tree size.
It had been 4 years since we grew and documented journals on growing strawberries from seeds in Singapore. With the compilation of data and observations from our plants, we began to test what we hypothesized about strawberries in the tropical zone since 2016 and these were some of our findings.
Cherry Tomato PlantCherry tomatoes will do best in our local Singapore climate with the high outdoor temperatures. Locally you can find cultivars like 'Cherry Sweet,' 'Cherry Tomato Ruby Red'.
For gourds, cucumbers, beans, okra and chilli, expect to wait closer to two months before harvest time. For corn, tomatoes, eggplants and zucchini, the wait is even longer at around 10 weeks, while sweet potato, pumpkin and some cabbage varieties take longer, between 3 and 4 months time, possibly even longer.
Growing them in tropical Singapore can be challenging and success will require the selection and trialling of heat-tolerant cultivars, where available. Heat-tolerant broccoli and cauliflower varieties that can grow in the lowland tropics tend to produce smaller heads with less tightly packed flower buds.
Choosing BlueberriesSeveral types of blueberries can be grown across the South. Northern highbush blueberries work well in the Upper and Middle South. Use selections such as 'Bluecrop,' 'Liberty,' and 'Patriot. ' Rabbiteye blueberries are more heat tolerant and work best in the Middle, Lower, and Coastal South.
Easy green leafy vegetables to grow from seed include kang kong, bayam (spinach), malabar spinach, lettuce (opt for loose-leaf and not tight heads), nai bai (tatsoi), and pak choy. In other words, if you can provide the ideal microclimate to plants, you can grow these vegetables in Singapore.
Because foraging is illegal in Singapore, one will have to settle for picking their fruits off the ground.
Photo index of fruit trees of Singapore
| Star-fruit tree Averrhoa carambola | Jambu bol Syzygium malaccanse | Durian Durio zibethinus |
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| Nangka tree Atrocarpus heterophyllus | Papaya tree Carica papaya | Chiku tree Manilkara zapota |
How much sunlight and water does your plant need? Most of the herbs we use are not native to Singapore.
Pro-tip!
| Herb plant | Basil |
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| Light preference | Full Sun |
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| Water requirements | Lightly every day, multiple times if needed |
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| Soil preference | Well drained, but moisture retentive |
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10 vegetables you can grow at home and how?
- 01/11Common vegetables you can grow at home. If you are expecting this guide to begin with directions of what types of seeds or starter plants to buy, hold your horses.
- 02/11Coriander.
- 03/11Potatoes.
- 04/11Pumpkin.
- 05/11Basil.
- 06/11Mushrooms.
- 07/11Peppers.
- 08/11Lemon.
Mints You Can Grow in SingaporeThe most commonly available mints locally are the Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and Peppermint (Mentha × piperita).
The simple answer is “Yes, with some effort.†Most if not all commercial farmers would not grow apple trees from seed as successful harvests cannot be guaranteed. Even if you become successful in growing an apple tree from seeds, it is possible the tree may not be able to tolerate Singapore's climate.
Give Cucumber Plants Sunlight and Good SoilWait to sow seeds or set out transplants until after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees — typically two weeks after the last frost. You can start seeds indoors three to four weeks before your anticipated planting date outdoors.
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Singapore DaisyIt grows best in all conditions, whether they get full shade or full sun. However, it produces the best flowers when given full sun. Managing Singapore daisy is all about controlling its spread.
What plant can grow in 2 weeks?
- Garden Cress: 14 Days. In as little as two weeks, you can harvest garden cress, a peppery, tangy flavored herb.
- Arugula: 2 to 3 Weeks.
- Pea Shoots: 2 – 3 weeks.
- Radish: 3 Weeks.
- Mizuna: 3 Weeks.
- Green Onions: 3 Weeks.
- Baby Kale: 3 – 4 Weeks.
- Baby Bok Choy: 3 – 4 Weeks.
5 Super Speedy Vegetables
- Radishes. Sowing to harvest: 25 days. Radishes are one of the fastest vegetables, taking just three to four weeks to reach harvest time.
- Salad leaves. Sowing to harvest: 21 days.
- Bush beans. Sowing to harvest: 60 days.
- Carrots. Sowing to harvest: 50 days.
- Spinach. Sowing to harvest: 30 days.
You can now fill your rice bowl with the first ever rice variety created right here in Singapore. Founded by Dr Yin Zhongcao from research institute Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Temasek Rice was created by cross-breeding jasmine rice grown in South-east Asia with five other types grown in the region.
