Before planting an orchard full of citrus fruit trees, or other fruiting trees, one of the most important things to consider is if the plant will do well in your climate. You’ll want to be sure of two things for best results with fruit or nut trees. The first is that you live within the recommended USDA Hardiness Zone, and the second is that where you live receives enough annual chill hours.

But have you ever wondered why some fruit trees fail to produce a good yield or even no fruit at all? The answer could lie in the concept of chill hours. So what are Chill Hours and how do they affect the yield of the fruit trees you want to plant? Keep reading to find out.

What Are Chill Hours?

Most fruit and nut trees, except for citrus trees, will require a certain amount of time when exposed to the cold to bud and produce fruit in the spring properly. Chill hours are any time the plant is exposed to temperatures under 45 degrees F. These don’t have to be consecutive, they just need to reach a total by the end of the winter season.

It’s also important to understand that research has shown that this cold-induced hormone suppression occurs between the temperatures of 45 and 50 degrees F, but will not occur in temperatures under 30 degrees F. So chilling hours would be difficult for an individual to track.

This requirement is going to vary widely for different varieties of fruit-bearing plants. Some fruit plants will require a total of 8000-10000, which will be a better fit for far Northern climates. Other trees like citrus and tropical fruits require fewer chill hours, closer to 500 or less, and will be better suited for the warmer Southern climates.

Why Are Chill Hours Important for Fruit Trees?

As previously mentioned, citrus fruit trees, including varieties like tangerine trees, kumquat trees, and dwarf citrus trees, don’t require many, if any, chill hours to produce fruit in the spring. So why do most fruit and nut trees require so much time in the cold?

During the fall and early winter, a tree will begin a dormancy phase which is brought on by the longer colder days. Scientists don’t fully understand exactly what the reaction is between the trees and the cold. However, during this phase, the tree will suppress its hormones within buds until the spring when conditions are right for growth.

A certain amount of time in this chilled dormancy phase is required, so they bloom correctly and on time when conditions are right in the spring. Without adequate chill hours, they can produce less, late, or even no fruit at all.

What Kind of Fruit Trees Need Chill Hours?

We know now that citrus fruit trees are not a plant that requires chill hours to produce crops in the spring. But there are plenty of plants that need at least some chilled temperatures to bear healthy new growth.

While the amount of chill hours vary, plants like apples, pears, and stone fruits like plums, nectarines, and apricots will require the highest number of chill hours, and because of this, they typically do well in colder northern climates. On the other hand, fruit varieties like persimmons, figs, and pomegranates require just a few chill hours, the least out of all fruit plants.

The amount needed for each of these plants is flexible and can change even from tree to tree in the same orchard. Apples are a great example where some varieties, like Gala, require 500 hours of cold, whereas Red Delicious needs much more cold exposure at 800 or more hours.

How to Track Chill Hours

While you could get out a pen and notebook and mark down every single day throughout the winter where your area meets chill hour requirements, that would be a ton of extra work and hassle. Tracking chill hours in your area is best left up to the professionals, and luckily there are plenty of charts and resources available online to help you better understand your climate zone.

Generally the further from the equator, the more chill hours happen within that dormancy period. So a place like Florida will get between 0-200 chill hours each year, whereas the Pacific Northwest area will get the largest number throughout winter ranging from 2000-3400 chill hours.

It’s important to note that these are averages, and any area will vary in the number of chill hours it gets yearly. So keep this in mind when you start deciding what trees are best for growing in your area.

Choosing The Right Fruit Trees

After you know the average number of chill hours in your area, you can move forward with picking out the best fruit trees for your climate. The best rule of thumb is to pick out fruit tree varieties that require the same number of chill hours or fewer, to accommodate for those years where chill hours vary from average. If you have the space, it’s also helpful to plant a wide variety of cultivars to offset the years where average chill hours are more or less than usual.

Some plant varieties that typically require little chill hours may do well in environments with slightly more chill hours than they call for, as they’ve become well-adapted to mild and cooler areas. These trees should also be compatible with your US Hardiness Zone.

Your local nursery or plant store should have great options of lemon trees for sale like eureka lemon trees that are curated for the area you’re in. Or, if you prefer the convenience of shopping from home, you also can special order fruit trees for sale online from outlets like Yarden and get the perfect variety for your climate and average chill hours.

Treat Your Fruit Trees the Right Way

You probably never thought that the cold half of the year is just as important for fruit and nut trees as the fruit-producing season. However, chill hours are an important and necessary factor in productive growth for many varieties of fruit trees. Taking the time to research your climate, average chill hours, and what fruit trees do well within your assigned climate and USDA Hardiness Zone will ensure you have the best producing orchard in your area.

By providing the necessary amount of chill hours required for a particular fruit tree, growers can ensure a bountiful harvest and increase the chances of success in their agricultural endeavors. So, whether you’re a farmer or a gardening enthusiast, knowing the importance of chill hours can help you cultivate a healthy and fruitful garden.

The post What Are Chill Hours for Fruit Trees? appeared first on Yarden.

Deciding what to plant in your garden for spring can be half the battle. Planting fruit-bearing trees and bushes can guarantee you’ll have fresh produce throughout the summer months.

But sometimes, you’re aiming for beauty, and having an orchard that’s filled with blooming flowers can be the perfect addition to your yard. So before planning everything out, you’ll probably want to know if flowering plants and fruit trees can grow together.

Luckily, these plants can grow cohesively in the same space so that you can have beautiful blooms and fresh fruit all summer long. However, you’ll also want to understand which flowering plants can coexist with fruit trees to create a productive garden and which combinations should be avoided.

Companion Planting

You’ll want to consider this planting method when introducing flowering plants and fruit trees. But what is companion planting? This is when you select plants specifically because they will increase benefits for each other.

These can include increasing pollination or natural pest repellent. One popular garden combination is corn, beans, and squash planted together. The corn acts as a trellis for beans, the squash acts as ground cover, and the beans contribute to nitrogen-rich soil.

There are other benefits that can come from companion planting, like weed prevention, fixing nitrogen, amending or covering the soil, reducing evaporation, providing a living trellis, maximizing space, and finally, producing more food (or fruit in this case). But with so many types of flowering plants out there, which are best for growing with fruiting trees?

Best Companion Plants For Fruit Trees

With so many flowering plants available for planting, it can be overwhelming to decide what will be best to plant with your fruit trees. However, it can be broken down into the benefit you’re looking to get from that companion plant.

After you know which benefits you’d like for your orchard, it’s easier to pick out the perfect flowering plant to complement your fruit-bearing trees. Here are some popular options and what benefits they’ll offer to your garden.

Comfrey

As one of the most popular companion plants, Comfrey will produce great results while adding a pop of color to your orchard. The main reason this is so widely used is that it grows well with just about any other plants outdoor.

Not only does this plant attract important pollinators, but it also grows tall quickly. As a result, it tips over quickly and becomes a great mulch for other plants. This mulch not only adds nutrients to the soil but reduces evaporation and protects roots from the elements. However, this plant does grow quickly and can spread aggressively, so some gardeners prefer Russian Comfrey which is sterile seeds and will not spread as far.

Cover Crops

These fantastic plants are used to fix nitrogen in the soil to create a great environment for fruit trees, and there are a wide variety of these plants to pick from for your orchard. This nitrogen boost is essential when planting fruit trees, including citrus trees, because they require so much nitrogen to flower and produce.

Some common examples of cover crops you could use between your fruit trees include; clover, pea, chickpeas, soybeans, alfalfa, lentils, peanuts, and most other legume or bean plants. These companion plants can also help slow erosion, retain water, prevent weeds, and control pests or diseases.

Alliums

Plants like garlic, onion, and chives are the perfect natural repellant for many unwanted orchard and garden pests. The strong flavors and scents given off by these plants will deter larvae, aphids, mites, and even larger threats like rabbits and deer.

You’ll want to avoid planting these with other allium plants or legumes because they will not benefit one another and could cause both plants to fail. These plants also have shallow root systems, making them a good option to be planted just outside the canopy of your fruit tree.

What Combinations To Avoid

While it’s clear there are plenty of flowering plants that can be grown near fruit trees that will benefit the plant and help it produce a healthy crop of fruit, there are also plenty of plants that should be avoided when trying to grow a productive orchard.

You’ll want to avoid deep-rooted plants like potatoes, carrots, and other similar tubers or root vegetables. These placed too close to fruit trees will damage the tree’s shallow roots, which are more sensitive than roots of other plant types. Avoid planting citrus trees near these types of plants as well.

Don’t plant nut trees too close to any fruit trees, including citrus plants. While they may not affect all varieties, some nut trees produce a chemical in the soil called juglone, which can be harmful to fruit trees and other plants.

Growing Fruit Trees Together

When considering which fruit trees you’re going to plant, it’s important to note that some are sterile alone and will require a pair or another fruit tree alongside them before they will bear any fruit. In addition, these plants will require outside pollination from bees, wasps, butterflies, and other insects you’ll find in your garden.

Trees that need to be planted in pairs include; apple, blueberry, pear, plum, sweet cherry, and muscadine grape. You can also consider self-fertile fruit trees like apricot, blackberry, currant, nectarine, raspberry, sour cherry, pomegranate, strawberry, and more. These will utilize cross-pollination to bear fruit each year.

Fruit Tree Combinations To Avoid

There are plenty of fruit trees that do well with each other and can even help one another with cross-pollination and other benefits. However, there are some fruit trees that should not be grown together because they won’t be successful in such a small vicinity.

You’ll want to avoid planting; apples or apricots with walnuts and blackberries; nectarines, pears, peaches, or plums with raspberries; and finally, blueberries, cherries, grapes, and melons do not grow well near tomatoes or eggplants.

Enhance Your Yarden Today

As you can see, the right flowering plants and fruit trees will thrive with each other in the same orchard. The benefits can go both ways, and creating a good combination of fruit trees and flowering plants will help you to achieve a productive garden and get a great crop of fresh produce.

Be sure to check out the wide varieties of citrus tree for sale along with fruit trees, various edible plants, and other citrus plants for sale from Yarden to get your orchard started with the exact combination of fruit-bearing plants you decide on.

The post Can Flowering Plants and Citrus Fruit Trees Grow Together? appeared first on Yarden.

Looking for plants for sale to add to your garden? You may not realize it, but some fruit trees can provide you with tasty fresh fruit even during the winter months!

There are lots of great reasons to plant winter fruit trees. Apart from providing you with the sheer joy of picking fresh fruit from your own garden, fruit trees contribute to a healthy ecosystem, produce fresh oxygen, and encourage wildlife to flourish. Plus, winter-grown fruit usually contains the nutritional benefits needed for warding off winter-borne illnesses like colds and flu viruses.

Below are some types of trees you’ll find at Citrus.com that will have you enjoying fresh, homegrown fruit through the winter months:

Citrus Trees

Hardiness Zones 9-11

Citrus.com is known for our online citrus trees. Have you ever dreamed of growing sweet and tangy citrus fruit from your own citrus trees? There are many types of citrus trees, and there’s nothing like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes for adding a boost of sunshine on a gray winter’s day!

Native to warm, humid climates, these tropical trees are unique choices for homegrown fruit. Citrus trees have a lot going for them. For one thing, they’re evergreens, which mean they don’t lose their leaves in the wintertime. For gardeners who prize ornamentals, this makes them just as valuable – if not more so – than their delicious, healthy fruit!

Citrus trees are moderately sized, tending to stay around between sixteen to forty-nine feet tall, making them a great choice for smaller gardens. Even better, you can still get fruit even if you only plant one or two – most citrus trees are self-pollinating. The best citrus trees also put out many pretty blossoms before fruiting, which give off a wonderful citrusy smell.

Apple Trees

Hardiness Zones 3-8

Apple trees can grow just about anywhere in the continental United States, and, depending on the variety, most fruit anywhere from summer to early winter. There are lots of varieties of apple trees, so be sure to find the ones that fit your zone.

Apart from the fact that fresh apples have many health benefits and add wonderful color to your fall and winter garden, apple trees make wonderful additions to your backyard because they produce every year. They’re also prolific producers, with a single tree often producing four to five bushels in a season. The trees tend to be low maintenance, and start fruiting early in their lives, so you won’t have to wait long for fruit. They also put out pretty, fragrant blossoms in the spring.

Persimmon Trees

Hardiness Zones 5-9

When ripe, persimmons have mild, sweet taste, somewhat like honey. Their rich flesh is similar in texture to that of an apricot, the skin is a bit tougher than an apple’s. They’re a great addition to many dishes and also can be made into a tasty jam.

If you have a sunny location in which to plant a persimmon tree, you can wind up with so much fruit the branches might break from the weight! Because of this, you’ll need to prune the tree regularly for its own health. The pretty, bright orange fruit doesn’t attract pests readily.

Otherwise, persimmon trees are fairly low maintenance. The soil doesn’t have to be great, and they tolerate both dry and damp conditions tolerably well. Cross-pollination isn’t necessary for producing fruit, so you may be able to get away with adding just one to your garden (a good thing, since the trees can grow quite large and should have at least twenty feet of space between them).

Pomegranate Trees

Hardiness Zones 7-12

Pomegranates – the “unofficial fruit of winter” – can be a bit temperamental, but if you live in the right location, the effort to produce this delectable fruit can be well worth it. The trees are small, long-lived, with bright, shiny-green foliage and a long flowering season. They produce an exotic fruit that is relatively resistant to pests and disease.

That said, pomegranate trees are sensitive to frost in the fall and spring months, and they don’t mature well in cooler climates. They prefer loamy soil with good drainage and humid conditions.

Indoor Trees for Colder Climates

If you live in USDA Zones 1-5, your winter fruits selection may be limited.

But growing citrus trees doesn’t have to be limited to the usual citrus growing zones if you go with a dwarf tree – you can grow lemons, key limes, grapefruit, oranges and more even if you live in cooler climates — simply plant your dwarf tree in containers and move them indoors for protection before cold temperatures arrive.

Related Links:

• 5 Fruit Trees That Can be Grown Indoors
• Proper Lighting for Indoor Citrus Trees
• Beware: How to Protect Your Tree from Wildlife
• Citrus Trees: Guide to Proper Spacing in an Orchard

The post Garden Additions for the Winter appeared first on Yarden.

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup confectionary sugar (plus more for coating, about 1½ cups)
• Zest of 2 lemons (about 4 tsp.)
• 2 tsp. lemon extract
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ cup almonds, finely chopped

 Directions:

1. Whisk together flour, cornstarch and salt in large mixing bowl; set aside.
2. Using a paddle attachment, mix butter in bowl of electric stand mixer on medium speed until creamy (about 20 seconds). Blend in 2/3 cup powdered sugar, then lemon zest, lemon extract and vanilla extract; mix well.
3. With mixer set on low speed slowly add in flour mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in almonds, then cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350ºF and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Scoop chilled dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets and bake 14-16 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool several minutes. While cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
7. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once are cool, roll again in powdered sugar, coating each cookie generously. Store in airtight container.

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If the first word that comes to mind when you hear the words “key lime” is “pie,” you’re not alone. The famous American pie owes its unique flavor to the tart, fragrant fruit that’s become common throughout the Florida Keys.

But key limes are good for more than just pie: in addition to lime-based desserts, their distinctive flavor makes them a prized ingredient in tropical marinades, cocktails and syrups.  Key lime also makes the best limeade, and serves as a beautiful garnish for main dishes and drinks.

There are several differences between a key lime and the more common Persian lime. Besides being less acidic than their Persian cousins, key limes are smaller, rounder, seedier, have a thinner skin, and tend to be yellower in color than the bright green Persian lime. They also tend to be more expensive and a little more difficult to find, which is why many commercial “key lime” desserts are actually made with the more conventional Persian lime. If you’re determined to hold out for the real thing, though, don’t despair – growing your own Mexican key limes can be easier than you think!

What Does a Key Lime Tree Look Like?

A key lime tree can be a striking addition to any garden. An attractive evergreen with deep green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and golf ball-sized, yellow-green fruit, key lime trees grow to be at least six fee tall. 

Like the Meyer lemon, key lime trees do have thorns, though they may outgrow them over time. It is possible to have a thornless key lime tree, though – dwarf key lime trees, which can be grown in containers and are an excellent choice for would-be gardeners in growing zones colder than Zone 9, come in thornless varieties.

How Big Do Key Lime Trees Get?

A standard key lime tree grown outdoors could take up as much as thirteen feet of vertical space, but a dwarf key lime tree will only grow to about two feet tall. A key lime cocktail tree and Meyer lemon tree are excellent additions to a sunroom or other sunny spot in your home (your dwarf key lime tree will need about ten hours of direct sunlight each day, and can be moved to the patio when the weather is warm to help it keep producing).

Make sure you become well-versed on key lime tree care before you go this route – among other things, key limes need to be watered constantly when grown in containers to keep the soil moist. When the water drains out of the drainage hole in the container, it also depletes nutrients from the soil, so feeding the dwarf citrus tree is a must. But it’s definitely worth the extra effort – in addition to adding tropical flair to your home and a refreshing citrus scent, you’ll get juicy limes with fewer seeds than their outdoor cousins!

When Are Key Limes Ready to Pick?

After reaching its full height, a dwarf key lime trees will begin to bear fruit in about 1-3 years. The tree flowers in the spring, with fruit following in late spring to early summer (if the flowers fall off without bearing fruit, that means your tree is not yet mature enough to bear fruit).

So…when do you actually harvest the limes? When limes are fully ripe, they actually turn yellow. Persian limes and other lime varieties become bitter when they are fully ripe, and are best harvested when still fully green. Key limes should not be allowed to become fully yellow, either, but can remain on the tree a bit longer than conventional limes, as this will result in sweeter fruit. Don’t wait too long, though – you don’t want to lose that distinctive tart flavor in your favorite recipes!

With a little care and attention, you’ll have a lovely tree to enjoy looking at and delicious fruit to use and share for years to come.

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

Now that the weather is getting warmer, you’re thinking you might move the dwarf lemon tree you got for Christmas onto the patio. Or maybe you’ve moved to a warmer climate and you’re thinking you’d like to add a ponderosa lemon tree to your arboretum. But wait – you just remembered that you have a healthy deer population. Do deer eat lemon trees?

Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that deer aren’t particularly fond of aromatic plants, and the leaves and flowers of a citrus tree are quite aromatic. So when there’s other, tastier fare available, the deer are likely to ignore your lemon and lime trees. The bad news is that there are few plants deer won’t at least sample, and if they’re hungry enough they’ll eat anything. Even worse news is that a buck doesn’t have to nibble on a sapling to hurt it – all he has to do is use it as a scratching post for his antlers!

Don’t despair…a large local deer population doesn’t mean you can’t have a citrus grove. Here are some tips for thwarting lemon tree diseases and pests so you can keep at least some of the fruit for yourself.

1. Skip the hybrid varieties. This might be disappointing if you had your heart set on planting a pink lemon tree (also known as a eureka lemon tree), a bearss lemon, or a cocktail lemon lime hybrid tree on your property, but unlike “true” lemon trees, hybrids often lack the natural protection of lemon tree thorns.
   
   Wait – lemon trees have thorns? That might not be what most people think of when asked what does a lemon tree look like, but in their juvenile state many citrus trees do. Hybrids tend to lack that deterrent, so go for the “true” lemon tree varieties, or stick to a hybrid that does have thorns (like the meyer lemon tree).

• Choose miniature lemon trees. When looking for a potted lemon tree for sale, the dwarf meyer lemon tree is an excellent choice. Because it’s a lemon/mandarin orange hybrid the fruit is sweeter and less acidic than a true lemon, and – best of all for those dealing with deer – you can bring the container inside at night and keep your dwarf lemon tree close to the house by day for safety.

• Protect saplings. How long do lemon trees live, and how long does it take to grow a lemon tree? Lemon trees have a lifespan of about 50 years, and they mature fairly quickly as far as fruit trees go. Therefore, it might be worthwhile to add the protection of a temporary barrier around your young trees. This can be done fairly inexpensively – construction fencing fixed in place with tee posts can work well if placed correctly.
  
  Stake four tee post around your young tree, close enough to discourage deer from jumping inside the perimeter, and angle them outwards so deer are unable to stretch their necks far enough to reach the tree once the fencing is in place. Fasten the construction fencing tightly to prevent the deer from pushing it inward. Deer will still be able to nibble the lemon tree flowers and young leaves, but will be less likely to do serious damage to the growing tree.

• Add some natural repellent. Deer tend to shy away from anything that carries a human scent. Tie bars of used soap to the branches of your lemon lime hybrid or other lemon tree variety. You can also mix a solution of 6% hot sauce with 94% water in a spray bottle and spritz the leaves of your lemon tree.

• Collar the tree. You can protect slim trunks with PVC piping. Make sure there’s enough room to fit around the trunk of the lemon tree with a couple of inches to spare. Slit it down the middle on one side and fix it around the trunk at planting.

Now that you know more about caring for your lemon trees, you can make a wise and informed decision about protecting them from deer.

The post Oh, Deer! Are Lemon Trees Deer-Resistant? appeared first on Yarden.

Do Meyer lemon trees have thorns? The standard Meyer Improved lemon tree is thornless and grows to 6 up to 10 feet in height, while the typical dwarf Meyer lemon tree height is just around 4 to 6 feet tall. Both the standard and dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree produce fragrant, purple-tinted blooms that develop into medium-sized, yellow-orange, sweet-tart lemons that are in season in fall or spring.

History

Meyer lemon trees are native to China and were first discovered by Dutch horticulturist and botanist Frank Meyer in 1908 while working for the United States Department of Agriculture. The citrus Meyer lemon tree was an instant success and became widely grown because it is easy to care for, sweet-tart fruits with numerous uses. The trees grow gorgeous foliage that makes it a wonderful ornamental specimen. Unfortunately, in the mid-1940s it was discovered that a majority of Meyer lemon trees were symptomless carriers of the deleterious Citrus Tristeza virus – a virus that has killed millions of citrus trees worldwide and rendered millions of others fruitless. Because of this discovery, most of the Meyer lemon trees were destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Then in the 1950s, the virus-free Improved Meyer lemon selection was found. The selection was then certified and released by the University of California for commercial planting in 1975.

Improved Meyer Lemon Tree Care

If you are looking for Meyer lemon trees for sale for home gardening it is highly advisable that you buy an Improved Meyer lemon tree for sale from a reputable citrus nursery to ensure that you will get a healthy tree that will not wither away just a few weeks after delivery. Once you have determined where to procure a Meyer lemon tree for sale, the next step is to learn how to grow a Meyer lemon tree in a pot.

• Both standard and dwarf Meyer lemon trees are well adapted to container growing and can be grown outside USDA plant hardiness zones 8-11. However, you have to make sure that they are given cold or frost protection during the winter season.
• The Meyer lemon lime tree should be watered deeply every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks after replanting. Allow for adequate drainage though, since they do not like wet feet and tend to be prone to root rot due to standing water. Once established, you can cut back watering the Meyer lemon dwarf tree to once every 7 to 10 days. Make sure to let the soil get dry between watering.
• Pruning is part of Meyer lemon tree care. To keep the tree healthy, you have to prune leggy, damaged, or diseased branches back to the base of the trunk any time of the year as needed. Trimming on the other hand should be done in late winter to prevent disruption of the winter harvest.
• Both the standard and dwarf Improved Meyer lemon tree need citrus specific fertilizer to meet their nutritional needs. The Meyer lemon tree should be fed with ammonium sulfate balanced to 21-0-0. One cup of Meyer lemon fertilizer is a must during the first year and should be broken into 4 equal parts. The fertilizer should be applied to the Meyer Improved dwarf lemon tree between February and August to encourage a healthy growth cycle. Follow the instructions provided on the label to ensure optimum results.

The post How Tall Does A Meyer Lemon Tree Grow? appeared first on Yarden.

What Do Kumquats Taste Like?

Kumquats, those tiny oval-shaped fruits, are very much like oranges but are also totally different in their own way. Kumquats are different not just in size and shape but also in how you can eat them. With their sweet paper-thin skin, non-existent bitter pith, and edible seeds, they are ready to eat as you pick them off the tree. 

When Are Kumquats in Season?

Originally grown in China, Kumquats are now grown in several countries, including some parts of the U.S., specifically warmer regions like Florida and California.

The exact time may vary depending upon the cultivar but generally, kumquats ripen from November to June.

Do Sweet Kumquats Contain Vitamin C?

The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C and fiber and provides several nutritional and health benefits. The skin and edible seeds provide a small amount of omega-3 fats. And with 80% of their weight coming from water, kumquats provide a very hydrating fruit treat.

Can You Grow Your Own Kumquats?

Kumquat Trees can sprout from seeds, but the resulting trees are mostly weak and may be difficult and slow to grow. We highly recommend that you look for kumquats trees for sale from nurseries or farms.

Growing a kumquat tree is relatively easy. And because these trees are self-fertile you’ll only need one tree in order to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Provided there is good drainage, these trees can tolerate almost any soil type. They need full sun to thrive but can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 18º F.

Growing Kumquats Indoors

Kumquats are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow in garden pots. When growing indoors, make sure to place them where they can get full sun. Make sure you plant your kumquat tree in a very large container as these trees can’t tolerate being root-bound. Also, use containers that drain well as these trees are very susceptible to root rot diseases.

What Are Kumquats Good For?

Because kumquat’s seeds and sweet peel are edible they make a good ready to eat snack. They can also make a great addition to your salads, baked good, jams and jellies, and desserts.

Kumquats are also rich in vitamin C and plant compounds that boost the body’s immune system and helps fight infection and may even reduce the risk of cancer.

If you haven’t tried kumquats before and wish to have a taste of its original and unique flavor make sure to check your local fruit stand and groceries starting November through June. If you are unable to find them in your local grocery, you can buy kumquat fruits and trees online.

The post Do Kumquats Have Vitamin C? appeared first on Yarden.

Indoor Tree

If you are wondering if you can grow Key Lime trees indoors, the answer is yes you can grow this vigorous tree indoors. They typically grow to 12 feet high while a dwarf type grows to about 6 feet tall. You can grow Key Limes in a pot or a container so long as it has good water drainage system. Planting a Key lime tree in a pot will allow you to grow standard-sized, flavorful Key Limes. However, trees planted in a container, won’t produce the same amount of fruits that trees planted in the ground will.

How to care for a pot grown Key lime tree?

1. Key lime trees can adapt to any type of soil, but the best soil for this kind of tree is sandy loam potting soil that contains organic matter that can help the tree grow.
2. You have to select a pot or container that will allow the roots to spread to the surface level. Keep in mind that citrus trees have wide and strong roots that gather moisture. A good water drainage system is also required since citrus trees do not like damp surroundings.
3. Choosing a location for your indoor Key lime tree is important. You have to position the tree where it can get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day.
4. Before watering the tree, stick your index finger 2-3 inches into the soil to check if it has dried out. If the soil is dry to your touch, it is time to water the tree. If the soil is still wet, then postpone watering for another 2 days. As the tree matures you can water your tree once a week or as needed. You should also consider checking the foliage before you water your tree. If you spot leaves that are starting to yellow or curl, it could be a sign that you are over-watering your tree.
5. Indoor citrus trees need more fertilizer than trees growing in the ground because they have a limited space for roots. The amount of fertilizer will depend on the maturity or age of the trees. For mature Key Lime trees fertilizing should be done 3 times per year: once in late summer, once during fall or winter, and once in early spring.
6. Trim the branches that appear under the graft union of the tree because the nutrients will divide instead of just going into the main trunk. Prune your indoor citrus tree after winter, and before new growth appears.
7. The harvest time for the Key Lime fruit is about 5 to 6 months after the spring bloom.

The Dwarf Key lime tree has a similar appearance to the Mexican Key lime tree or Key lime tree. The only difference between the standard and dwarf varieties is the height of the trees, but blooms and fruit size and fruit flavor are the same.

If you want to include Meyer Lemons in your harvest you may want to grow a Citrus cocktail tree, which is a 2-in-1 fruit tree which will give you two different citrus fruits (Key Limes and Meyer Lemons) on one tree.

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Since the 17^th century, citrus trees have been grown indoors. The combination of green leaves, fragrant white blossoms, and bright orange fruit lend a lively look to the indoors. Furthermore, planting lemons, limes, and different types of oranges is easy and does not require any special equipment.

Growing orange trees indoors can be easy if you know how to take care of them. Here are a few tips on how to grow orange trees inside the comfort of your home.

• Pick the best gardening pot or container with a good drainage system.
• Use well-draining soil such as a sandy loam.
• Position your tree beside a window with good airflow and sufficient sunlight (8-12 hours).
• Provide cold protection when the temperature is below 68° F or 20° C.
• Water the tree regularly or as needed, but allow the soil to drain and dry to 2 inches deep between watering. Citrus trees hate standing water and become prone to diseases when soil remains soggy.
• Feed your tree with citrus-specific fertilizer that offers a balanced nutrient content and has a high amount of nitrogen.

Types of Oranges

We always see oranges in the supermarkets. But do you know that there are different types of oranges? Florida, the second in global orange juice production, produces several varieties of oranges including Tangerines, Navel Orange, Valencia Orange, and Honeybell Orange. These Oranges are commonly eaten fresh as a snack, juiced, or used as an ingredient when making desserts. They can also be used as toppings to your favorite salads, mixed in marinades, syrups, and sauces.

The sweet and juicy Navel Orange, Blood Orange, Mandarin Orange, Tangerine, and Clementine are sources of vitamin C and minerals that can help with our overall health, and are highly effective in preventing premature skin aging.

• Navel Orange – the most common orange we see in grocery stores. It is called Navel Orange because of the undeveloped secondary fruit found growing opposite the stem end of the main fruit that resembles a human belly button.
• Tangerine – offers a sweeter taste compared to other oranges and is smaller than your typical standard-sized orange.
• Clementine – a small, oval-shaped orange that is ideal for a quick snack because of its easy-to-peel-skin and seedless characteristics.
• Blood Orange – may look similar to other oranges from the outside, but when cut open has a ruby or deep red flesh that is unique among orange cultivars. They are medium-sized fruits and mostly used to garnish cakes and desserts.
• Mandarin Orange – is a small citrus fruit that is less acidic than other oranges and offers a sweeter taste. You can eat it plain or toss it in your favorite salad.

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Growing Grapefruit

Dwarf grapefruit trees can be grown in pots. Buying Grapefruit trees for sale is easy, but growing them to maturity can be a bit tricky for a rookie home grower. Don’t lose heart though. Growing a sweet Grapefruit tree can be tricky but not impossible if you know how to provide it with ideal growing conditions. Also keep in mind that a standard Ruby Red Grapefruit tree size is 15 to 20 feet high upon reaching maturity, while a dwarf Grapefruit tree can grow to up to 12 feet in height when planted directly into the ground, or smaller when planted in a container, so you have to prepare the area where you will plant it before purchasing a Ruby Red Grapefruit tree for sale or a dwarf Ruby Red Grapefruit tree for sale.

• Sunlight – being classified as a tropical plant, warm, temperate climates and full sun are needed to grow any standard or dwarf Grapefruit tree. All Grapefruit trees be they white or red Grapefruit trees, even pink Grapefruit trees, are best suited for growing in the ground in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and up. You can also plant these vigorous growing trees in zones 7 to 8 but it would require additional extra care.
• Soil – both standard and dwarf Grapefruit trees flourish in well-draining, loamy soil. Avoid planting your trees, especially the Ruby Red Grapefruit trees, in soil that is clay laden or high in salinity as these types of soil can inhibit the growth of citrus trees.
• Water – after planting either a dwarf Rio Red Grapefruit tree or a dwarf Ruby Red Grapefruit tree in a pot, deeply-water it every 3 to 4 days for the first few weeks. When watering, let the water flush through the pot, then allow the soil to fully drain. Before watering it again, make sure that the soil is dry or you may overwater the tree. You may use an inexpensive moisture meter to make sure you do not overwater the tree. Keep in mind that too much water or moisture could damage the roots of your Rio Red Grapefruit tree. You then transition the deep-watering technique to once a week, except for the dry season when more water may be needed.  
• Fertilizer – to maintain the beauty and ensure the healthy growth cycle of your Ruby Grapefruit tree, use a fertilizer. Start with a total of one-third cup of 21-0-0 ammonium sulfate fertilizer in the first year after planting. Split the total amount of fertilizer into 2 equal separate feedings. Do the fist feeding when you start noticing new growth and follow it up in August. Make sure to broadcast the fertilizer from the trunk to the edge of the canopy of Rio Red Grapefruit trees then water it well.
• Pruning – clean, sharp pruning tools must be used to cut out any growth below the bud union of the dwarf Grapefruit tree for sale you bought throughout the year. Only prune damaged or dead wood in spring to prevent new growth from emerging during winter as new growth may only be damaged by frost. Prune your Grapefruit trees only when necessary, as over-pruning will impede the tree’s development.

Now that you know the basics, go ahead and get the Rio Red Grapefruit tree for sale or the dwarf Grapefruit tree for sale you have been eyeing and start growing it at home.

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But did you know that there are oranges that can brighten your day during the cold, bleak days of winter? There are a few orange varieties that are in season in winter like Hamlin LA Sweet Orange, which is available in mid-winter, dwarf Blood Orange that you can find from December through May, and sweet Navels that are in season from October to February.

Orange trees can survive low temperatures around 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind though that cold-hardy as they may be, orange trees like Louisiana Sweet Orange tree, Moro Orange tree, dwarf Navel Orange tree, and other summer and winter orange trees still need cold protection when the temperatures drop below 30 degrees. Frost and freezing weather could damage fruits on mature trees while younger trees may die. 

Know your Oranges

1. Valencia Orange is a sweet-tangy orange that is in season in summer. If you wish to have a steady supply of Valencia oranges it is best to buy a standard or dwarf Valencia Orange tree for sale and grow it in your backyard. Not only will you get fresh fruits, but you will also get a nice accent tree that gives off an amazing floral scent throughout your property. Are you wondering how big Valencia Orange trees get? A standard Valencia Orange tree height is around 8 to 12 feet, while a dwarf-sized tree can reach up to 6 feet high. Valencia Orange tree care includes proper watering, sufficient sunlight exposure, and fertilizing.
2. Navel Orange is an easy to peel, sweet, seedless orange that gives off a pleasant floral aroma. For this orange we would like to answer some of the frequently asked questions we get from orange enthusiasts and lovers.
3. Why are Navel Oranges called Navel Oranges? – You see that hole on the other end of the fruit opposite the stem end? It is a rudimentary fruit that looks like a human belly button, which earned it the name Navel Orange.
4. Where are Navel Oranges from? – Since Navels are seedless and can only be propagated via cuttings and grafting, we can be sure that all Navels are from a single orange tree that grew in Bahia, Brazil.
5. When do Navel Oranges bloom? – Navel orange trees usually bloom in April. Flowers set fruit in mid-April to May and ripen in 7 to 12 months.
6. Can I plant Navel trees in small spaces? – Navel orange trees do not grow as tall as other trees, however, you may still opt for a dwarf Washington Navel Orange tree to make sure it does not outgrow its limited planting space. Make sure to purchase dwarf Navel Orange trees for sale from reputable nurseries so you are guaranteed a healthy young tree.

1. Hamlin Sweet Orange – the Hamlin Sweet Orange tree produces medium to large oval to round, easy-to-peel fruits. The fruits, which are typically harvested in mid-winter to December, boast of sweet rich flavor that can be used to make desserts, marmalades, and cocktail drinks. You can find a Hamlin Orange tree for sale from citrus nurseries.
2. Dwarf Blood Orange tree – Just because it is orange doesn’t mean its color is automatically orange. What makes Blood Orange dwarf tree unique is the maroon color of the flesh that varies in intensity. Blood oranges also offer a distinct rich orange taste with a tinge of raspberry tones. Dwarf Moro Blood Orange tree fruits are in season from early winter to early spring.

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Popular Orange Varieties for Home Growing

If you are an orange lover like me and wish to add some orange trees to your backyard collection or simply want to have fresh oranges during summer or winter then check out the orange trees below and see which tree best suit your needs.

1. Navel Orange Tree FAQs
2. Why are navel oranges called navel oranges? – Navel oranges have a distinguishing feature which is an indentation at the other end of the fruit opposite the stem end which resembles a human navel, thus its name.
3. Where are navel oranges grown? – Commercial Navel oranges are grown in the states of Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona.
4. How are navel oranges grown? – Navel oranges are seedless and the only way to propagate navels is through cuttings and grafting.
5. Where to buy dwarf navel orange trees for sale? – You can purchase dwarf navel orange trees from local nurseries or purchase them online from reputable citrus nurseries outside of your state.
6. Hamlin Orange Tree FAQs
7. What is the origin of Hamlin sweet orange? – Hamlin is a sweet orange that originated in Glenwood, Florida. It is a chance seedling planted in 1879 and was named after the owner of the orchard where it grew, A.G. Hamlin.
8. What is the typical Hamlin orange tree size? – A mature Hamlin orange tree may reach 20 feet up to 25 feet in height.
9. Where can I get a Hamlin orange tree for sale? – Hamlin orange trees may be purchased from citrus orchards or citrus nurseries.
10. Valencia Orange Tree FAQs
11. How big do Valencia orange trees get? – While the dwarf Valencia orange tree only reaches 5 to 10 feet upon maturity, the standard Valencia orange tree height is 12 to 20 feet when mature.
12. Is it easier to grow a purchased dwarf Valencia orange tree for sale, or grow it from seed? – Growing orange trees from seeds is inexpensive, however, it can take 7 years or longer for a seed-grown tree to bear fruit. Also seed-grown fruit may be of a vastly different quality when compared to the parent plant. Trees grown by nurseries that are grafted from a known variety produce reliable quality fruit, and do so in a few years.

4. Dwarf Blood Orange Tree FAQs

• What is a blood orange dwarf tree? – It is a dwarf-sized orange citrus tree that produces orange fruits with distinctive dark flesh color caused by anthocyanins. Aside from its maroon-colored flesh, blood oranges like dwarf Moro Blood Orange have a unique raspberry flavor in addition to the usual citrus tones.
• How big are the fruits produced by dwarf blood orange trees? – Although dwarf trees are smaller, the fruits produced are of the same size as that of standard-sized trees.

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Lemon Lime Trees

The typical lifespan of lemon and lime tree, including a hybrid lemon lime tree, is over 50 years. However, with proper care, excellent growing conditions, and satisfactory disease prevention practices, lemon and lime trees can live for over a hundred years.

On the other hand, diseases like citrus greening, citrus canker, and citrus black spot may shorten the lifespan of a lemon lime citrus tree. An infected lemon/lime tree may need to be uprooted within 3 to 5 years of infection. Any lemon lime bush that has experienced then survived the above-mentioned diseases will have a reduced lifespan of 15 years or less.

Best Lime Tree

There are a couple of great lemon lime trees for sale you may choose from if you are planning on growing citrus trees at home.

If you have an expansive backyard or front lawn you wish to line up with citrus trees you may wish to get an orange lemon lime tree or Meyer lemon lime tree. These evergreen trees that grow up to 25 feet in height would make wonderful accent trees, provide shade during hot weather, give you some privacy from outsiders, and emit a refreshing floral-citrus scent that will make your walk around the house even more enjoyable.

On the other hand, if you have limited space but would still like to grow citrus trees at home, you may opt for a dwarf cocktail tree lemon lime, a lemon lime combo tree, or a dwarf Kaffir lime tree. Dwarf lime tree height is just around 6 to 8 feet tall and perfect for small spaces. Furthermore, by growing a lemon lime cocktail tree, you can have a lemon and lime tree in one, and harvest two types of citrus fruits from one tree.

Dwarf lemon lime tree hybrid

You may not have seen a cocktail tree before, but I’m sure you have heard the idea. Nurseries usually grow Meyer Lemon Key Lime cocktail trees so home growers can enjoy the fragrant and sweet Meyer Lemons and at the same time be able to pick popular Key Limes from one small tree. These trees allow you to cook wonderful dishes, mix popular party drinks, bake appetizing cakes and pastries, and even use them for cleaning.

If you have a little bit more space at home and you are into making Asian cuisine, you might want to purchase a dwarf Kaffir lime tree for sale and add it to your citrus tree collection. Then you can start cooking Golden Thai Curry, Grilled Lemongrass Chicken with Kaffir Lime Leaves, Tom Yum soup, and more.

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The tangerine fruit is in the same citrus family as oranges but is classified as Citrus Tangerina or Citrus Reticulata. They are smaller than regular oranges, less rounded, and have thin, easy-to-peel pebbly skin that is reddish-orange. When it comes to taste, tangerines are sweeter, stronger in flavor, and less tart than oranges.

The tangerine tree is an evergreen tree that grows 10 to 15 feet tall, although reports say that some old tangerine fruit trees can reach up to 25 feet in height.

Tangerine History

You may be asking yourself, “Where are tangerines from?” or “What is the origin of the tangerine?” Let us go down the Tangerine history lane.

Where are tangerines from? How did they reach the United States? Tangerines were first grown in China and Japan about 3000 years ago. Through the silk trade route, tangerines reached other countries and continents where they were traded or bartered for money or other goods. In the 1800s, tangerines were first shipped to other parts of Europe and America from a port in Tangier, Morocco for which the fruit was named.

Tangerine Facts

We receive many questions regarding tangerines so we have prepared answers to some of those most commonly asked. Let us talk about a few facts about tangerines and discuss the different growing tangerine trees we can find in the US.

• Where are tangerines grown? – Tangerines are commercially grown in the states of Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. However, if you wish to be a home grower, you can still buy a tangerine plant for sale and grow it in your backyard if you live within the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
• How long does a tangerine tree take to grow? – Tangerine trees like honey tangerine take about 2 years to grow after purchase. They need sufficient sunlight, proper watering, cold protection, and fertilizer to grow healthy.
• Do tangerines grow on trees? – All tangerine fruits, including the pink tangerine fruit, are grown from trees. 
• How long does it take for a tangerine tree to bear fruit? – if you purchase your tangerine tree from a reputable nursery, the grafted plant would already have about a year or two of growth, and would just take another 2 or 3 years to start bearing fruits.
• What tangerine varieties can we buy? – If you are planning on growing tangerine trees in your backyard you can buy, (1) Algerian tangerine trees which bear sweet, seedless fruitt, (2) Murcott tangerine trees, which are a mid-winter to early spring fruit-bearing tree, (3) Temple tangerine trees, which bear terrifically large tangor fruits, and (4) Sunburst tangerine tree, a popular thornless home and orchard tree that produces medium-sized delicious fruits.

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Lemon Lime Hybrid Tree

It may come as a shock to some when they hear that one single tree can produce two types of fruit. It may sound like fiction, but the Cocktail Tree Lemon Lime is already in existence, made possible by horticulturists who have grafted the perfect combination of sweet-tart Meyer Lemons and summery Key Limes onto a single, compatible rootstock. This hybrid Lemon Lime tree is a great option for home gardeners with small spaces but big ambitions.

The wonderful dwarf Lemon Lime tree is a greenhouse specimen that can be planted outdoors in regions with infrequent frosts or USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. For areas experiencing severe frost during the winter season, the dwarf Lemon Lime tree hybrid can still be planted in a container, and moved indoors during the cold months.

Tree Care

When you purchase a Lemon Lime tree for sale, know that it needs proper care to thrive and start bearing fruit. Check out the few tips we have below on how to care for your lemon lime tree for it to start growing lovely blooms that will soon turn into colorful fruit. 

• Planting Location – the evergreen Lemon Lime tree hybrid is a citrus tree that needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. If planted outdoors, select a south-facing location where the tree can get as much sunlight and protection from cold at the same time. If planted in a pot that needs to be moved indoors, make sure to place the pot near a sunny window where it can absorb 6 to 8 full hours of sunlight every day.
• Pruning – keep an eye on the size and health of your Lemon Lime fruit tree branches. Since you are growing a mixed graft fruit tree one branch must not get much bigger than the other branches as they may draw nutrients away from the other branches causing them to become weak. Prune the branches to roughly the same size to divide nutrients and resources equally.
• Fertilization – lemon lime trees, like other fruiting trees, are heavy feeders and should be given citrus fertilizer high in nitrogen. A Lemon Lime hybrid tree should be given a fertilizer with NPK ratio 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 to replenish the nutrients in the soil, and at the same time, provide the tree the necessary nutrients it needs to grow fruit. Make sure to follow the package instructions for the best results.

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