Most people associate citrus with summer: cold glasses of lemonade, key lime pie, and frosty popsicles. However, most citrus trees in North America ripen and taste the sweetest in winter! While we offer over 40 varieties of citrus trees to choose from, here are our top 3 must-have varieties for winter.

1. Meyer Lemon Tree

This cold-hardy, evergreen citrus tree is a cross between a common lemon tree and a mandarin orange tree. It produces juicy medium-sized, orange-yellow, sweet-tart lemons. It blooms all year round, while harvesting usually happens twice a year: late fall/early winter and late winter/early spring. You can plant the Meyer Lemon tree directly in the ground in USDA zones 8-11 or in a container in zones 4-11. Our Dwarf Meyer Lemon tree also makes a great option for container growing. With the two harvest seasons spanning the winter, this variety will keep you well stocked for a cozy season. Squeeze a wedge into a hot cup of tea or use for a fresh take on a Hot Toddy. The rind emits a spicy bergamot scent that is herbier than a regular lemon. Try using the zest in this Lemon Icing Glaze atop some spiced muffins or toss those unused rinds in a stovetop potpourri to keep your house smelling great.

• Owari Satsuma Tree

The Owari Satsuma mandarin is another cold-hardy evergreen tree. It produces palm-sized, seedless, bright orange fruits about 1.8 inches in diameter. They are often mistaken for clementines because they are so similar in look and taste. The fruits have a thin, loose rind which is easy to peel, so they are a great option for kids or people who have a hard time peeling other citrus fruits. Like the Meyer Lemon, it is best suited for in-ground planting in zones 8-11 and in containers in 4-11. Owari Satsumas are in season from December to January but be mindful; if they go unpicked too long, they can become puffy and tasteless. Eat them fresh for a dose of immune-boosting vitamin C during cold and flu season. Because they have tough membranes and firm flesh, they are also great for canning, so you can have fresh citrus all year round! 

• Calamondin (Calamansi) Tree

Calamondin (also called Calamansi) trees are a cross between a tangerine and a kumquat. They produce a small, thin-skinned and tart citrus fruit that is orange in color and 2-3 inches in diameter. Calamansi has an earlier harvesting time frame (June through November), so they are popular around the holiday season. Sometimes called a Philippine lime, this sour fruit is ubiquitous in Filipino cuisine and often used as a condiment in recipes such as pancit. Try using these fruits to make a marmalade or freezing them to use as ice cubes in cocktails. In addition to being packed with vitamin C and antioxidants like potassium, limonene, and vitamin A, calamansi touts numerous health benefits. It can help fight inflammation, regulate sugar levels, and even reduce mucus! When you feel congested during the cold winter months, squeeze a glass of fresh calamondin juice. The citric acid helps break up the phlegm and mucus in your lungs and can help with pain and swelling in the throat.

Whether you’re finding happiness in the sweet-tart flavor of a Meyer lemon, the ease of peeling the Owari Satsuma, or the health benefits of the Calamondin, each variety brings its own burst of sunshine to the winter season. Shop now and choose which winter citrus you’ll add to your Yarden!

The post Winter Citrus Wonderland: Our Favorite Winter Citrus Trees appeared first on Yarden.

Not everyone has a large property waiting to be filled with plants, but a smaller plot of land doesn’t mean you can’t grow fruit trees. Modern horticulture and gardening techniques have allowed for the innovation of dwarf fruit trees. These miniature cultivars of your favorite fruit trees are the perfect option for someone who may not have much space but still wants to enjoy fresh fruit right at home.

These dwarf fruit trees listed here will be the perfect addition to your smaller yard, and they can be grown in pots. Another bonus of many of these dwarf fruit trees is that they are self-fertile, so you don’t need more than one of each variety. Just be sure to plant them or place pots in a spot with plenty of sunshine and good drainage, and you’ll have fresh fruit in no time.

Dwarf Lemon Trees

This variety of dwarf citrus trees is actually one of the best citrus plants for smaller spaces. There are three main varieties of dwarf lemon trees that you’ll find in backyards. These varieties will grow between 8-10 ft as compared to the 20 ft height of traditional lemon trees. Harvesting doesn’t have a set season, and you may be able to harvest year-round depending on your growing zone.

The dwarf improved Meyer lemon is a popular variety, and it produces a rounder fruit as it’s an orangey hybrid with a sweet and tart taste. They also have a very fragrant flower while blooming. This is also considered the easiest dwarf citrus tree to grow as it’s self-pollinating and can be grown in any 5-gallon container.

Dwarf lemon Eureka trees are another popular variety that looks and tastes similar to those at any grocery store. The final main variety of dwarf lemon trees is the Lisbon which is comparable to the Eureka variety, but the fruit is odd in shape and contains more juice.

Dwarf Orange Trees

Another great option for backyard growing, dwarf orange trees come in wide varieties that are perfect for smaller spaces and climates. The best part about orange trees is that you can leave the fruit on the tree for up to 3 months, and it will only continue to ripen. So if you live in cooler Northern areas, you can just move potted oranges inside, and they’ll continue to blossom and produce. However, they are best suited for warmer climates.

The dwarf Calamondin is an excellent option for potted growing for a few reasons. First, it can be moved indoors, making it a viable option for any growing zone. Like the dwarf Meyer lemon tree, this plant is self-pollinating, so you’ll only need one. Expect growth to reach 8-10 ft and fragrant white blossoms in the spring. However, the fruit from this variety is not as sweet and is typically a better option for baking and cooking.

For a more flavorful and traditional orange, you can pick out dwarf varieties of Washington Navel or Campbell Valencia, which will be more reminiscent of classic orange flavor. The dwarf Trovita orange is one variety that produces a lovely and bold flavor and also tolerates an extensive range of climates.

Dwarf Apple Trees

Another popular option for backyard fruit growing is dwarf apple tree varieties. Fresh apples are great for snacking and baking, and there are tons of options perfect for smaller areas.

The Cameron Select is one of the most famous dwarf apple tree varieties and stems from the Honeycrisp apple variety. That makes this fruit sweet, tart, and crisp, with beautiful blossoms in the spring. Home gardeners can also rejoice in the fact that this dwarf apple tree variety is also resistant to fire blight, which is often the reason many apple trees fail.

This apple tree variety will reach a total height between 8-10 ft and require another apple tree of a different type to pollinate. The fruit will be ripe by mid-September.

Dwarf Peach Trees

Peaches are another favorite fruit for baking and snacking, especially in the summer. Nothing is better than picking a fresh juicy peach right off the tree, and dwarf peach trees give everyone that opportunity.

Belle of Georgia is the name of the most famous dwarf peach tree, and it does well in almost any growing zone and will still produce fruit. These dwarf trees offer heavy yields of sweet white fruit that slowly turns into a blush color when ripe. These trees are self-pollinating and reach between 8-10 ft.

Tangerine Trees

Tangerines are another popular citrus fruit that can be grown in nearly any size yard or area that has good sunlight. Tangerine is a great option when you want a sweet and juicy fruit with that classic citrus flavor.

Tangerine trees will typically grow to 25 ft but can be kept trimmed back to 10 ft and will still produce sweet fruit. They’re also typically self-pollinating, but be sure to check with the tree vendor when you make the initial purchase.

Elevate Your Backyard With Dwarf Fruit Trees

It’s clear to see you don’t need a ton of space to grow all your favorite fruits with dwarf citrus trees and other dwarf tree varieties. You just need to give these plants lots of sunshine, good drainage, and soil and keep them free of pests, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh fruit each season that the whole family can enjoy. Looking for a dwarf orange tree for sale or maybe a dwarf lemon tree for sale?

When you’re ready to buy, Yarden offers everything you need to elevate your backyard. They have plenty of dwarf citrus for sale that will fit into whatever space you have and help you build the backyard of your dreams. These will be easier to care for and still produce the same sweet and juicy fruit you’d buy at the grocery store.

Dwarf fruit trees are perfect for smaller yards, and growing your own food has never been easier than with these varieties.

The post Dwarf Fruit Trees That Are Perfect For Smaller Yards appeared first on Yarden.

Growing your own food at home is rewarding and can be a fun hobby. However waiting years for any fruit after planting trees can be frustrating and leave you feeling discouraged. To avoid that, here are the fruit trees that you’ll see the fruit from the fastest after planting.

Peaches

These juicy round fruit are one of the fastest growers in the US bearing fruit within as little as 2 to 3 years. They’re self-pollinating and at full height will be around 25 feet tall. Each year from early on you’ll have ripe fresh peaches ready for picking.

These are also a great option for any type of growing area. Peaches come in smaller size trees so they’re perfect for growing fruit in pots off your back deck or porch. Dwarf peaches are an excellent choice for being grown in containers rather than the ground and will still produce juicy fruit each summer for years to come. These will reach only about 5 feet in height and need abundant full sunlight to produce the most fruit.

How To Grow A Peach Tree Indoors

Due to the small size of dwarf peach trees, they can also be grown inside. As long as the plant receives enough full sunlight it should thrive. But there are a few other things you’ll want to know about growing peaches indoors.

Light

Full sunlight is the most important step for peach trees to grow strong and produce fruit each year. These plants require at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day along with good airflow. It’s important this airflow doesn’t cause too much of a temperature change though.

Temperature

Peach trees require a consistent temperature year round. This is necessary for your plant to begin producing healthy juicy fruit. You’ll want to make sure they’re not placed in a drafty area or in any area where the temperature may fluctuate.

Growing Medium

Soil is another important element in ensuring you grow a healthy peach plant. Placing your dwarf peach tree into the correct environment will make the difference between a healthy and thriving plant, and one barely surviving.

This soil should be slightly-acidic and kept somewhat moist but never soggy. This will promote the best root growth and increase the chance for growing fruit faster.

Citrus Trees

Citrus, just like any other fruit, is better fresh. Luckily growing a citrus tree isn’t complex and plants like lemons, limes, and oranges can produce fruit as quickly as a year after planting with the proper care.

These fruits don’t have to be out of your reach just because you don’t live in a tropical climate. Citrus trees can definitely thrive indoors so a citrus tree in a pot will do just fine. These plants are also self-pollinating so you’ll only need one. Just make sure you plant them in mildly acidic soil mixed with 20% sharp sand. Also allow them at least 6 hours of full-sun a day and a consistent warm environment.

One of the most popular indoor citrus plants are Meyer lemon trees. These are a hearty option for indoor fruit growing and will produce fruit rather quickly. Pruning once fruit appears, and keeping their environment humid will also help indoor citrus plants grow quickly.

Fig Trees

Another great option for fruit growing at home are fig plants. Like most soft fruits, these plants will quickly bear fruit after being planted in only a year or so. Plus due to popularity there are many varieties perfect for each climate.

Whether you want to plant these outdoors or grow them inside, they’re a great option for either environment. These plants love hot and long dry summer weather. However they’ll also conform quickly to any container which makes them an easy option for growing indoors. You’ll also want to ensure the fruit ripens completely before picking. It won’t continue to ripen after being taken off the tree.

Apricot Trees

Another terrific fruit tree for growing at home without much hassle is the apricot. These are self fruiting so you only need one, plus they can do well in some cooler temperatures. Like most fruits, they also come in dwarf sizes so you can also choose to plant these in pots.

These do take a little longer than some fruits, but if you purchase a year-old tree you’ll likely see fruit within the second year. You’ll still want to ensure this fruit bearing plant gets plenty of sunlight to help it grow juicy and large fruit. Plus, after they’re done with their fruit bearing years they become a beautiful ornamental plant.

Apple Trees

One fruiting tree that may take a little longer to produce fruit but will be easy to grow, are apple trees. These come in a large variety of fruits and even specific ornamental plants. Plus they’re one of the better fruit trees for growing in pots as long as you opt for dwarf varieties that are the right size.

In full sun and with the right soil conditions, one apple tree is enough to supply enough apples for an entire family. Just be patient as it will take between 3-5 years to see fruit.

Berries

While technically not a tree, fruit bearing bushes need recognition as well. Often fruits that grow on smaller trees including most berries, will produce fruit within the first few years. These types of plants include; blueberries, strawberries, mulberries, and raspberries to name a few.

Make sure you research each fruit and follow recommendations for planting, growth and care to ensure you see fruit as quickly as possible.

Finding Fruit Trees Online

As you can see, there are plenty of fruit trees that will produce fruit quickly, and can be grown either indoors or out. No longer spend money on fruit from the store when it can be grown in your own home without much effort at all.

If you’re ready to grow your own fruit trees, consider checking out Yarden.com. There, you can browse through healthy fig trees for sale and other fruit trees including exotic options like banana trees and more, so that you can get your own home garden going in no time.

The post Which Fruit Tree Bears Fruit The Fastest After Planting? appeared first on Yarden.

All trees do better with regular feeding, and citrus is not exception. Like all plants, citrus trees need nutrients to grow and, if you want an abundant harvest, you should fertilize them regularly. Citrus trees can be tough plants, but the difference between one that receives regular feeding and one that doesn’t is easy to see.

What type of citrus tree fertilizer should I use?

The good news is that all citrus trees have similar requirements when it comes to fertilizer – you won’t have to search for specific types, like orange tree fertilizer or satsuma tree fertilizer. A good, all-around citrus tree fertilizer, whether it’s fertilizer for trees grown outdoors or fertilizer for citrus trees in pots, will be rich in nitrogen and contain plenty of micronutrients including boron, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc.

Citrus does best in soil that is somewhat acidic, and an acidic fertilizer (like those made for cacti and succulents) can also be beneficial. The best citrus tree fertilizer one especially formulated for citrus trees, like the NPK fertilizer found in Citrus.com’s own All in One Kits and Soil and Care Kits.

When should I fertilize my citrus tree?

When it comes to citrus, people most often ask the same two questions: when do you fertilize trees, and how often do you fertilize them?

The time is important. It’s best not to do anything that will encourage growth or activity in your citrus tree during its inactive times (i.e. the fall and winter months) including fertilizing and pruning. A young tree can be fertilized every once every 2-3 months during this dormant period, but mature citrus trees should only have fertilizer applied during the spring and summer, about once every 1-2 months (increasing the time between feedings to once every 2-3 months once the tree matures).

Too much of a good thing also applies to fertilizing – keep in mind that, if you fertilize your citrus tree too often, you could wind up with less fruit or fruit of a poorer quality. To know how often you should fertilize your citrus tree, keep track of its appearance – a tree that is healthy, with lush, dark-green foliage and fruit that doesn’t fall off easily, does not need to be fertilized as often as one that has sparser, lighter color foliage and drops its fruit before it ripens. You should always fertilize your tree when it’s “hungriest” – that is, when it’s in bloom – regardless of appearance.

How do I fertilize my citrus tree?

Fertilizing is the process of replenishing nutrients that have been absorbed from the soil into the growing tree. In short, when you fertilize your citrus tree, you are feeding it. The process of fertilizing citrus trees is the same for all varieties.

Always apply citrus fertilizer according to the directions on the fertilizer package, which will be to either spray the fertilizer onto the leaves of your citrus tree or spread it out around the base of the tree as far as the canopy reaches. Do not place fertilizer near the trunk of the tree. If you are unable to find a citrus-specific fertilizer, use a complete acid-type fertilizer such as azalea food. Avoid using fertilizers formulated for turf or lawn grass, because these contain higher percentages of nitrogen that will grow glorious green trees, but far less blooms and fruit.

The post When – and How – to Fertilize Your Citrus Tree appeared first on Yarden.

If you enjoy gardening, you’re probably aware of the benefits of companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in combinations that make them more productive. This works when plants have complementary characteristics: for instance, some plants help other plants by naturally repelling pests, attracting pollinators, providing shade to plants in need of sun protection, acting as a support to climbing plants, suppressing weeds, or adding nutrients to the soil.

A classic example of beneficial companion planting by Native American communities is the “Three Sisters Trio” of corn, beans and squash. Planting these three plants together generally produces a better crop from all three because the tall corn supports the climbing beans, the beans provide nitrogen to the soil, and the wide, prickly leaves of the winter squash repels pests and shades the soil so it won’t dry out.

But does companion gardening benefit citrus plants, like orange trees and other citrus?

Companion Gardening with Citrus Trees

When it comes to tree care, citrus has one advantage: many citrus trees are self-pollinating, so you don’t need to plant more than one citrus tree in order to grow a crop of fruit. But this does not mean that citrus trees won’t benefit from companion planting…in fact, companion planting can help your citrus lime tree or other type of citrus tree stay healthy and yield more fruit.

Whether you buy dwarf citrus trees to keep in a container on your patio or buy citrus trees to plant in the ground if you live in the proper growing zone, here are three types of plants you may want to keep around them in order to help them be best citrus trees they can be:

Wildflowers

Why they’re good for your citrus tree: Wildflowers are wonderful companion plants for many gardens because they attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Yes, we did say that citrus trees are self-pollinating, and that’s true insofar as you don’t need to plant more than one citrus tree in order to get fruit. But your tree will still pollinate far more efficiently if it gets help from those naturally occurring pollinators than if you rely on the wind (and it’s far easier than trying to pollinate the flowers yourself with a paintbrush!).

What kinds are best: One of the best things about using wildflowers as companion plants is that they’re pretty to look at and easy to grow, particularly if they’re native to the geographic location. Some great choices to go with your citrus tree or trees are echinacea (also known as coneflower), Queen Anne’s Lace, bee balm, and various types of daisies (including Black-Eyed Susans).

Herbs

Why they’re good for your citrus tree: Different types of herbs provide different benefits to your citrus tree, and indeed to many plants in your garden. Many of them are natural pollinators like the wildflowers listed above, but some go even further by repelling pests (like aphids, mites, and even rabbits and deer), adding nutrients to the soil around your citrus trees planted in the ground, or keeping the soil healthy.

What kinds are best: Herbs are a wonderful addition to any garden. Not only are many of them beautiful to look at, they often smell wonderful, repel biting pests like mosquitoes and ticks, and they can be used in cooking or making homemade cleaning products. Some that go well with citrus are lavender, rosemary, parsley, comfrey, chives, cilantro and chamomile.

Nasturtium

Why they’re good for your citrus tree: Citrus can attract aphids, but if you have nasturtium planted nearby, the pesky critters while almost certainly go for that instead. And nasturtium is so bright and pretty, with many colors and lovely leaves, you’ll be delighted to include it in your garden! Even better, the flowers are edible, making them a great addition to salads and as garnish for many main dishes and desserts.

A few things to keep in mind…

If you have a potted citrus tree, never plant companion plants in the container with the tree. Doing so could impede the tree’s growth due to root spacing. You can situate pots with companion plants in them around the potted citrus plant, however.

Also, when planting companion plants near your citrus tree, be sure to keep in mind which companion plants need full sun so you can plant them outside your citrus tree’s canopy. Some plants are fine in partial shade. Also, you should wait until your tree is at least three feet tall before planting companion plants near it to avoid them interfering with the roots of the young tree.

The post Best Plants to Surround your Citrus Tree With appeared first on Yarden.

Orange trees are the most widely grown fruit tree in the world. The first orange tree arose as a hybrid between a pomelo citrus tree, and a mandarin. Today orange, trees consist of many varieties that are prized for their sweet, tangy flesh and nutritious juice, making them one of the world’s most popular fruits.

Despite the orange’s popularity, many people wouldn’t think it was possible to grow their own oranges at home. The good news is that you don’t have to live in California, Florida or Texas to grow your own orange tree. And if you get a dwarf navel orange tree, you don’t even need that much space.

Advantages to Growing Dwarf Citrus Trees

You can find a wide variety of dwarf citrus trees for sale at Citrus.com. The only difference between a dwarf fruit tree and a regular fruit tree is the size. While a regular citrus tree will grow to over 30 feet high, dwarf citrus trees only grow to between 6 and 12 feet. When kept in a container and with proper pruning, you can keep them even smaller, but they’ll still produce regular-sized fruit if properly cared for. Growing a dwarf citrus tree in the ground will save space in your yard, but keeping it in a pot will help you keep it alive through the winter months because you can move your tree indoors when the temperature falls.

Some fruit trees (like apple and pear trees) need to be grown in relative proximity to other fruit trees of their kind in order to produce fruit. The great thing about many types of citrus trees (like the dwarf mandarin orange tree) is that they are self-pollinating, so if you’re limited on space you don’t have to keep more than one tree to get fruit.

Another great advantage to growing your own dwarf citrus tree is that you grow varieties of fruit that may be harder to find in local grocery stores. For instance, if you enjoy a more exotic variety of orange, you can choose to grow a Dwarf Blood Orange Tree at home.

Keeping and Caring for Dwarf Orange Trees

When it comes to growing your own orange tree or other online citrus trees, the main things to keep in mind are how to plant, where to plant, and how to care for your budding fruit. Many dwarf citrus trees are surprisingly low maintenance, but you do need to be conscientious about caring for them.

• Location, location, location. Where you keep your dwarf orange tree is important. Before it arrives, make sure to choose a spot to keep it where it will get plenty of light. All citrus trees need at least 4-6 hours of full sunshine every day in order to thrive and bear fruit. If this is a problem in or around your home, you can supplement the sunshine your tree will be exposed to with a plant grow light.
• Housing. Whether you replant your tree right away or wait until it grows a bit before potting it up, make sure the container has adequate drainage. Use a container with wide diameter instead of a deep one since dwarf citrus trees have shallow, spreading root systems. Choose a good potting soil and add a source of humidity (setting the pot on top of a shallow tray filled with water and rocks so it’s out of the water works well) when keeping the tree indoors during the winter.
• Temperature. Citrus trees do best in warm, temperate climates, and that includes your dwarf orange tree. A temperature between 55°F and 85°F is best. Some varieties of citrus can tolerate temperatures cooler than this for short periods of time but be sure to move your tree to shelter when freezing temps are expected.
• Watering. Overwatering is the cause of most citrus tree problems. When your dwarf orange tree arrives, water it deeply right after you’ve replanted it. Then, water it every 2-3 days until it’s well established. A moisture meter tool can help take a lot of the guesswork out of knowing how much water your dwarf orange tree needs; these are usually inexpensive and can be found in most gardening stores.
• Fertilizing. You should feed your growing dwarf citrus trees 3-4 times a year with a fertilizer specially formulated for citrus plants. Use a 2-1-1 ratio citrus tree fertilizer where nitrogen is double the amount of the other two elements. You can find citrus fertilizer on Citrus.com as part of our All-in-One Care Kits.

Once your dwarf orange tree begins to produce fruit, it will take the oranges up to 8 months to ripen. In the meantime, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance the tree provides to your home.

The post How to Grow an Orange Tree appeared first on Yarden.

One of the most exciting gardening trends in recent decades has been the growing popularity of small-space gardening for growing fruits and vegetables. Many home gardeners have learned you don’t need much space to grow all kinds of vegetables, fruits and herbs – and that now includes tree fruits.

Whether you plant them in the ground or keep them indoors part or all of the time in a large container, dwarf cultivars of certain kinds of fruit trees can add interest to your landscape, scent your home and garden with fragrant blooms, and even yield edible produce. Even better, many dwarf variety fruit trees (like a dwarf tangerine tree, dwarf grapefruit trees, and other citrus varieties) are self-fertile, meaning they don’t rely on another tree to cross-pollinate with to produce fruit – thus saving you even more space.

But how can you be sure that your dwarf citrus trees’ size remains manageable? Do dwarf trees truly remain small?

What is a “Dwarf” Tree?

Growing a fruit tree in your yard doesn’t demand sacrificing space for a patio or play area. Many dwarf fruit trees require only an 8-foot-diameter space – and some thrive in even less, fitting in a pot on a patio.

Dwarf trees are the result of using the centuries-old horticulture technique of grafting a fruit tree onto a dwarf tree rootstock. The resulting cultivar produces normal-sized fruit, while the rootstock controls the height and spread of the tree. A dwarf citrus tree’s size generally stays anywhere from six to twelve feet tall, depending on whether you plant it in the ground or in a container, the size of the container, and whether or not you prune it regularly.

When seeking out a dwarf tree to plant outdoors, be sure you purchase your tree from a reputable vendor that employs knowledgeable horticulturists, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Otherwise, you could end up with a tree that’s not truly a dwarf variety that will eventually outgrow the space. You don’t have to shop for dwarf citrus trees for sale in Florida, either; reputable companies like Citrus.com will do the work for you in finding the perfect tree for your taste and space.

What are the Benefits of Growing a Dwarf Fruit Tree

Well, the first and most obvious benefit of growing a dwarf fruit tree is that it makes homegrown fruit available to amateur gardeners who would otherwise be unable to keep such trees, either due to property size or climate. Homeowners who live in colder climates, for instance, might expect that growing their own citrus tree would be impossible, but dwarf varieties of many citrus trees (including an orange, lemon, or dwarf kumquat tree) give such would-be gardeners the option of keeping their tree in a pot full time overwintering it indoors.

In addition to their smaller size and portability, it’s easier to harvest fruit from a dwarf citrus tree, and easier to protect it from pests. Even better, with the right care dwarf citrus trees tend to bear fruit 1-3 years earlier than standard trees and produce more fruit per area.

Whether you intend to plant your tree in the ground or in a container, be sure to choose a location with full sun and good drainage.

What Dwarf Citrus Trees are Good to Grow at Home?

Interested in starting your own garden of potted fruit trees, but not sure where to begin? Here are a few varieties that will adapt to your circumstances and provide you with fresh fruit and a feel of the tropics all year:

• Bearrs Lime. If you’re looking for the best dwarf lime tree, you can’t go far wrong with a Bearrs (AKA Persian) Lime. Great for cooking or making cocktails, the fruit is similar to what you’d find in the grocery store.
• Meyer Lemon. Lemon trees grow very well indoors, and the Meyer Lemon is one of the best. Small and bushy, it’s a lovely plant that scents the air around it with a wonderful, fresh, citrus-y smell. The fruit is sweeter than true lemons and makes wonderful lemonade.
• Tangerine. Tangerines are always a hit with the lunchbox set because the fruit is small, sweet, and easy to peel. The tree is also small and a great choice for a sunroom or balcony. When kept indoors, the tree may produce fruit year-round.
• Kumquat. Kumquats are small, thin-skinned fruits that you eat whole, like grapes. They have a wonderful flavor and make an exotic treat! The dwarf kumquat tree is cold hardy so it can live outdoors for part of the year, and very resistant to pests, too.

The post Do Dwarf Trees Actually Stay Small? appeared first on Yarden.

Orange trees grow outdoors in USDA Growing Zones 10 and 11 (and in Zone 9 with winter protection). But here’s the good news for those who live in Zones 8 and below – dwarf citrus trees of all kinds can be grown in pots so you can keep them indoors some or even all of the time!

How long does it take to grow an orange tree?

The first thing people usually want to know when they find they can grow orange trees anywhere is, when can they expect a citrus harvest? There are lot of factors at play when trying to determine this, most having to do with the cultivar you decide to go with and the growing conditions you provide, but assuming you choose a one-year-old dwarf orange tree from Citrus.com (we offer dwarf varieties of several different orange trees, including the popular Washington Navel Orange Tree and the Valencia citrus tree), you could see fruit in as little as two years. “Seeing” it isn’t the same as “eating” it, though…oranges can take anywhere from seven months to over a year to ripen fully, but the wait is usually well worth it (and the hanging fruit makes the tree look even lovelier)!

Summer oranges vs. winter oranges: how is fruit production affected?

Orange trees begin to bud in the early winter, usually blooming in mid-spring.

Are navel oranges sweet? Oh yes – one of sweetest oranges to eat, in fact, is the navel orange (meaning the fruit actually grows a second, undeveloped “twin” fruit resembling a human navel opposite its stem; hence the name and the reason no navel oranges have seeds). Navel orange season is in the winter, meaning they’re ripe for eating from November to June. This winter orange peels easily and is generally regarded as one of the world’s best-tasting oranges. Because it’s seedless and not overly juicy, it’s a great snacking orange.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Valencia Orange. An example of a summer orange, the Valencia is typically harvested starting in March and continuing through September. Named for the city of Valencia in Spain, Valencia oranges are prized for their high juice content and availability outside of the typical citrus season, Valencia oranges are usually thin-skinned and have a few seeds. They are considered one of the best oranges for juicing.

You can find dwarf varieties of both the Valencia and the navel orange tree for sale on Citrus.com.

How long does it take an orange to ripen?

As stated above, oranges take awhile to ripen fully. Blooms appear on an orange tree with warm spring weather, with the fragrant orange blossoms growing in dense groupings with brilliant white petals. Both the bright color and intoxicating nectar scent attracts insects, such as honeybees, for pollination. If you keep your tree indoors all the time you can help it to self-pollinate by gently shaking the flowers.

Most of your tree’s orange blossoms will drop off without fruiting. That’s okay – most trees can’t possibly support all their blossoms fruiting. The blossoms that remain on the tree and fruit will continue to grow, maturing over seven to fifteen months depending on the variety. Because the fruit set takes so long to fully ripen, you may see new blossoms showing through last year’s yet-to-be-harvested fruit that’s still on the tree. It’s a lovely sight!

The post When Do Orange Trees Bloom? appeared first on Yarden.

Tangerine Tree

The tangerine tree is fairly small compared to other citrus, growing to about 10-15 feet high. It’s a self-pollinating plant and usually starts bearing fruit when it’s about 2-3 years old. This tree needs ample sunlight and well-draining soil for it to yield more fruits, so it’s best to plant it where it gets the most exposure.

Cultivars

There are many varieties of tangerines, so it’s best to make sure you’re getting the kind you want.

• Algerian tangerines, more commonly known as clementines, are a small, seedless variety of tangerine known for their sweetness. They are often used for cooking or to make marmalade because of their distinct sweetness. They are in season between November and February.

• Another popular tangerine variety is the Murcott or Honey Tangerine. This variety is a tangerine-sweet orange hybrid that produces medium-sized, reddish-orange or yellow fruits which contains some seeds. It is in season later compared to other tangerine varieties, from mid-winter to early spring.

• Temples, or Royal Mandarins, are another well-known tangerine variety. They grow on comparatively larger trees than other tangerines, and the fruits are noticeably larger as well. They are a tangerine-orange hybrid and some even prefer to classify them as tangors. Their peak season comes from December through March.

• One of the most common kinds of tangerines is the Sunburst tangerine. Sunburst tangerines are popular to plant in home orchards, because of the thornless tree that yields delicious medium-sized, loose-skinned fruit. It gets its name from the sun-shaped stem end. They are typically in season in the late fall and winter months.

Tree Care

There are some key points you need to pay attention to if you decide to buy a tangerine dwarf tree. As mentioned earlier, the plant thrives in the sun so place it outside, or directly in front of a window. If growing in a container, you may want to consider placing it outdoors during the summer but make sure to bring it back indoors before the first frost. For the first two years, just water it enough to keep the soil moist but not wet.

Indoor-grown tangerines also need to be pollinated by hand. A dry paintbrush is perfect for the job. Just lightly dab the brush on the center from flower to flower, simulating how bees do it.

Also, make sure to prune suckers and old branches from your plant when new growth starts around springtime. It’s usually necessary to re-pot your dwarf tangerine tree every three or four years. It may take some time and effort, but that just makes it tastier once your tangerine tree grows enough to yield fruit.

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There is no better way to show authentic caring to dads than to choose a healthy food gift basket designed with elegance and quality. Personally reaching out with gourmet food gifts, to express our love and appreciation. It is a wonderful way to acknowledge dads and grandfathers on Father’s while comfortably ordering with the best online stores that offer to send your favorite fruit gifts recipients anywhere allowed in the United States.

Healthy Nut Gifts

Gourmet food gifts for dads are really a brilliant idea. If your dad loves gourmet honey gifts, there are two choices of fresh fruit that taste as flavorful and sweet as honey, like the Healthful Snack Box or an actual Southern hospitality gift of Authentic Deep South Honeys, harvested from the citrus groves of Southern Florida. You’ll get a big than you from dad when he receives a beautifully packed gourmet fruit basket, pistachio gifts, or many of the other available fruit gifts online. Pitman & Davis offers every delicacy from roasted turkey, spiral sliced hams to luscious crates of Ruby Red Grapefruit and Navels Orange. Gourmet Gift Baskets.com offers combination baskets of a mixed nuts gift with various fruit gifts online. Harry David’s gift Boxes are also laden with an exceptional array of every snack type from sweet, salty, to fruit.

Sending a long-lasting message with just a quick online visit is a great way that makes gift giving easy and efficient. Choose a reputable online store that offers premium selections of gourmet food gift baskets. The baskets are a gift idea that is not only tasty and fun, but also healthy for the people who are important to us.

Father’s Day and All Year Long

Life can move so quickly, one way to grab hold and take action when it comes to reaching out to Dads on their special day of recognition, is to have a ready list of favorite online gift resources for quality gourmet mixed nuts gifts and fresh fruit gifts. Take a moment to show them you’re thinking of him with a delicious gift delivered right to their door. Remember to always choose the gourmet fresh fruit gifts and take advantage of discounts and free shipping offers.

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The mandarin orange is a tangerine – this is how tangor came into play. The name tangor is a combo of tangerine and orange. There are all sorts of varieties of the temple oranges, there’s

• King, or King of Siam
• Murcott, or Honey Murcott, Murcott Honey Orange, Red, Big Red
• Ortanique, which are found in Jamaica – comes from orange, tangerine and unique
  Umatilla or Umatilla Tangelo

Then there are the Temple oranges from Japan, including:

• Iyokan, also known as sweet oranges
• Miyauchi Iyo, has an early ripening
• Othani Iyo, has a later ripening
• Kiyomi, Trovita navel orange
• Setom, Trovita navel orange

Temple oranges are from the class of Eudicots and the Rutaceae family.

Temple oranges are thought to be identical to the Magnet orange in Japan. The seed of the temple orange was believed to be discovered by a fruit buyer by the name of Boyce. He went to Jamaica in 1896 to buy oranges – this was after a really cold winter in Florida. After finding it, he sent the budwood to Winter Park, Florida. Word began to spread quickly about the new find. One was planted in the grove of L.A. Hakes, who then spread the word to W.C. Temple. Temple then recommended it to H.E. Gillett, the owner of Buckeye Nurseries. The orange was then named, propagated and marketed in 1919. It wasn’t until after 1940 when it began to be planted extensively.

The peel of the temple oranges are between deep orange and deep red. The peel is glossy and a bit rough and thick, almost like leather. You can find about 20 seeds in temple oranges. The tree it blossoms in it thorny and bushy – it grows better in Florida than Texas and California. Temples are medium to large, between 2 5/8 and 31/4 inches in wide and 2 ¼ and 2 ½ in height. It is usually round or oblate. About 25 percent of the temple oranges are under-developed and have a green inside.

They are very juicy and sweet, making them a great treat or snack throughout the day. The oranges have nitrogen and potassium excessively applied to them, which produces the acidity of the juice. Those with low acid juice have lower rates of nitrogen and potassium, but high rates of phosphorous.

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