However, some edible plants are much more difficult to grow, requiring very specific conditions to flourish.

They can also be vulnerable to pests and requireongoing fertilization.

They require rich, well-draining soil and ample space to grow.

artichokes

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Additionally, they attract pests and diseases, making them a bit tricky to manage.

These vegetables grow best in full sun with regular watering (but not overwatering).

Artichokes need rich, well-draining soil and grow in USDA zones 6 to 9.

Artichoke with purplish flower growing in the field in Ukraine.

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These subtropical fruit trees require warm to cool weather and do best in zones 9 to 11.

They dont handle frost well, so gardeners in colder regions (like me, in Michigan!)

can only grow them indoors, which can be quite tricky.

Hass Avocado Tree in Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge, Karatu, Tanzania

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Vanilla

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Vanilla is, in fact, a fruit!

Well, kind ofthe beans make it the only edible fruit in the orchid family.

However, it’s incredibly challenging to grow.

More than 70% of all vanilla in French Polynesia comes from this island of Taha’a. Vanilla grows as a vine and all commercial vanilla production takes place via hand pollination of the flower by humans.

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Growing vanilla beans is a long and labor-intensive process, Sons says.

This tropical orchid requires high humidity, warm temperatures, andpartial shade.

It takes about three years for the vine to produce beans, and the flowers must be hand-pollinated.

Springtime in Pirin mountain national park, June - 2019 - Bulgaria, Europe.

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The tropical plant can thrive with partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil thats rich in organic matter.

It can grow only in zones 10 and 11 or in a greenhouse setting.

Saffron

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Growing saffron requires patience and attention to detail.

Green hops

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Harvesting saffron seeds is labor-intensive, as each flower yields only a tiny amount of saffron.

Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the saffron crocus, Sons says.

It requires well-draining soil and full sun.

Figs hanging from a tree in garden.

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Saffron plants grow well with full sun and sandy soil and do best in growing zones 6 to 9.

However, hop vines require plenty of sun, space, and care to thrive.

Hops grow best in full sun, with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunshine a day.

Fresh wasabi sold in the Japanese market

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Hops grow in zones 4 through 8.

Figs have many of the same particularities that avocados have when it comes to growing conditions, Ohler says.

), getting them to produce fruit can be tough.

They also require well-draining soil and can be sensitive to overwatering, leading toroot rot.

Figs grow best in zones 7 to 11.

If youre a big wasabi fan, you might grow your own, but be prepared for ongoing effort.

Wasabi requires cool,shaded areaswith high humidity and constantly running water, Sons says.

The soil needs to be rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic.

Regular misting and precise temperature control are crucial for wasabi to thrive.

Wasabi grows best in shaded areas and requires constant moisture.

Sons recommends considering a hydroponic setup for growing wasabi, which grows in zones 8 to 10.