It would be grown in the southern most part of the state, zone 7b; zone 7b for NJ is also in a coastal area (at least where I'd be thinking about growing it)

I'd like to be able to grow it in the ground, in a warm area; would it need protection of any kind? I've looked at the climate of southern NJ and it's considerably less harsh and the temps are lower (BY COMPARISON) to where I live now.

Would I be able to get fruit from it?