Using homemade rosemary-infused simple syrup, Meyer lemons, and sparkling wine in place of triple sec, this enhanced version of a lemon drop is perfect for sipping poolside!  It tastes best with all ingredients pre-chilled, so it will require some forethought beforehand, but you can also mix the batch ahead of time and place the pitcher in the fridge to chill.  You can whip up endless variations of this drink by infusing different herbs in the simple syrup, using a flavored vodka, or even make it a mocktail by using zero-proof vodka or tonic water.

Ingredients:

For the simple syrup:

• 1 c. water
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 1 rosemary sprig

For the cocktail:

• Simple syrup, chilled
• 1 c. fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice (about 8 lemons), chilled
• 1/3 c. vodka, chilled
• 2 c. prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
• Rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the simple syrup:

1. Add water, sugar, and rosemary sprig to a large glass measuring cup or other microwave-safe container. 
2. Microwave on high for 2 ½ minutes. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Let stand for 10 minutes, then discard the rosemary and place in refrigerator to chill.

For the cocktail:

1. In a large pitcher, add simple syrup, Meyer lemon juice, vodka, and wine.
2. Stir gently to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.

Note: For an extra splash of flavor, toss a few of the squeezed lemon rinds into the pitcher before stirring.

The post Sparkling Meyer Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

With its dry and woody flavors, gin can be an acquired taste for many, but using Meyer lemons in place of regular in this classic cocktail gives it a sweeter and less acidic taste.  It makes for a bright and refreshing drink that perfectly balances the botanical tastes of the gin.  Think of it as a boozy, fizzy lemonade!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. gin
• 2 oz. freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 1 c. club soda, to taste
• Sprig of rosemary or thyme for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin to the shaker.  Cover with lid and shake well.
3. Pour mixture into two glasses over ice.
4. Top off the glasses with club soda to taste and garnish, if desired.

The post Meyer Lemon Tom Collins Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

Nothing compares to a crisp, refreshing glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade on ice.  This recipe has two twists for an elevated take on classic lemonade – using Meyer lemons with their sweet, floral qualities, and garnishing with rosemary sprigs for a peppery note.  Easy and elegant!

You can use storebought simple syrup for an even quicker prep time, but if you don’t have it on hand, we’ve included an easy homemade simple syrup recipe you can make in bulk and store. 

After you squeeze the lemons, save the rinds.  Citrus fruits contain oil in their rinds that have an incredible flavor. Squeezing the lemons brings the oil to the surface of the rind, so tossing them into the mixture will add an extra bright flavor to the lemonade.

Keep in mind that rosemary has a very strong flavor and can quickly overpower a recipe.  Less is more with this recipe, as you want to complement the flavor of the Meyer lemons, not smother it.

Ingredients:

• ½ c. fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 1 c. simple syrup (see recipe below)
• 4 c. water
• Rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and water to a large pitcher.  Stir to combine. 
2. Add squeezed lemon rinds and give a final stir.
3. Chill until ready to serve or serve immediately by pouring over ice.  Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary.

Simple Syrup Recipe

This recipe yields about 3 cups of simple syrup and will keep for months if a sterile jar is used for storing.  Try adding different flavors like lavender or mint during the simmering process to make your own flavor-infused syrups!

Ingredients:

• 2 c. water
• 2 c. sugar

Instructions:

1. Add water and sugar to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over low heat.
2. Simmer for 15-20 seconds, then remove from heat.
3. Allow to cool, then transfer to a sterile glass jar.  Store in refrigerator.

The post Rosemary Meyer Lemonade Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

Find out if a calamondin tree is right for your Yarden with this informative overview.

Name: Calamondin vs. Calamansi

This tree has many colloquial names, which can sometimes cause confusion.  In the United States, this tree and its fruit is typically called calamondin, which is an Americanized version of the Tagalog word, kalamunding. Calamansi, which is the Philippine English spelling of the Tagalog word kalamansi, is widely used in the Philippines.  They are both the same tree/fruit and can be used interchangeably.  The fruit is also sometimes called a Philippine lime, lemonsito, golden lime, bitter-sweets, and acid orange.

Origin

While calamondin trees most likely originated in China, they were distributed early and widely to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia and have become synonymous with the Philippines. Tagalog is a language native to the Philippines, hence the origination of the name calamondin/calamansi. Calamondin trees are a natural hybrid of kumquat and tangerine.

Growth

Calamondin trees are small, bushy evergreens that can grow to be 10–20 feet tall when planted in the ground but can be kept smaller if grown in a container or pruned. Calamondin trees mature quickly and can produce fruit in two years. However, young plants use a lot of energy to produce fruit, so it’s recommended to thin them out in the early years to encourage fewer but larger fruits.

Fruit

The calamondin tree produces a citrus fruit that looks similar to a small, round lime. It has a thin peel that can be green or tangerine colored.  While the fruit has a sour/acidic taste, the peel is sweet.  Calamondins are a great source of vitamin C and D-limonene, and they can be used in cocktails, baked goods, sauces, marinades, and more.

Care

Calamondin trees are cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees F. However, they do not grow well at temperatures consistently below 55 degrees and prefer a range of 70-90 degrees. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce their best blooms. They prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add composted leaves or glass clippings to your ground soil for this.  If you are growing in a pot, add perlite and coarse sand to your potting soil to improve drainage. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead wood, such as brown, dry branches, to allow more energy for healthy growth.

Our citrus tree care kits make it easy to ensure optimal growth of your calamondin tree.

Harvesting

In calamondin’s native countries, harvesting is usually done when the skin is green (unripe), as they are frequently used similar to limes.  They will be especially acidic and tart at this point.  If you would like to eat the fruit, wait to harvest until the fruits are firm and yellow to yellow-orange in color. While calamondin fruit is technically ripe when it is soft and orange in color, it takes nearly a year to reach that point and harvesting it earlier by the above conditions gives it a better flavor.

Never pull the fruit directly off the tree by hand!  Because of their thin skin, this can tear off a small chunk of skin that remains attached to the stem and the fruit will not store as long.  Always use scissors or pruning shears to cut them off the tree just above the stem attachment, so a small piece of stem is still left on the harvested fruit. Calamondin can last 3-7 days at room temperature.  To prolong their life to around two weeks, seal freshly harvested fruits in a ziplock bag and place it in the veggie drawer of your fridge.

The post All About Calamondin (Calamansi) Trees appeared first on Yarden.

Did you know that margaritas are the most popular cocktail in America?  Try a calamansi margarita for a tropical twist on this classic favorite.  The tartness of the calamansi juice adds a bright kick.  Try pairing this cocktail with grilled seafood or your favorite spicy dish. If you prefer a frozen margarita, toss the ingredients in a blender with the ice instead! 

This recipe makes two servings, but feel free to double or triple the recipe as needed, especially if blending.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz tequila blanco
• 1 ½ oz calamansi juice, fresh squeezed
• 1 ½ oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
• 1 oz orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau)
• 1 oz lime juice, fresh squeezed
• Coarse salt or sugar, for rim
• Calamansi slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice. Add tequila, calamansi and lime juices, agave syrup, and orange liqueur and shake well.
2. Place salt or sugar on a plate slightly larger than the rim of your glasses.  Rub one of the squeezed calamansi halves over the rim of your glasses, then dip in the salt mixture to coat rim.
3. Add ice to two glasses and pour mixture over. Garnish with calamansi slices and enjoy!

The post Calamansi Margaritas Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

Try your hand at this homemade calamondin marmalade recipe, so you can always have this tart and tasty spread on hand. Not only can you use it on yummy baked goods like toast or scones, but you can also use it as a glaze for grilling meats and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 40 fresh calamondins
• Sugar, equal to the amount of calamondin juice mixture
• 1 ¼ c. water
• 1 Tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Place a small saucer in the freezer to cool while you work. You will use this later to test the marmalade.
2. Cut each calamondin in half and remove any seeds.
3. Squeeze the juice of the calamondins into a liquid measuring cup, add water, and set aside.
4. Use a paring knife to slice the peels into thin ribbons, then add them to the water and juice mixture.
5. Note the measurement of the amount of water/juice/peels mixture before pouring into a jam pot.
6. Using the previous measurement, add the equivalent amount of sugar and a tablespoon of butter to the pot.
7. Heat on low. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from scorching on the bottom of the pot.
8. Once the sugar has fully dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil.
9. Reduce mixture to a simmer and cook until marmalade is set.  The peels should be translucent, and the mixture should have a thick syrup consistency.
10. You can check it is set by putting a dollop of marmalade on the cold saucer from the freezer. Let it cool for a minute or two and then push it with your finger. If the marmalade wrinkles, then it is set.
11. Fill your canning jars with the marmalade and wipe the rims before putting your flat lid and metal screw bands on.
12. Process marmalade jars in a hot water bath for 20 minutes, then uncover and turn off the heat. Wait 5 minutes before removing jars from water, then place on a towel to cool.
13. After the jars have cooled for 24 hours, check to make sure the jars are sealed before removing the bands and wiping down the jars.
14. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark cabinet.

The post Calamondin Marmalade Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

If you don’t live in a zone where you can plant your citrus trees directly outside, you may be wondering when to bring them indoors and how to care for them during the winter months.  This will vary slightly according to your climate and tree varieties, but this guide will walk you through the general steps you should take when overwintering your citrus trees.

When to Move Your Citrus Trees Indoors

You want your citrus trees to grow in full sun for as long as possible before moving them indoors, but we all know the weather can be a fickle friend.  It may not be as straightforward as moving your trees in on a set date.  A good rule of thumb is to bring them in when the low temperatures are consistently around 40°F. This gives you time to bring them in before the first frost and to let them acclimate to the indoor conditions.

Where to Place Your Citrus Trees Indoors

As much sun as possible is key!  A sunroom is a great option, but if you don’t have one, place it near a sunny window, preferably a south-facing one.  Be sure to place it near enough that it gets plenty of sun, but not so close to the window that the branches could touch it and get too cold.  Avoid placing your citrus trees near vents or drafty areas like frequently opened doors, as drafts (hot or cold) can dry out your tree.

Creating the Right Environment

Now that you’ve found the best spot in your house for your citrus tree, let’s talk about ways you can enhance conditions further.  If you don’t have a south-facing window or an area with enough natural sunlight, you can always add grow lights.  How you add them will depend on your personal situation, but some options include clip-on lamps, adding a grow lightbulb to a floor lamp, or hanging grow light bars above your trees.  Place the lights 12-18 inches away from the trees.  Aim to give your trees 9-10 hours of light a day, whether that is all direct sunlight or a combination of sun and grow lights.  Never give them more than 12 hours of light in a 24-hour period!

Citrus trees thrive in humid conditions, which is something most people struggle to provide indoors.  Furnaces and heaters put off dry heat, which is necessary for keeping a house comfortable for humans, but not so helpful for the citrus trees!  Some ways you can create humidity for your citrus trees are to mist the leaves once or twice a day, place your pots on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and some water, or by adding a humidifier.  There are many options out there to fit your budget, from simple non-electric stone humidifiers to electric humidifiers with built-in, adjustable humidistats that give you a live reading of the environment’s humidity.

While it may be tempting to keep your thermostat cranked during the cold winter months, be mindful of the temperature where your trees will be.  Keeping them at 55-68°F is an ideal range. 

Winter Care

You’ve created the best environment for your citrus trees indoors, but that doesn’t mean the work is over!  Your trees will still need your time and attention throughout the winter months.

Water when the soil is dry 2 inches deep.  An easy way to check this is to stick your finger in the soil; if it is dry below your second knuckle, it is ready for some water.  You want the soil to be moist but not soaked.  Check regularly that your pot is draining well, as water built up in the pot can lead to root rot.  If you notice the leaves of your citrus trees starting to curl, you may not be watering enough.

Put down the fertilizer!  While fertilizing gives a necessary nutrient boost to citrus trees to help produce plenty of fruit, adding it during the winter can encourage growth.  Winter growth can leave your tree vulnerable.  Think of winter as a time for your trees to hibernate; saving their energy for the spring growing season.  In the same vein, hold off on any pruning until spring.

Inspect your trees regularly.  Outside pests can hitch a ride when bringing any plants indoors, so checking them regularly for signs of pests and disease will help you catch them before they turn into major problems.  Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth once a week will help keep them free of dust and prevent infestations.

The post Bringing Citrus Trees Indoors: A Winter Care Guide appeared first on Yarden.

While risotto may conjure thoughts of gourmet restaurants, this bright and creamy lemon risotto is easy enough to whip up in the comfort of your own home in 30 minutes.  Serve it as a main course or alongside your favorite seafood for a restaurant-quality, elevated comfort food dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. minced shallots
• 1 ½ c. arborio rice
• ½ c. dry white wine
• 6 c. chicken broth, hot
• 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat.  Once the butter is foaming, add the shallots and cook until translucent (about 1-3 minutes), stirring occasionally.
2. Add rice to the dutch oven and stir until coated in the oil and butter mixture. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice is lightly toasted.
3. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine.  Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot while you bring it to a simmer.  Stir to combine until the wine is completely absorbed.
4. Add 1 cup of broth to the pot and stir until completely absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth 1 cup at a time. Stir constantly until rice is cooked al dente.
5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese and remove from heat. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

The post Quick and Easy Lemon Risotto Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

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.

Need something fresh to beat the summer heat? Now you can enjoy fresh, squeezed lemonade, hand-picked from your very own Yarden! Just Pick your lemons, squeeze, add sugar and mix, and send yourself to an island of freshness.

Ingredients:

• Around 9 Lemons from your Lemon Tree
• 1 cup Water
• 1 ¾ cups white sugar
• 7 cups ice-cold water
• Ice as needed

Directions

1. Gather Your ingredients
2. Combine the sugar and 1 cup of water (not ice cold) in a saucepan. Stir until sugar is dissolved
3. Let Cool
4. Roll lemons on countertop to soften
5. Cut lemons in half and squeeze (can use hand juicer if desired) adding pulp to juice – Remove seeds
6. Continue Juicing until 1 ½ cups of fresh lemon juice and pulp
7. Pour ice-cold water into a pitcher. Stir lemon juice and pulp
8. Add simple syrup ( sugar water) to taste
9. Add Ice & Enjoy!

The post From Yarden to Table – Fresh Squeezed Lemonade Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

If you’re a big coffee drinker, you’re probably used to throwing out your coffee grounds after you use them. However, consider putting those coffee grounds to use by turning them into fertilizer for your plants. Keep your used coffee grounds from ending up as trash and use them to help grow healthy and strong plants, most notably lemon trees.

Whether you already have or are looking for dwarf lemon trees for sale, a dwarf meyer lemon tree for sale, or any lemon tree to help spruce up your backyard, they’re the perfect receptacle for putting your used, fully composted coffee grounds. Check out this amazing way to turn your coffee grounds from trash to a helpful fertilizer that will allow your lemon tree to flourish into one of the best lemon trees possible!

Using Coffee Grounds for Your Lemon Tree

Most coffee drinkers are probably familiar with the powdery substance left behind after brewing coffee. While you may be used to just throwing them in the trash, you can use coffee grounds for something better than making your garbage smell like day-old coffee.

You can use this highly nutritious organic material to help feed your lemon tree. As coffee grounds are high in nitrogen and other nutrients that allow for your plants to prosper, they are a surefire way to help keep up the health of your lemon tree. Instead of wasting money on fertilizer, use the coffee grounds you already have.

Benefits of Coffee Grounds for Your Plants

Using coffee grounds for your plants, specifically your lemon tree, offers a host of benefits when it comes to maintaining plant health. The high nutrients of the coffee grounds provide a cheaper alternative to traditional fertilizer while, at the same time, cutting down on the time it would take one to buy and transport fertilizer. Some perks of using coffee grounds on your lemon tree include:

• The calcium in coffee grounds allows the lemon tree to build strong cell walls, leading to a strong branch structure.
• The high dose of nitrogen in the coffee ground accelerates the growth of the tree’s root system giving the tree healthy foliage.
• The trace amount of caffeine still found in the grounds is a repellent for snails, slugs, and deer.

How to Use Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer

It’s important to ensure your coffee grounds are composted before placing them on your lemon tree as a fertilizer. That being said, if you decide to place the coffee grounds on directly, only do so in small doses. However, having the coffee grounds composted is best.

When it comes to small lemon trees, you only want to place about a one-inch layer around the tree’s base, making sure not to let the coffee grounds touch the trunk. More mature trees can handle up to a three-inch layer of ground coffee. Immediately water the coffee grounds once placing them by the tree to dilute the caffeine and help the roots absorb the calcium and nitrogen in the coffee grounds.

Doing this throughout the spring season will help your lemon tree grow. You can do this every four to six weeks during the growing season and cut back during the fall and winter months. Since lemon trees are evergreen and fruit-bearing trees, you must regularly feed them and have rich soil to ensure growth at a normal rate and maintain healthy foliage no matter the lemon tree climate.

How to Prepare Your Coffee Grounds

You must prepare your coffee grounds before placing them on your lemon tree to reduce the chemicals in them. Though, in small amounts, placing the grounds straight to your plant is fine, it is better to be safe than sorry.

You can start preparing them by storing the coffee grounds in a jar or container. Let them cool first before doing so. Ensure the lid isn’t on tightly or has holes so moisture doesn’t stay trapped in the container and create mold.

You should also mix your coffee grounds with brown material so as not to place them directly on your plant. It’s a good idea to mix them with the compost you already have. Brown material in your compost consists of leaves, straw, hay, or bark chips. Coffee grounds are a green material, so it’s important to mix them with brown material first. A good ratio of ⅔ brown material and ⅓ green material will do.

Though you may not want to wait, it’s good to let the material decompose for at least six months. You may be sad you can’t start using your coffee grounds as fertilizer immediately, but it will all be worth it. Letting them break down allows them time to mix with the brown material and lose any otherwise harmful chemicals.

Are Coffee Grounds Safe for Your Lemon Tree?

Coffee grounds are safe for lemon trees once they’ve decomposed and lost their chemicals. Too many coffee grounds on a lemon tree before this process happens may cause the death of the good bacteria in the soil and other microorganisms needed for proper tree growth. While this may not be a problem in small amounts, waiting for the decomposition process to run its course is best.

Try out Coffee Grounds on Your Lemon Trees!

Coffee grounds as fertilizer can provide an effective and cheaper alternative for your lemon trees than a traditional fertilizer. If you’re an avid coffee drinker with a green thumb, this is the perfect way to raise healthy and lasting lemon trees. Whether it be a bearss lemon tree, cocktail lemon tree, or dwarf eureka lemon tree, this technique will surely help your trees flourish.

While half a year can seem like a long time to wait for your coffee grounds to be ready to be placed on your lemon tree, it will be well worth it. If you get started today, in six months, you will have the perfect fertilizer to help your lemon tree grow and flourish. So, don’t wait another day and start composting your coffee grounds now so that you’ll have the perfect fertilizer by next spring.

The post Are Coffee Grounds Good for Lemon Trees? 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.

Citrus trees have a lot going for them – they’re beautiful to look at, smell great, and produce delicious, nutritious fruit that can be eaten fresh, added to your favorite recipes, or even used to make homemade cleaning and medicinal products. But before you start doing a search on “citrus trees for sale near me,” you should make sure the one you gets suits your taste – and the environment you can provide for it.

Indoors or out?

First of all, you need to know if you live in a climate that will support a citrus tree outdoors year-round, or if you need to choose from a variety of dwarf citrus trees can keep indoors part or all of the year.

Citrus trees have varying levels of frost tolerance, so it’s important to choose the type of citrus tree best suited to your climate. All citrus trees are frost-tender and are likely to be damaged by freezing temperatures. Because of this, citrus trees are usually grown in hardiness zones 9-11. Some very cold-hardy citrus or semi-citrus trees (like kumquat trees or Meyer lemon trees) will manage in zone 8 or even zone 7, but you’ll need to take special care to protect them when the temperature drops, because no citrus tree can survive in temperatures below 20 °F.

If you don’t live in growing zone 9-11, however, this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on growing your own citrus tree. Growing citrus in pots has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the wide variety of dwarf and semi-dwarf citrus trees for sale online makes it easier than ever to find the right tree for you.

The best thing about keeping a small citrus tree in a container is its maneuverability – you can keep your tree outdoors on your patio when the weather is warm but move it indoors when colder temps are predicted. With a little extra care, its even possible to keep a dwarf citrus tree indoors year-round.

Which tree is right for you?

Before purchasing a citrus tree online, you should first consider what’s most important to you: the fruit or the appearance of the tree itself? Many people grow citrus trees (which are evergreen) as ornamentals for their indoor or outdoor gardens, and while they’re all picturesque in their own way, their appearance can vary widely; for instance, some citrus trees are short and bushy (like lemon and lime trees) while others are tall and slim (like orange and grapefruit trees). Regular pruning can help shape a citrus tree the way you like.

If you love the smell of flowering citrus trees, keep in mind that, while all citrus trees flower, some don’t have an aroma. If fragrance is important to you, you’ll be better off with lemon, lime or orange trees, in which the fresh, citrus-y smell is not only pungent in the fruit and flowers, but the leaves as well.

Which type of fruit do you want?

Some citrus trees (like the Meyer lemon or certain varieties of tangerine) produce fruit all year round, while others (like grapefruit) produce a large harvest over a short period of time. Hybrid citrus trees even let you grow more than one citrus fruit on the same tree.

Some citrus fruits can be difficult to tell apart when still very young. When trying to determine which type of tree you’re considering, be sure to study the fruit carefully. The size and shape of the leaves can also provide clues to the type of tree you’re looking at.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about the most popular citrus trees:

1. Lemon trees usually have dark green leaves with light green undersides; the leaves tend to have fine-tooth edges, are elliptical in shape, and grow close together. The fruit is oval, anywhere from 2-4 inches long, and bright yellow when ripe.
   
2. Orange and tangerine tree leaves are very dark green and glossy, with a rounded base. Oranges are larger than tangerines, have thick, bumpy rinds and are bright orange in color.
   
3. Lime trees have leaves similar to that of a lemon tree, but longer and shinier. The leaves on a lime tree also grow more separately. The bright-green fruit looks similar to that of an unripe lemon, but limes are only 1-2 inches in diameter (depending on the variety).
   
4. Grapefruit tree leaves are also very shiny, and quite large (3-5 inches long) with round bases and pointed tips. The fruit grows clumped together (giving the fruit its name) and ranged in color from pale yellow to pink. Grapefruit is the largest citrus fruit at 4 inches in diameter.

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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.

We’re known for offering citrus trees in pots for sale, but we offer more than just citrus trees for sale online…including the one-and-only Miracle Fruit Tree!

What is Miracle Fruit?

This might sound like something out of a fantasy novel, but imagine eating a berry that magically makes every sour food you eat for up to an hour afterwards taste sugar-sweet. Sound like fiction? It’s not – it’s the Miracle Fruit! The scarlet, oblong berries contain a compound called miraculin that binds to the taste buds on your tongue responsible for letting you experience sweetness, altering your perception of sour foods (like lemons) so that they taste sweet to you.

An evergreen shrub, the Miracle Fruit is a shrubby, tropical plant indigenous to West Africa, where the fruit has traditionally been used to sweeten palm wine and other drinks. It’s an attractive plant with tapered, oval leaves, small white flowers, and red drupe berries about an inch in diameter. The tree grows to about 18 feet tall in the wild, but can be kept smaller through pruning, almost like a shrub. If you enjoy growing dwarf citrus trees in pots, you’ll find the Miracle Fruit plant just as easy to grow – similar to growing citrus tree in containers, the Miracle Fruit needs a large container, good drainage, and a sunny spot to thrive. You’ll also want to make sure you provide humidity for the plant and acidic soil – check out our citrus tree product soil care kits for help.

More Miraculous Qualities of the Miracle Fruit Shrub

If you have ever wondered about the best gifts for cancer patients, the tropical Miracle Fruit Tree is a great choice. Not only is a pretty, cheering plant to look at…the fruit can also help chemotherapy patients who are having trouble with tasting foods.

A common side effect of chemotherapy is dysgeusia, a condition that interferes with our sense of taste. The same properties that make Miracle Fruit transform sour or acidic flavors into sweet can also aid those suffering from dysgeusia in enjoying the taste of food again.

A Miracle Fruit Tree is also a great gift for diabetics. Not only is the fruit high in healthy antioxidants, the sweet-enhancing effects of eating just one Miracle Fruit Berry can help diabetics to enjoy intensely sweet flavors without consuming high amounts of sugar. Imagine a slice of lemon that tastes like a lemonade popsicle, or sourdough bread that tastes like the sweetest cake. One fruit from this easy-to-grow small tree is all it takes!

Unique Fruit to Grow at Home

Citrus.com is your place to buy dwarf citrus trees – and other unusual fruit trees, too! There’s a lot of pleasure and enjoyment to be had from growing your own fruit and watching your own fruit trees bloom, but don’t forget that our trees are also a great gift. A thoughtful option for those dealing with diabetes or cancer, a Miracle Fruit Tree is a thoughtful option that will last a lot longer than an arrangement of flowers – and will also produce fruit that can help those who dealing with challenges tasting food or missing the sweet taste of sugary treats.

The post Miracle Fruit appeared first on Yarden.

Have you ever wished you could make fresh-squeezed orange juice from oranges you grew yourself? Or that you could enjoy fragrant lemon trees that produced fruit you could add to your favorite recipes and drinks? You may have thought it wasn’t in the cards for you because you don’t live in a climate that supports growing citrus trees. Well, take heart – buying a dwarf citrus tree can change all that!

Dwarf citrus trees include the many varieties of citrus that are grown using dwarf rootstock. This process creates trees that reach sizes of between six and twelve feet tall. A dwarf citrus tree will produce normal-sized fruit for its variety, and can be grown either in the ground, or in a suitable container. By keeping dwarf citrus trees in containers, you can move them indoors when the weather gets cold.

Read on to learn more about five dwarf citrus trees you didn’t know could be grown indoors!

1. Dwarf Lemon Trees. If you’ve never grown a fruit tree indoors, your best bet is to buy dwarf lemon tree varieties to start with. You really can’t go wrong with a Dwarf Improved Meyer Lemon Tree from Citrus.com…this variety is one of the easiest indoor lemon trees to grow, and the dwarf Meyer lemon tree size tops out to less than six feet tall depending on the size of the pot you keep it in. Plus, the fruit is tasty and very versatile…Meyer lemons (which can be difficult if not impossible to find in some stores) are a hybrid of a true lemon and a mandarin orange, so the fruit is rounder than a true lemon and sweet as well as tangy. Meyer Lemons make excellent lemonade, and are great in recipes and cocktails, too.

• Dwarf Lime Trees. Growing an indoor lime tree is easier than you think! There are several popular varieties. If you choose to keep a Dwarf Bearss Lime Tree in container, you’ll be able to grow traditional, “true” limes such as you’d find in local grocery stores. Another option is a to grow a Dwarf Key Lime Tree. Key lime trees produce those lovely, sweet little limes that give the famous pie its name.

• Dwarf Mandarin/Tangerine Trees. If you’re a fan of fresh-squeezed orange juice, you’ll definitely want to get a Dwarf Orange Tree or variety of a variety of Dwarf Mandarin Tree! If you think you’d like a Dwarf Tangerine Tree (tangerines and satsuma are varieties of mandarin), Brown Select Satsuma and Owari Satsuma dwarf trees from Citrus.com produce fruit that’s sure to be a hit with the lunchbox set – sweet, easy-to-peel, and just right for smaller hands. For true oranges, the Dwarf Washington Navel Orange tree is one of the most popular citrus trees available because they are so easy to grow. The Dwarf Moro Blood Orange produces medium-sized sweet, juicy, blood-colored oranges with little to no seeds, while the Dwarf Valencia Orange Tree produces oranges with a thin, golden rind and flesh that is remarkably sweet, juicy and tender when ripe.

• Dwarf Grapefruit Trees. “Diet” might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of grapefruit, but don’t let it’s weight loss reputation fool you – in addition to being super low-calorie and super healthy, grapefruit is delicious. And the red varieties (like our Rio Red and Ruby Red varieties) are way sweeter than the white varieties you may have sampled in the past – in fact, we doubt you’ll ever feel the need to add sugar to them!. We promise, these pretty, sweet fruits that will be a healthy, refreshing addition to your breakfast.

• Dwarf Kumquat Trees. Some of the most unique citrus varieties available, kumquats are a fabulous snack you can just pop in your mouth and eat whole, peel and all! With regular pruning, kumquat trees can be maintained at heights around five and six feet, and a potted Dwarf Kumquat Tree can be kept even smaller. Our Nagami Sour Tree and Meiwa Sweet Tree each produce small fruits with excellent flavor. They make attractive additions to your indoor garden, too!

Before you buy a dwarf citrus tree of your own, do a bit of research on Citrus.com to make sure you know what you’ll need. Different trees have different needs, and we’re sure to help you find the one that’s right for you.

The post 5 Fruit Trees That Can be Grown Indoors appeared first on Yarden.