Strawberries

Strawberries were mentioned in some Roman writings in the 200 BC time period. The French led the way in strawberry production after a French explorer brought the strawberry back to France from Quebec. The first breeding crosses made to improve the strawberry began in the 1800’s. Strawberries are native to both the northern and southern hemispheres. They are grown in every state in the US. Strawberries are visually stunning and they are produced in a variety of sizes, colors, flavors and shapes. The typical strawberries grown today belong to the genus Fragaria.

 The strawberry is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. They are a good source of folate, potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. Because strawberries are universally loved for their taste, they are one of the major ingredients in a number of foods including ice cream, pies, yogurts, breakfast cereals, and of course, eaten fresh.

 There are many types of strawberries. The most common are June bearing or spring bearing plants. Another is the everbearing which produces fruits in the spring, summer, and fall. Finally, there is the day neutral strawberry that will produce throughout the growing season. The most important consideration for planting strawberries is choosing the site. The site must have excellent drainage and be in full sun. The soils should be tilled to a depth of 12 inches and good amounts of compost or well cured manure should be incorporated in the soil. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for best results.

Raspberries

Red raspberries were said to exist before the Romans came into power. The Romans initially spread the raspberry across Europe. The English took the raspberry and hybridized it and improved them during the middle ages. The English exported the plant to the United States in the 1700’s. The black raspberry is native to North America. Raspberries belong to the genus (Rubus). There are over 200 species of raspberries and the fruits are red, purple, black, yellow and orange. Botanically, the raspberry is not a berry at all, but is an aggregate fruit of numerous drupelets around a central core. Raspberries are harvested from early summer and into fall.

Raspberries have many uses. The leaves of raspberry plants are used to make herbal teas and they purported to be helpful for sore throats and stomach ailments. Raspberries contain antioxidants which helps promote cardiovascular health. They are rich in vitamin C and are a good source of soluble fiber. They contain less than 1 gram of fat per cup, very little sodium and no cholesterol. Raspberries are very tasty when eaten as a fresh fruit and they are excellent in jams, jellies, pies, and desert toppings.

Passion Fruit

An egg-shaped tropical fruit that is also called a purple granadilla, the passion fruit has a brittle, wrinkled purple-brown rind enclosing flesh-covered seeds, something like a pomegranate (granadilla means "little pomegranate" in Spanish). The seeds are edible so you can eat the orange pulp straight from the shell. Passion fruit is more commonly sieved and its highly aromatic pulp and juice are used as a flavoring for beverages and sauces. The pulp has an intense aromatic flavor, while the texture is jelly-like and watery. The flavor is likened to guava.

Native to Brazil, passion fruits are grown in Hawaii, Florida, and California. These crops, along with imports from New Zealand, keep passion fruit on the market all year.

Passion fruit is an excellect source of vitamins A and C. One passion fruit has only 16 calories. When eaten with the seeds, a serving is an excellent source of fiber.

Varieties

New Zealand Passion Fruit is purple while the Hawaiian variety is yellow.

Purple Form

Black Knight Developed in Massachusetts. This variety is fragrant with a dark purple-black fruit, the size and shape of large egg and excellent flavor.

Edgehill Originated in Vista, Calif. Similar to Black Knight, but more vigorous. It has a longer growing period and produces a larger purple fruit. One of the best outdoor cultivars for Southern California.

Frederick Originated in Lincoln Acres, Calif. This variety is a large, nearly oval fruit, greenish-purple with reddish cast, slightly tart flavor, good for eating out of hand, and excellent for juicing.

Kahuna This variety is very large with a medium purple color in the fruit. It has a sweet, tart flavor that is good for juicing.

Paul Ecke Originated in Encinitas, Calif., It is a medium-sized purple fruit of very good quality that is suitable for juicing and eating out of hand.

Purple Giant This is a very large variety of fruit and is dark purple when mature.

Red Rover Originated in Lincoln Acres, Calif. This variety is medium to large, roundish, with a rind in an attractive clear red color. This variety has a sweet, notably rich flavor with tart overtones. It is good for eating out of hand or juicing.

Yellow Form

Brazilian Golden Large, golden-yellow fruits, larger than standard forms, the flavor is somewhat tart. It has an extremely vigorous vine, requiring cross-pollination. This variety has extra large, fragrant flowers, white with a dark center that blooms during mid-summer. Produces one large crop beginning in late August or early September

Golden Giant A large yellow-fruited cultivar that originated in Australia.

Prune Trees

Prunes are European plum varieties with a high sugar content which is a trait that makes them suitable for sun-drying. Plums are native to China, America, and Europe. Today there are more than 200 cultivars being grown. There are two main types of plums, European and Japanese, being marketed today. Generally, Japanese plums are larger than European plums. European plums have high sugar content so they are often dried and used for making prunes. Japanese plums ripen earlier than European varieties.

 Most European plums will either benefit from or require cross-pollination from another European variety. Prune trees are fast growing and usually begin producing fruit in 3 to 5 years after planting. Prunes are rich in dietary fiber that is effective in improving digestion. They are low in calories and contain ample amounts of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and carbohydrates.

Pomegranate Trees

Pomegranate trees are relatively fast growing fruit trees that produce a sought after fruit. Pomegranates have been under cultivation since ancient times. Pomegranates have been grown in India, Persia, Spain, and Germany, just to name a few countries. The tree was introduced to California by Spanish settlers in 1769. The pomegranate tree is attractive in the landscape and is long-lived. The flowers are showy and decorative.

Pomegranate fruits are quite unique. The fruit has a round, spherical shape and it is filled with dozens of small ruby-colored seeds. This fruit produces the delicious pomegranate citrus flavored juice that is universally acclaimed. Pomegranates are used for juice, jellies, pomegranate wine, and salad dressings. The pomegranate has a long storage life. It is best maintained at a temperature of 32° to 41° F. and can be kept for a period of 7 months within this temperature range and at 80 to 85% relative humidity without shrinking or spoiling. The fruits improve in storage, becoming juicier and more flavorful.

 Pomegranate fruit is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It contains high amounts of vitamin C, calcium and iron. It produces dietary fiber and folate. Pomegranate fruit contains antioxidants which are purported to help protect blood lipids from oxidation.

History Of Citrus

The pleasing appearance of citrus trees and the fruit was mentioned by many ancient travelers, even though the fruit of citrus trees had not evolved to the point as an important food staple, the fragrance of all parts of the citrus trees, including the flowers and fruit, were desirable perfumers of rooms and were thought to repel insects.

The occurrence of citrus in Europe and Mideast were thought to have been natural occurring native trees and shrubs, but historians today believe that the ancestor of the citrus trees, Citrus medica L., was introduced by Alexander the Great from India into Greece, Turkey, and North Africa in the late 4th century BC. The most ancient citrus was called ‘citron.’

There are ancient clues from wall paintings in the Egyptian temple at Karnak that citrus trees had been growing there. There were other suggestions that citrus trees may have been familiar to the Jews during their exile and slavery by the Babylonians in the 6th century BC.  Even though speculations suggest that citrus trees were known and grown by the Hebrews, there is no direct mention in the Bible of citrus.

The first recording of citrus, Citrus medica L., in European history was done by Theophrastus, in 350 BC, following the introduction of the fruit by Alexander the Great.

In early European history, writers wrote about Persian citrus, that it had a wonderful fragrance and was thought to be a remedy for poisoning, a breath sweetener, and a repellant to moths.

Citrus was well known by the ancient cultures of the Greeks and later the Romans. A beautiful ceramic tile was found in the ruins of Pompeii after the city was destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Another mosaic tile in the ruins of a Roman villa in Carthage, North Africa, in about the 2nd century AD, clearly showed the fruit of a citron and a lemon fruit growing on a tree branch.

Early Christian tile mosaics dating back to 300 AD of both oranges and lemon were shown in lemon-yellow and orange colors surrounded by bright green leaves and freshly cut tree branches; the relics can still be seen in Istanbul, Turkey at mosques that once were churches of Emperor Constantine.

It is not known how, where, or when the exceptional present day varieties of citrus trees developed, such as the sweet orange, lemon, kumquat, lime, grapefruit, or pummelo, but there appears to be a general consensus of opinions that all these citrus developments and improvements were obtained by natural and artificial selection and natural evolution. It is well known, that the Romans were familiar with the sour orange, Citrus aurantium L. and the lemon tree, Citrus limon. After the fall of Rome to the barbarian invasions and the Muslims, the Arab states rapidly spread the naturally improving cultivars of citrus fruits and trees throughout much of North Africa, Spain, and Syria. The spread of sour orange, Citrus aurantium L., and the lemon, Citrus limon, extended the growing and planting of these trees on a worldwide scale by planting the seed, which produced citrus trees very similar to the parent trees. The Crusades conquest of the Arabs later spread citrus planting and growing throughout Europe.

The sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, appeared late in the 1400’s, near the time of Christopher Columbus, who discovered America. After trade routes were closed when the Turks defeated the Eastern Roman Empire in 1453, centered in Constantinople (Istanbul), many European kings began to seek alternate, trade, sea routes to open trade by ships with China and India. The sweet orange tree introduction into Europe changed the dynamics of citrus fruit importance in the world. The voyage of Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gamma, recorded that in 1498, there were multitudes of orange trees in India, and all the fruits had a sweet taste. The new sweet orange variety, known as the “Portugal orange” caused a dramatic surge in citrus planting, much like the much later appearance of the “Washington navel orange” tree introduction into California.
The lime, Citrus latifolia, was first mentioned in European history by Sir Thomas Herbert in his book, Travels, who recorded that he found growing “oranges, lemons, and limes” off the island of Mozambique in the mid 1600’s. Lime trees today are available in many cultivars.

In 1707, Spanish missions were growing oranges, fig trees, quinces, pomegranates, peaches, apricots, apples, pear trees, mulberries, pecans, and other trees according to horticultural documents.

The Mandarin orange, Citrus reticulata, was described in Chinese history in the late 1100’s, but was unknown in Europe, until it was brought from a Mandarin province in China to England in 1805, where it spread rapidly throughout Europe.

The pummelo, Citrus grandis, also called the shaddock and the ‘Adam’s Apple’ was growing in Palestine in the early 1200’s and was planted and grown by the Arabs. The pummelo is believed to have an Asian origin and was planted as seed in the New World.

The grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, is believed to have arisen as a mutation from the pummelo tree. Grapefruit were so named because they grew in clusters like grapes, but most gardeners considered them to be inedible until A.L. Duncan found an outstanding seedling grapefruit that was named Duncan grapefruit in 1892; the original tree is still alive and growing in Florida.

Christopher Columbus introduced citrus on the island of Haiti in 1493. It is believed that he brought citrus seed to be planted and grown of the sour orange, the sweet orange, citron, lemon, lime, and pummelo fruits. Records show that these citrus trees were well established in the American colonies in about 1565 at Saint Augustine, Florida, and in coastal South Carolina.

William Bartram reported in his celebrated botanical book, Travels, in 1773 that Henry Laurens from Charleston, South Carolina, who served as a President of the Continental Congrees, introduced “olives, limes, ginger, everbearing strawberry, red raspberry, and blue grapes” into the United States colonies after the year 1755.

William Bartram in his book, Travels, reported that near Savannah, Georgia, “it is interesting to note that as late as 1790, oranges were cultivated in some quantity along the coast, and in that year some 3000 gallons of orange juice were exported.”
Many of these wild orange groves were seen by the early American explorer, William Bartram, according to his book, Travels, in 1773, while traveling down the Saint John’s River in Florida. Bartram mistakenly thought these orange trees were native to Florida; however, they were established centuries earlier by the Spanish explorers.

The citrus industry began rapidly developing in 1821 when the Spanish gave up their territories and its many orange groves to the United States. Wild orange tree groves were top-worked with improved cultivars and residents traveling to Florida realized how refreshing orange juice tasted; thus began the shipments of oranges, grapefruit, limes, and lemons that were sent to Philadelphia and New York by railway and ships in the 1880’s.

Citrus plantings were extensively done in California by the Spanish missionaries; however, the commercial industry began to grow with the 1849 Gold Rush boom, and efforts to supply the miners from San Francisco with citrus fruit were successful. The completion of the Transcontinental Railway further stimulated the citrus industry, since citrus could be rapidly sent to eastern markets. Later improvements of refrigeration helped to increase citrus growing and planting, mainly oranges, lemons, and limes throughout the world in 1889.

Florida at first dominated citrus production in the United States, but because of some devastating freezes in 1894 and 1899, Satsuma orange trees were virtually wiped out in the Gulf States. Thousands of acres of Satsuma orange trees were wiped out in Alabama, Texas, and Louisiana in the hard freeze of 1916; thus the citrus production of the United States began to shift from Florida to California.

Citrus is marketed throughout the world as a beneficial health fruit that contains Vitamin C and numerous other vitamins and minerals in orange and citrus products lime marmalade, fresh fruit, and frozen and hot-pack citrus juice concentrates.

 

Plum Trees

Plums are native to China, America, and Europe. Today there are more than 200 cultivars being grown. There are two main types of plums, European and Japanese, being marketed today. Generally, Japanese plums are larger than European plums. European plums have high sugar content so they are often dried and used for making prunes. Most of the plum fruit that is consumed as fresh fruit and found in grocery stores are Japanese plums. European plums are generally late bloomers so they are well suited for areas with late frosts or cool springs. Japanese plums ripen earlier than European varieties.

 Plum trees may or may not need pollinators. Some are self fruitful and some need another plum tree for pollination purposes. Most European plums will either benefit from or require cross-pollination from another European variety. Many Japanese plums require pollinators. Follow nursery recommendations for suitable pollinizers. Plum trees are fast growing and usually begin producing fruit in 3 to 5 years after planting.

 Plums are rich in dietary fiber that is effective in improving digestion. They are low in calories and contain ample amounts of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and carbohydrates. Plums are excellent when eaten fresh and are great addition in salads. They are used for pies, desserts, jams and jellies.

Pear Tree Varieties

 The pear fruit tree belongs to the genus Pyrus. Pears have a long history of cultivation. There is evidence that pears may even be prehistoric, and in the rendition of the Odyssey, the author mentions pears and how their excellent fruit was extolled. Does the modern garden not need to also include this notable fruit tree?

There are many species of pears and hybrids that have been produced over the years. Garden articles have been written to suggest a different variety of pear for a different end use. The Romans wrote about pears in books and suggested recipes for cooking them, rather than eating them raw. The Chinese have cultivated pears for over 3000 years. Modern pear usage is quite high, and China is purported to grow the most pear fruit in the world at this time. Garden pear trees that we grow today all developed from many years of work by our ancestors and modern pear tree breeders.

 Among the many varieties of pear trees, there are two main categories, the Asian and the European pear. The European pear varieties are headlined by the Bartlett pear, mainly because of the Bartlett pear’s long history of superior production and taste.

Asian pears, as the title would suggest, attain their sweet crisp taste from their Chinese and Asian heritage.

Asian pears are known by several names, such as Chinese, Japanese, sand pear, and apple pear. The apple pear is so named because of the resemblance of Asian pears to apples, as the Asian pear is rounder than a European pear, and it is crunchier. Asian pears are crisp and juicy, and they have a tang of tartness near the core. European pears are soft, juicy and have a more mellow taste. The Asian pear tree should have a companion Asian pear planted close by to assist with pollination. Many of the European pear trees are self-fruitful and do not need a pollinator, but another European pear, such as the Bartlett, will increase fruit production.

Both the European pear and the Asian pear do best in a soil pH between 5.9 and 6.5. Garden articles will generally mention pear trees as an easy fruit to grow and care for. A recent garden article about Asian pear production mentioned that fruit set may sometimes be too heavy with Asian pears, so fruit thinning is advised when the pears are about the size of a dime. Fruit thinning will help prevent branch breakage and increase fruit size.

 One of the most common pears found in grocery stores is the Bartlett pear. Bartlett is one the varieties of pears that is the most recognizable to all pear fruit lovers. Pears, such as the Bartlett, produce fruit that is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. The Bartlett also contains significant amounts of copper and vitamin K.
Articles have extolled the pear as being a very good source of vitamin C and high in dietary fiber. Being rich in vitamin C, pears have been purported in published articles to have antioxidant properties, and are said to protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals. Articles have described the pear as a hypoallergenic fruit that is less likely to produce an adverse response than other fruits. Pears are an ideal weight loss food since 98% of their energy is from carbohydrates, which contain half the calories as fat.
There is a group of pear trees named ornamental pears. These pears do not produce fruit, or if they do produce a fruit, the fruit is small, hard, bitter, and inedible.

Ornamental pear trees, such as the Chanticleer pear, belong in this fruitless category. Chanticleer pears are grown for their gorgeous white flowers, and many Chanticleer pear trees adorn thousands of yards in the United States. Chanticleer pears produce fruit that is pea sized and is barely noticeable. Ornamental varieties are not categorized with fruit trees even though they are named ornamental pear trees.

Peach Trees – Planting and Pruning for Larger Fruit

 Peach trees are native of China and belong to the Prunus species. The peach trees that are being grown in orchards today have a long history. The name peach has its roots in the European languages. Today orchard grown peaches are divided into two groups, clingstones and freestones. If the peach flesh sticks to the pit, it is a clingstone. Conversely, if the flesh falls away from the pit easily, it is freestone.

Peach fruit has varying levels of acidity, and generally, the white fleshed peach is the least acidic. Yellow fleshed peaches tend to be more tangy and acidic. Peach fruit and nectarine fruit are often thought of as totally unique fruits. In fact, the nectarine is closely related to the peach. The main difference is the lack of fuzz on the nectarine skin. The nectarine can be used in the same way as a peach. The nectarine tends to be a little smaller fruit than a peach, and it displays more red color on the skin. Fertilization or soil types do not affect skin colors of either the peach or the nectarine.

 Raising peach trees in the backyard is not much different than raising them in an orchard setting. Selecting a location for planting is important. There are at least two reasons, soil and sunlight requirements. The peach tree bloom is susceptible to early frosts, so planting a peach tree in the lowest part of the yard would be counter productive. It is best to select a high spot in the yard so the cold air can drain away from the trees when they are in bloom. The peach tree blooms are very susceptible to frost, so a season’s fruit production may be lost because of a few lower degrees of temperature.
Before planting the peach tree, prepare the soil one or two years prior to planting.

Modify the soil with organic matter, and check the nutrient status. The soil pH for peach and nectarine trees should be around 6.5, so it is important to get the soil tested. Then lime and fertility levels should be modified based on the soil test results. Add manure, peat moss, or compost to modify the soil texture. Peach or nectarine trees will not tolerate water logged soils. If water sets in an area for more than one hour after a rain, find another location for the nectarine or peach tree.

 Pruning peach or nectarine trees should begin at an early age. Most fruit trees produce better quality fruit, and live longer and healthier if properly maintained and pruned. Fruit tree pruning does not need to be complicated or confusing. Many times the nursery will do the initial pruning on the dormant fruit tree. If the fruit tree arrives already pruned from the nursery, plant it without further pruning. If the dormant bareroot tree arrives with long branches and over 3 foot tall, prune the tree to knee high and cut the side branches back by at last 2/3 to promote vigorous new growth.

Top pruning induces lateral branch growth in fruit trees , and this produces a more easily accessible tree branch and shapely form. Pruning also diverts the expenditure of nourishment to form woody growth to that of buds and fruit. Fruit trees are fast growing. After the spring flush of growth cut the new growth back by ?. In late summer prune the new growth on the branches back again by ?. The 2nd year pruning of the fruit tree is the same as the first. Cut back new growth by half in the spring and again in late summer. In the 3rd year, choose a height and do not let the tree get any taller.

Tree height is a decision for the pruner. When there are vigorous branches above the chosen height, cut back or remove them. In late spring or early summer, pinch back all new growth. Size development and low fruiting wood is determined in the 3rd year.

Each branch should have at least 6 inches of free space around them. Remove all crossing branches that are too close together. Keeping fruit tree branches open to allow more light and freedom for bee movement is important. Sunlight and bees carrying pollen should increase productivity and create larger fruit. All varieties of fruit trees can be maintained at a predetermined height, if pruned consistently.

cherry tree

The cherry tree is legendary throughout the world for its beautiful display of early spring blossoms and the delightful flavors of its abundant, attractive fruit. In Japan, the cherry tree symbolizes purity and the timeless bliss which gives rise to outdoor celebrations. These celebrations are spring traditions from Asia to Italy to France to New England to Washington. This beautifully delicious little fruit is worth celebrating, not to mention worth 100's of millions of dollars to the economies of the aforementioned regions. 

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Citrus Trees

Citrus is thought to have developed in Southeast Asia in about 4000 BC. Citrus probably entered Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. Citrus fruits were first brought to America by the Spanish and the Portuguese. The fact that citrus trees are evergreen and cannot tolerate freezing dictated that the warm climates of Florida and California became the leading citrus producing states in the Unites States. Citrus fruits belong to the ‘Rutaceae’ family. Citrus fruits are fragrant, with or without seeds depending on the variety, and contain significant amounts of vitamin C, pectin, and fiber. They are fat free, sodium free, and cholesterol free.

The dwarf citrus trees offered by Nature Hills may also be grown inside. Dwarf citrus trees in containers can be successfully grown throughout the United States. Citrus like 8 to 12 hours of sunlight a day. Full-spectrum fluorescent grow lights are the best supplement for inside growth. They will tolerate less light in the winter than in the spring and summer. For container soil, use a light, well draining commercial soil mix. Do not put gravel in the bottom of the pot. Place the container on pebbles in a saucer or other surface that will allow air and water flow. Water them every 5 to 7 days with ¼ to ½ gallon of water. Do not keep them standing in water. The soil should be moist, not soggy. Citrus foliage benefits from being sprayed or misted with water, especially in winter months when the humidity might be low. A humidifier would also help keep the leaves lush and healthy.

Orange Trees – Most Favored in the Citrus Family

The orange tree plant, Citrus sinensis, is one of the most favored of the citrus fruits grown in the world. It is a fruit of the citrus family. Orange trees are considered a subtropical plant because they can withstand colder temperatures during their dormancy periods. Mature orange trees can withstand below freezing weather for short periods of time. Orange trees have rounded crowns and slender branches.

Gardening in the warmer climates would be complimented with an orange tree. But if gardening is done in cooler climates, orange trees can be grown in containers and moved inside during cold weather months. Some orange trees can get quite large, so if the landscape is not suited for a larger tree, use a dwarf orange tree. Dwarf orange trees can quite easily be kept to 8 or 10 feet tall. Gardening with an orange tree in a landscape will provide the grower with an evergreen tree that is long leafed, attractively shaped, has sweet orange blossoms, and wonderful fresh fruit.

 Orange juice has been used and promoted as a breakfast juice for a long time. Navel oranges have been carried in lunch boxes by school children for a century or so. Orange juice is sweet and tangy, and it delivers a healthy, refreshing drink at any time during the day. Naval oranges are easy to peel so, therefore, are favored by children with small hands, or even older folks, because of the ease of orange peel removal.

Oranges have long been a citrus fruit of choice. Portuguese sailors packed oranges for their long sea voyages to help prevent scurvy, which was caused by lack of vitamins. Orange trees were planted along trade routes of mariners so access to fresh oranges was available to sailors.

The orange and its juice contains large amounts of vitamins and minerals. Oranges contain high amounts of vitamin C. They are also high in dietary fiber, folate, vitamin B1, potassium, vitamin A, and oranges are low in calories. Being sweet and tangy, high in vitamins, and having lovely white blossoms, what is not to like about the production of these great citrus trees? Recent publications have also touted the orange as containing healing phytonutrients such as citrus flavanones, which have been reported to have antioxidant qualities.

 Growing citrus trees, such as the orange, depend on several factors. Water, soil quality, and pH levels are three of the most important. Ideally, soils for orange trees should be loose, rich in organic material, and well drained; sandy loam soil is ideal. Water can filtrate through loose organic soil and reach roots at all levels. Excess water can easily drain away from these types of soil.

Orange trees are heavy water users. Water deeply every 7 to 10 days in the summer and water less often if it rains or the weather is cool. Allow the soil to dry out between water applications. Orange trees prefer a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. When choosing fertilizer, add compost or manure to maintain a good pH level for the sweet orange tree. When placing a tree in a landscape, where all the ground has been moved or filled, consider amending the soils before trying to grow citrus trees.

Pruning orange trees should be accomplished before the orange blossom arrives. Prune out dead or diseased branches and remove any suckers in the lower trunk area. Cut any branches crossing over the center in order to open up the center of the tree for light and air circulation. The orange tree is an asset to a property. With little effort, it offers lovely fragrant blossoms and produces a healthy fruit that is juicy and flavorful.

Apricots

Latin, apricot means "precious," a label earned because it ripens earlier than other summer fruits. A relative of the peach, the apricot is smaller and has a smooth, oval pit that falls out easily when the fruit is halved.

Apricots originally came from China. This golden fruit has been around for more than 4,000 years. Apricots progressively made their way through the Persian Empire to the Mediterranean where they were fondly adopted. Spanish explorers introduced the apricot to the New World, and they were planted in the gardens of Spanish missions all over California. The first recorded major production of apricots in America was in 1792 south of San Francisco.

Apricots Today

In the United States, 95% of apricots grow in the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of northern California. More than 400 growers produce many varieties of apricots, the most common of which are featured in the table below. Growers continually experiment with new varieties that deliver sweet flavor and ship or process well.

History of Guava

The early Spanish explorers of the 1500’s found Strawberry Guava, ‘Acca sellowiana O.,’ growing as a native tree in America, where they were firmly established from Mexico southward to Peru. History records that Seminole Indians were growing guava trees in Northern Florida in 1816.

Strawberry Guava, ‘Acca sellowiana O.,’ can grow into trees 25 feet tall and frequently they are planted by homeowners as a privacy hedge that is easily trimmed or grown as an untrimmed windbreak. The guava tree can be trained to single or multiple trunks by pruning and will grow into an excellent specimen plant that is covered with exotic flowers during late spring. The wood is gray in color, and the grain is very hard and dense. The leaves are small, distinctly colored flat green, making the plants easily recognized at a distance.

The guava tree or shrub is slow growing and requires the planting of two plants for cross-pollination. The tree is cold hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit and is salt water tolerant. Bees and hummingbirds visit the red and yellow flowers, and the pollination visits result in a heavy fruit set.

The guava fruit is classified as a berry by most botanists, and it occurs in clusters with individual berries in sizes just under one inch. Each guava berry is covered by a rough rind and the pulp inside occurs in colors of white, pink, or red.

The guava tree grows best in partial shade in acidic soils. The plants are virtually disease free, and the fruit is usually harvested by shaking off the mature guavas when the color change occurs, then, they are collected onto sheets or tarps. The fruit will keep well in a refrigerator up to a week and can be peeled and eaten as fresh fruit, as a dessert, or in salads. If the fruit is dipped into diluted lemon juice, the color of the pulp will remain bright.

The fruit is commercially made into puddings, pies, juices, and jellies, and is a rich source of Vitamin A and C, as well as many beneficial minerals. The guava is grown commercially in Florida and California, and in many southern forests the shrub has become naturalized and mistaken as a native historical plant
“Guavaween” is a traditional central Florida event and fund raiser that is held every year to celebrate the advent of the guava corresponding to parades and festivals that are scheduled near Halloween at holidays Ybor City, Florida, an outskirt of Tampa, Florida. This “Guavaween” event is celebrated during the last of October each year.

There are many kinds of guavas; one tropical guava, ‘Psidium guajava L.,’ is an important crop in Hawaii, with fruit production exceeding 15 million pounds per year.

These guava fruits are technically considered to be berries, and the trees grow in the wild on the island of Kuawai as a native plant. Before harvesting, the plants are vigorously pruned, fertilized, and irrigated. Fresh vigorous shoots grow in response to the pruning, and the delicious fruit forms within the flowers that mature on the new wood to form guavas and require about seven months to fully develop.

Most travelers to Florida last century will remember the many tourist stops on U.S. Highway #1 and U.S. 41 that have now been transformed into interstate highways I-1 and I-75. Tourist shops such as “Stuckeys” were loaded with souvenirs such as pecan logs. One of the most memorable items displayed for sale was guava jelly, jam, paste, or any other conceivable product that involved the use of the magical fruit of the guava tree. All these little jars of jelly and other guava products were visually stunning to the eye, revealing their contents in colors of mint green, red, yellow, and blue.

Apricot Trees

Apricot trees have a long history of cultivation. Apricots seemed to have originated in China and from there they were spread throughout central Asia. From there the Romans spread them into Europe. Apricot fruit is very tasty and they are now widely grown and consumed in the United States. Apricot trees flowers are white or pink and the trees produce a stone-fruit with soft flesh. It ripens to an orange-yellow color. Apricots contain good amounts of vitamin A and kalium. It is also an excellent source of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron and traces of sodium, sulphur. Manganese, cobalt and bromine. Apricots do not store well and so they are eaten fresh, dried, or frozen. Apricots are a staple of the jam industry.

 Apricot tree need well drained soils for optimum health and production. The soil should be moderately fertile. It is best to thin the fruit early in the season to maximize size and quality. Thin the fruits enough so each individual fruit has about 3 to 5 inches of room. Apricot trees are quite handsome trees in the summer displaying the furrowed bark and heart shaped glossy leaves. A number of apricot-plum hybrids, such as plum-cot, Pluot, and Aprium, have been developed and are gaining popularity.

Olive Trees

The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean region and dates back to the beginning of mankind. The olive tree has played a role in human history, even mentioned in the Genesis story of Noah. The olive is an attractive evergreen tree that can grow 30 feet tall and 30 feet wide. However, it usually grows short and stubby (20' x 20'). The leaves are a grayish-green with a silvery underside that makes an interesting landscape accent. The tree is easy to grow and will tolerate many soil types, but prefers the soil to be well drained. It is cold tolerant to around 10*F. The olive fruit is green, on all varieties, and ripens to a blackish-purple color. The different varieties are harvested for different purposes, usually for oil or preparing for eating. Some varieties are harvested when green for one purpose or allowed to turn brown-black for another purpose. Olive trees have been in cultivation since 2,500 B.C. so there are hundreds of varieties.

Nectarine Trees

Nectarines were grown in China 2000 years ago and made their way to the United States via the Spanish in the 17th century. Nectarine trees produce sweet fruit that is not only delicious but it is a nutritious source of antioxidant vitamins such as A and C, and they are a good source for potassium. Nectarines can be used in the same way as peaches. Genetically, the only difference between peaches and nectarines is the lack of fuzz on the skin of nectarines. Nectarines are usually a littler smaller than peaches, have more aroma, and have more red color on the skin.

 Nectarines are mostly self-pollinating trees, which mean that a single nectarine tree can pollinate itself. Nectarine trees are fast growing and most will begin to produce fruit in 3 to 5 years after planting. The leaves and buds of nectarine trees look similar to peaches. The leaves are long, glossy, and bright green in color. The leaves reach a length of 4 to 9 inches and are lightly serrated. The trees are pretty enough to be very decorative in the landscape. The colorful spring flowers, the dangling fruits in the summer, and the red yellow foliage in the autumn are very pleasing to the eye.

 There are more than 100 varieties of nectarines, in freestone and clingstone varieties. Freestone describes the ease of pit separation from the fruit, while clingstone types cling to the fruit and are more difficult to separate. Nectarines will keep for 5 days if stored in a plastic bag in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Nectarines do not have to be peeled because they do not have the fuzz on the skin. Leave the skin on when making pies, cobblers and fruit salads.

Multi-Budded Fruit Trees

Multi-budded trees are the answer for space limitations. Multi-budded trees offer fruit variety of tree ripened fruit from a single fruit tree. Enjoy fruit combinations such as Fuji, Gala, Jonagold, and Mutsu all from one tree. Multi-budded trees are created by grafting several species of fruits on a single stem or rootstock. Some special considerations should be taken into account when planting. Multi-budded trees are grown close together in nursery rows and thus some of the budded selections do not get equal amounts of sunlight so always plant the smallest limb to the south/southwest to insure that it gests plenty of sun.

Pruning multi-budded trees is best done by following these instructions. Cut back the strongest growing varieties by 2/3rds. Cut back the smallest variety by ½ or not at all. During the summer, watch the growth-rate of the smaller limbs to determine if pruning is needed. If the smallest variety is ½ the size of the others, do not prune. Take care to not let one variety take over or some of the smaller varieties may fail. Prune back the more aggressive limbs. Equal amounts of sunlight needs to be received by all varieties in order to develop fruiting. After the third season, maintain the multi-budded tree so that each fruit type grows in balance with the others.

Lemon Tree

Lemon trees are the most acidic of all the citrus fruits. One of the lyrics of the lemon tree song refers to the acidic fruit. Peter, Paul, and Mary sang, “Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower so sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon, is impossible to eat.” Those lyrics about the lemon citrus tree may not conjure up any memories except for folks over fifty years of age. Lemon trees were being grown in the world garden since at least 200 A. D. according to ancient sources mentioned the lemon plants.

The Spaniards are credited with introducing the lemon to the United States. Because lemons are evergreens and seem to be in a constant state of growth in the garden and lemon tree orchard, they are quite sensitive to cold. A warm climate garden may easily support lemon fruits, but the Midwest and northern winter confines this lovely, sweet smelling citrus tree to a container. The contianer needs to be moved inside in winter and freezing conditions. An excellent candidate for an indoor lemon trees is the juicy, popular Meyer lemon tree. The Meyer lemon is compact enough for urban balconies and limited garden spaces. The Meyer lemon will begin bearing large, juicy, thick peel fruits at an early age.

 Garden grown lemon tree fruits are so very versatile. The lemon is used in restaurants as a garnish and placed on water glass and tea glasses for flavor. It is used in pies, fillings for pastries, and of course the cool flavored lemonade drink. Lemons are utilized daily, regardless of season, winter through summer. Squeeze a garden grown Meyer lemon, and enjoy the tangy taste of lemonade all year round.

Lemon juice is valued as a stain remover in the household. Lemon peel oil is used in furniture polish, soaps, and shampoos, and is a major ingredient for perfumes and colognes. Put lemon peels in the garbage disposal to deodorize the sink and drain area. The lemony smell will delight the olfactory senses.

The juicy lemon also is a reservoir for health benefits. The high vitamin C content of the lemon was used by sailors to prevent scurvy. Winter time travel in the Christopher Columbus era was very likely to have included the juicy lemon as part of the daily rations. Lemons also contain significant amounts of vitamin B, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and carbohydrates. Lemon oil, derived in part from the lemon peel, is purported to contain properties that are stimulating, anti-infection, astringent, antiseptic, disinfectant and anti-fungal.

 Caring for lemon trees is very similar to other citrus trees. Pruning is required every year or every other year to keep them looking good. Citrus plants, other than lemon, can be pruned every other year and should be fine. Lemon trees, such as the Meyer lemon, grow fast and need to be pruned more frequently. Citrus trees should be inspected yearly for diseased and dead branches. Remove dead and diseased branches when they appear.

Growing a lemon tree is also similar to other citrus trees. If planted in the garden, place the tree in a warm, sunny, location with well drained soil. Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 10 days during the summer. Water the lemon tree less frequently during cooler weather or rainy weather. Fertilize every four to six weeks from early spring to late summer.
Lemon trees make excellent house plants where they can be enjoyed winter through summer. Provide a large enough container and use a potting soil that drains well. The soil needs to be kept moist and slightly acidic for best results. Lemon trees should be placed outside during warm weather to assist with pollination from insects.

Blueberries

The Blueberry is a flowering plant of the genus (Vaccinium). There are blueberries that are native to South America, Asia, and Europe. Blueberries are native to North America and they produce fruit that matures to a blue color. Blueberry bushes typically bear fruit from late spring to summer. Commercially grown blueberries are generally divided into 3 types; lowbush or wild blueberries, highbush, and evergreen blueberries. There are approximately 30 species throughout various regions. The highbush is mainly found on the east coast, the lowbush in the Northeast and Canada, and the evergreen in the Pacific Northwest.

 The blueberry is acknowledged to have a high leveler of anti-oxidants than any other fruit. They also contain very high levels of vitamins C and A. Fully ripened blueberries contain the most anti-oxidants. Various studies have show that blueberries are beneficial in anti-aging, disease prevention, eyesight, cholesterol levels, arteries, memory, and weight control.

 Blueberries will perform well in a number of soil types as long as they are acidic and high in organic matter. Blueberries have shallow roots that are sensitive to soil compaction and poor drainage. Blueberries require acid soil with a pH below 5.5 and they do best when the pH is between 4.5 and 5.0. Blueberries should be pruned regularly after they reach 3 years of age. Remove damaged branches and less vigorous, spindly growth around the base of the plant. Blueberry bushes are best pruned when they are dormant and early spring pruning can help eliminate any winter damage to the plants.