Eldys, as always thanks for the info about durians. I wish there was a dwarf variety somewhere out there. Maybe they will adapt better as a container specimen. Eggo, I'm sorry to hear that yours didn't make it. It's a pity after 3 years of taking care of them. So, did you plant them in containers or did you put them in the ground? Are you planning to plant any more? Ohiojay, I saw some of the pictures you posted of your plants in containers. They are all way too cool. You must have got a large greenhouse to house them all? Can you also grow them in the ground in the greenhouse? Also, have you been able to get any harvest from them yet? Speaking about greenhouse, I've been wondering if I should get/build a greenhouse for planting cold sensitive plants and the cost involved in having one. Would like to learn more about greenhouse planting for tropical fruit trees. If any one has anything to share, would really love to hear it from you. Happy planting and "hi" to all your plants for me!

Hey chrisvelas77. Did you go to the 99 Ranch in Claremont Mesa? I was there this weekend also and saw all the fruit you were talking about. I love fresh Durian but they cost about 30-60 bucks a piece for the fresh stuff. If you like that white Dragonfruit, you are going to love the ones that are red inside. I think the Dragonfruit at 99 Ranch is usually horrible but they occasionally get some good ones. The Lychees are labled as Hak Ip and they were ok but some of them still had a little green so the next shipment should be much better. Good looking out everyone. Lets keep everyone updated when you see good quality fruit around the SoCal area. The Kent Mangoes are in now and they are really tasty and sweet but they are much more fibrous than I have ever tasted. I think they are using way too much artificial fertilizer on the trees. Mangosteens are now being sold in other markets now, not just Lucky Seafood. I saw them at Nijiya Market and also the market that used to be called Vien Dong in Linda Vista.

You've got to really take in the comments concerning the smell. It really is not an issue when dealing with good, ripe fruit. Otherwise, there is no way in hell that huge shopping mall would allow a durian festival to take place inside. The smell only comes into play with seriously over ripe fruit, cut up fruit pieces discarded to bake in the sun, or fruit in a baggie kicked beneath an SUV seat. While attending all the festivals, dropping by durian stalls, or cutting up a fruit at the house, I don't recall any strong smell at all. The few times where the odor was noticeable, taste and smell are worlds apart. This fruit is not like picking up a mangosteen or lychee. As Warren mentioned, I don't believe this is a fruit most people taste for the first time and the "wow" meter jumps off the gauge. It is more of an acquired taste...one that you have to ease into gently. It does grow on you and you soon find that you must try one everywhere you go. I'm not near Warren's level yet, but it is lots of fun to have everyone stare at you when you take a bite.

Rambutan is related to Lychee. The seeds are very easy to sprout. First clean off the seed thoroughly (some people let it sit in a cup of diluted bleach for a few minutes to prevent mold growing on it later). Wrap a handful of the seeds in a moist paper towel and leave inside a sealed plastic bag for 4-5 days. Then plant the seed laying sideways under half an inch of moist soil. Rambutan is slightly more tropical than Lychee, but it is important that both be protected from the cold as young seedlings. If you live somewhere like Los Angeles, the pot can be left outside in Spring and Autumn, but in the summer you should have the seedling in part shade and continue to ensure that the soil remains moist, because the dry hot summers of Southern California can be hard on tropical plants, particularly young seedlings. Unless you happen to be in Hawaii or Miami, for most of the other people reading this, the young plant will do best indoors, somewhere warm under a grow light. One thing you should know, it is likely to take many many years before your Rambutan seedling grows big enough to start producing fruit of its own (I would guess 8-14 years). I love Lychees, but personally I just do not like the flavor of Rambutan, or at least any of the Rambutans at the market I have had the opportunity to try. The exterior of the Rambutan fruit is definitely fantastic looking though. To me, Rambutan seems more like a rare curiosity. I mean, if you are a collector of rare and unusual tropical plants, it would be a great addition. Rambutan fruit can fetch high prices in North America and Europe, if you can find interested buyers.