

In the heart of Nampa, Idaho, an unexpected tropical oasis thrives within a 26-foot Growing Dome during the depths of December. Bill George, a passionate horticulturist with a love for exotic fruits, has transformed his backyard into a haven for tropical plants typically found thousands of miles away. Even in the midst of winter’s chill, his greenhouse bursts with sun-kissed fruits, showcasing the incredible potential of innovative greenhouse technology and the power of pursuing one’s passion.
A Tropical Dream in an Unlikely Place

Bill’s fascination with tropical fruits stems from his extensive travels to places like Hawaii and Bali. Inspired by the vibrant farmers’ markets he encountered abroad, he decided to bring a slice of the tropics back to Idaho. Five years ago, Bill took a leap of faith and purchased a 26-foot Growing Dome, which he and his neighbor assembled over four weekends.
“That was easy,” Bill remarked, reflecting on the initial intimidation he felt about the DIY build. The comprehensive instructional videos provided by Growing Spaces made the process straightforward and manageable.
An Impressive Array of Exotic Fruits
Bill’s Growing Dome houses an astonishing variety of tropical plants:
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Plumeria
- Finger Limes
- Arabica Coffee
- Bananas
- Jaboticabas
- Peanut Butter fruits
- Sapodillas
- Miracle fruits
- Pineapples

Perhaps most impressive is Bill’s collection of dragon fruit. With 68 varieties growing in his additional hoop house, Bill has become something of a dragon fruit expert. Commercially sold varieties pale in comparison to his carefully cultivated collection, which offers a stunning range of tastes—from berry-like sweetness to subtle notes of coconut, lychee, watermelon, and grape. These night-blooming cacti produce stunning 10-12 inch flowers, and Bill’s nightly routine includes hand-pollinating any blooms—a testament to his dedication to producing the most flavorful fruits possible.
Community Impact and Education
Bill’s tropical fruit venture has blossomed into more than just a personal hobby, evolving into a source of wonder and education for his community. He shares his passion by selling fruit to locals who have never tasted exotic varieties like guava or dragon fruit, opening their palates to new flavors. His growing operation has garnered attention from horticultural enthusiasts, with the Ada County Master Gardener class recently paying a visit to learn from his unique setup.
The high local demand for his produce is evident in the waiting list he maintains for his dragon fruit. Bill’s generosity extends beyond fruit sales; he offers cuttings from his established plants, enabling others to start their own tropical gardens and spread the joy of exotic cultivation. “This is my passion,” Bill says, describing his project as a “labor of love.” His infectious enthusiasm inspires others to explore the possibilities of growing exotic plants in unexpected places. He’s even exploring options for growing dragon fruit in garages, making exotic fruit cultivation accessible to those without greenhouses.


Among Bill’s diverse tropical collection, one fruit stands out for its potential to make a significant difference in people’s lives: the miracle fruit. This small berry, known scientifically as Synsepalum dulcificum, has a remarkable ability to alter taste perceptions, making sour foods taste sweet. Bill grows these berries with a heartwarming purpose in mind—to help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy often causes taste changes that can make eating unpleasant, which can lead to poor nutrition. Bill’s miracle fruit could offer a ray of hope for these patients. When consumed before a meal, the fruit can temporarily transform the taste of food, potentially making it more palatable. While it doesn’t cure cancer, this simple fruit has the power to improve the quality of life for those undergoing treatment, allowing them to enjoy meals again.

By cultivating miracle fruit in his Growing Dome, Bill is not just growing exotic plants; he’s nurturing a prospective source of comfort and joy for those facing challenging times. This heartfelt application of his horticultural passion truly embodies the spirit of his “labor of love.”
The Growing Dome Advantage
Bill is quick to praise the effectiveness of his Growing Dome. “Can’t beat the dome for efficiency,” he states. The dome’s unique geodesic design offers several advantages that make it ideal for growing tropical fruits in Idaho’s challenging climate.
The structure creates a distinctive vortex air circulation pattern, which Bill has visualized using flagging on stakes. This natural air movement aids in pollination for plants like the peanut butter tree and guava, while promoting healthier plant growth by preventing stagnant air pockets.
Temperature control is another area where the Growing Dome excels. With a propane heater set at 63°F, Bill only needs to refill the propane tank twice a year for the dome, compared to twice a month for his hoop house. This remarkable energy efficiency is due to the dome’s spherical shape, which minimizes heat loss and provides natural insulation.

Perhaps most impressively, even during 60 mph winds outside, Bill notes the dome remains incredibly quiet and stable thanks to its aerodynamic design.
Looking to the Future

As Bill approaches retirement, he sees his tropical fruit venture as more than just a hobby. In 2-3 years, he hopes to reach full-scale production. This “work in progress” as Bill calls it, may soon supplement his income and fund further travels—perhaps inspiring even more exotic additions to his Idaho oasis.
Bill George’s story is a testament to the power of passion and innovation. Through his Growing Dome, he’s not only cultivating tropical fruits in an unlikely climate, but also growing a community of enthusiasts eager to explore the boundaries of what’s possible in their own backyards.
To learn more about Bill George’s incredible tropical fruit venture in Idaho or to get on the waiting list for his locally grown fruit, you can visit the Treasure Valley Tropical Fruit LLC Facebook page.
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