Just a stone’s throw from Waitangi, on the outskirts of Te Puke, lies a local gem: French’s Farm. While the Bay of Plenty is famous for its vibrant green kiwifruit, a visit to Michael French and his daughter Kat offers a delightful surprise. Here, you’ll find not only the freshest fruit, vegetables, and eggs, but also a remarkable collection of homegrown tropical fruits, all cultivated right in the heart of New Zealand.
A Greenhouse Oasis
Stepping into Michael’s meticulously managed greenhouse is like entering a different world. The air is noticeably warmer and more humid than the typical New Zealand climate, and the lush greenery hums with life. It’s a precisely controlled environment where exotic flora doesn’t just survive—it thrives.
Michael, with infectious enthusiasm, proudly showcases his burgeoning collection of tropical wonders. The star of the show is a towering fruiting jackfruit plant, hinting at a future harvest of this incredible, versatile fruit. But the jackfruit is just one part of this tropical symphony.
A Symphony of Tropical Wonders
Michael’s passion for mangoes is particularly captivating, with a unique story for each variety. He has successfully germinated thirty ‘Quesa’ mango seedlings and, remarkably, boasts five healthy plants from a single ‘R2E2’ mango seed—a testament to the polyembryonic nature of this variety from Vietnam. His collection also includes South American varieties like ‘Kent’ and an exquisite Indian peach mango, recognizable by its beautiful red bloom, which is earmarked for future grafting.
Pineapples are also flourishing under Michael’s expert care. The family has perfected propagation techniques, salvaging pineapple tops and cleverly dividing roots to produce new “pups.” It’s a remarkable feat to grow commercial varieties like ‘Canyennes’ alongside other smooth-leafed types in Te Puke’s unique microclimate.
But the wonders at French’s Farm extend even further. Michael points out thriving cocoa plants, a testament to his innovative heating solutions. He’s also cultivating star apples, a visually stunning purple fruit with delicate white flesh, and eagerly anticipates the first flowering of his impressive jackfruit, which remarkably weathered the previous winter under a protective tunnel. Even more common papayas, often susceptible to New Zealand’s winter chills, are finding ways to flourish, with some surviving outdoors in ingenious hydroponic bins designed for superior drainage.
Note: We are proud to collaborate on this project. Vector Group Charitable Trust believes French’s Farm is a valuable addition to the Te Puke community.
To learn more about Michael French’s incredible tropical fruit venture and the unique offerings at French’s Farm, visit the Troppo website.