home sectionhome section
Each year, hopeful gardeners throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 plant peach trees (Prunus persica spp.) in the hope of harvesting their own sweet fruit for many years to come. Unfortunately, many things can go wrong and cause the peach tree to die, making replacement necessary. It is ideal to replace the tree by planting a new one somewhere else on the property, at least 6 to 8 feet away from the original tree. Where space is limited and this is not possible, you can plant a new tree on the old site, but it…
Mango trees (Mangifera indica), orange trees (Citrus sinensis) and avocado trees (Persea americana) can grow into beautiful, large trees with delicious fruit. But if you want to grow all three in your garden, you must ensure they do not compete too much for resources. One of the best ways to nurture good health in all three is to give them enough space to grow. Give each tree its minimum distance requirements when you plant.
Although peaches (Prunus persica) are popular fruits, they can be quite difficult to cultivate in the backyard. Ideally, if you are growing for a family, you should try to plant about four trees so you can harvest sufficient fruits. There are a range of different cultivars to choose from and they can grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5b through 8b. There are a variety of problems you may face when growing your own peach trees; however, if successfully address these problems, you will enjoy juicy homegrown fruits for a long time.
"Lisbon" lemon (Citrus x limon "Lisbon") is a commercial lemon variety that was brought from Australia to California in 1874, though it originated in Portugal. The vigorous tree is notable for its very acidic, juicy fruits, high productivity and increased tolerance of heat, cold and wind. It is more tolerant of neglect than other lemon varieties, though it will still require regular care to bear well.
Mango and papaya are similar in many ways. Both are hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, both like lots of warmth, and both produce fruits whose flesh comes in sunny yellow and orange. The resemblance ends there, as mango (Mangifera indica) is a long-lived tree which can grow up to 125 feet. Papaya (Carica papaya), on the other hand, is a short-lived perennial herb which rarely exceeds 40 feet.
The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) species contains over 700 cultivars with a seemingly equal amount of genetic nuances. Shorter varieties, such as “Orange Dream” (A. palmatum “Orange Dream”), which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, share one thing in common: They usually grow as understory plants, or plants that grow in the shade of a larger plant’s canopy. When grown in partial sunlight, “Orange Dream” develops an open, airy crown, while a stand-alone specimen cultivated in full sun produces a replete, dense crown. “Orange Dream” reaches a little over 9 feet tall at maturity,…
Avocado producers in the United States sell 1.4 billion pounds of avocados each year and still don’t meet consumer demand, according to the California Farm Bureau Federation. The shortfall is amended by imports from Mexico, which leads many gardeners to attempt to grow the tree at home. The avocado tree’s (Persea americana) fruit is botanically classified as a berry and what is typically referred to as the pit is technically a seed. Although the seed readily germinates and will produce an avocado tree, it may not bear fruit of the same quality as the parent, so commercial growers propagate the…
Both oranges and tangerines are brightly colored, succulent and luscious citrus fruits enjoyed by people the world over. Both are subtropical and originally native to Asia. These two fruits come from two very similar trees. Through grafting two cultivars of the same species, it’s possible to get two different types of fruit to grow on the same tree, but it’s not that simple when it comes to citrus fruits like tangerines and navel oranges.
In Florida, the bacterial disease Asian citrus canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis) has devastated citrus trees (Citrus spp.), a major agricultural crop in the state. Citrus grow in much of Florida, in U.S Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. The bacteria is highly contagious and can be spread by windborne rain, landscaping equipment, people carrying the bacteria on their clothing or hands, flooding, overhead watering, or by moving infected fruits or tree parts. The disease enters into the tree through wounds and through the plant’s leaf pores, called stomata. There is no cure. Approximately 16.5 million trees in Florida…
Citrus trees (Citrus spp.) have similar growth requirements, whether they produce oranges (Citrus sinensis), lemons (Citrus limon), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) or other fruits. These subtropical trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Depending on the species and variety, citrus trees grow up to 12 to 30 feet high and 15 to 25 feet wide. They have a dense, rounded growth habit with evergreen leaves and creamy white to grayish flowers. The fruits range in diameter from 1 to 6 inches.
Lemon trees always need to be fed and cared for in very specific ways to make sure that they grow up as healthily as possible. Feed lemon trees with help from a gardening professional in this free video clip.
Planting avocado pits only requires you to follow just a few basic and easy to manage directions. Plant avocado pits with help from a classically-trained chef with experience in both world class restaurants and private dining companies in this free video clip.
Montmorency cherries, a classic tart cherry often baked into pies, grow on medium-size trees. Hardy between U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 4 and 7, Montmorency cherry trees may grow as tall as 15 feet and as wide as 20 feet. When planting, trim a bare root Montmorency cherry tree to ensure that the tree receives the strongest start. With careful preparation and planting, the cherry tree should thrive for many years.
For the highest productivity and best-tasting fruit, a mango tree must have access to adequate nutrients, including copper. Copper is sprayed directly on the leaves as a supplement to soil nutrients. A copper foliar spray serves multiple roles for a mango tree. It fights certain harmful fungal infections, and it is a vital nutrient that helps the tree grow. Copper fungicidal sprays, when used to fight infection, can serve a double function of fixing copper deficiency.
Cherry-headed conures, also known as red-masked conures, are medium-size parrots native to specific areas of South and Central America. On average they reach 13 inches in length; their tails make up half of their body length. Their bodies are green and yellowish green; their heads are bright red save for the back portions on their cheeks. Many cherry-headed conures have small spots of red on their shoulders. Proper care involves ensuring they are happy and adjusted, with a lot of toys, interaction and love.
Okame cherry trees are a fragrant, flowering variety that grows well in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 8. The trees reach heights of 30 feet tall and 35 feet wide, creating a showy, upright canopy. When Okame cherry trees are exposed to freezing temperatures without protection, they can suffer from disease or die quickly. If you live in an area that experiences temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you must take extra measures to protect your cherry trees from freezing.
False olive (Buddleja saligna) is the more wild cousin of the butterfly bush. Like other butterfly bush varieties, false olive flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden. The small flowers grow clustered along spikes above the foliage, emitting a mangolike fragrance from the white blossoms. False olive requires minimal pruning to maintain a balanced natural shape. Care and pruning is much the same for the false olive as it is for the more common butterfly bush varieties.
Purple plum radish is a go-to for gardeners who are seeking some variety for their market stands or salad bowls. Purple plum is known for its deep purple skin covering a delicate white flesh. These colorful radishes are ready for market in approximately 30 days from planting, making them a great addition to any garden. Like many radishes, purple plum germinates readily even while the ground is still chilly. It is best to direct sow these radishes since they do not transplant well.
Craig's Crimson are dwarf cherry trees that produce medium to large dark-red sweet cherries. The fruit can be so dark as to appear black, and has a rich, sweet flavor. It's a hybrid related to the Bing cherry and produces showy flowers in the spring. The Craig's Crimson is a good choice for yards with limited space. Learn about care of a Craig's Crimson tree for years of enjoyment.
Clementine is a species of mandarin orange tree that produces fruit with an approximate diameter of 2 to 3 inches. The peel has a deep reddish-orange color, and the flesh is juicy and sweet. Within each clementine are three to six seeds from which you can grow your own clementine trees. The trees might not produce fruit identical to the clementine you harvested the seed from; you will not know until it is mature. You need a fresh fruit and a bit of patience to grow clementines and mandarin oranges from seeds.
"Bonanza" is a semi-dwarf peach variety that only grows 8 to 10 feet tall, making it suitable for both small yards and container gardening. The tree is self-fruitful, so you only need one to produce peaches, and the fruit is freestone, meaning the pit comes out cleanly with no pulp attached. Bonanza is an erratic producer that may yield fruit one year and none the next. It is susceptible to a variety of fungal diseases that you will need to treat.
Florida is known for its fruit trees. Citrus and plum trees require a sub-tropical climate, and much of the state qualifies as an ideal growing area for these fruit-bearing arbors. The Central Florida region can swing in temperature, so fruit tree owners must be prepared in case the weather gets a little chilly. With the right preparation, care and protection, you can have fresh citrus juice, plums and prunes from your backyard in sunny Florida.
An orange tree topiary makes an ideal table centerpiece for a Halloween bash or a Thanksgiving dinner party. It also can be a festive table decoration to enhance a tropical-inspired birthday party or bridal shower. Create the topiary tree with sweet, edible items so that it can serve as guests' desserts or snacks as well. The trees also make thoughtful holiday and birthday gifts for friends and family members who love the color orange.
Orange trees can become subject to a variety of diseases, including brown rot. Brown rot can affect all types of citrus trees and if left untreated can spread and severely weaken trees. If you notice signs of brown rot on your orange tree or trees, take action immediately to get the problem under control.
Also known as Mount San Antonio, Mount Baldy is the tallest peak in Southern California's San Gabriel Mountains at 10,068 feet. Mount Baldy is not home to any citrus tree groves, due to the mountain's cold temperatures. However, the city of Rancho Cucamonga is within 30 miles of Mount Baldy's base and offers a favorable climate for citrus tree growth. Many citrus trees feature luscious fruit and showy arrays of flowers.
Successful germination of American black cherry trees requires an "after-ripening" period that exposes the seed to cool temperatures, allowing the seed's embryo to develop and mature in preparation for germination. In the forest, seeds are exposed to cool temperatures during the winter. Home gardeners can duplicate the natural process by following a few steps to successfully germinate seeds for growing American black cherry trees. Get started by choosing the method that works best for you and the conditions in your garden. If you choose outdoor germination, sow seeds in autumn to provide maximum exposure to cool soil temperatures throughout late…
Cherries are a fruit that flourishes best in areas of temperate climate, not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter. However, their fresh flavor and exuberant blossoms are widely cherished, and growers have expended considerable effort on producing cherries that are cold hardy. Canadian growers have succeeded in harvesting sour cherries even in a USDA Zone 2 climate, though they produce most reliably at Zone 4 or better. Growing cherries in an adverse climate requires extra care, but it is far from impossible.
The average dwarf cherry tree bears fruit during its third year, one year less than standard-sized cherry trees, and produce up to 15 quarts of fruit per tree. Pest control is important to help dwarf cherry trees develop properly and to maximize their yield, since each tree bears less than half than a standard-size cherry tree. The National Gardening Association recommends tart cherries for growers in zones 4 to 6 and sweet cherries for growers in zones 5 through 7. Plant a relatively pest-free type of dwarf cherry, such as dwarf sour cherry, to minimize pest issues.
The cherry plum is a member of the genus Prunus. The other members of the group include the common stone fruits, laurel and almonds. The cherry plum is primarily an ornamental tree that rarely produces fruit. It has a brilliant spring floral display and deep purple leaves on a medium-size tree of 15 to 25 feet in height. Most members of the genus Prunus have moderate to high toxicity if ingested. The cherry plum is not listed as toxic to humans but can harm horses.
Brown rot causes severe damage to stone fruits such as apricots, peaches and plums. The brown rot fungus typically invades the fruits during wet seasons. When significant rainfall occurs during stone fruit trees' bloom stage, the blossoms are most susceptible to infection. The early infection may appear as a canker or blossom blight. Infections that occur later appear on the ripening fruit. When you notice signs of brown rot, take immediate action to prevent extensive damage. An organic method of stopping brown rot has none of the harmful chemicals found in fungicides.
Orange and lemon trees can bring beauty, fresh scents and delicious harvests to your home's yard. If you want to grow these trees near a hot tub, you should be sure to protect them from splashing water. Plant dwarf lemons and oranges for mid-range growth, and use large wine barrels and pots for decoration and more flexible placement.
Known botanically as Citrus hystrix, Kaffir lime trees are small, thorny evergreens with glossy, aromatic leaves. These leaves are often used to flavor southeast Asian dishes, such as Thai curry. If you're an Asian cuisine enthusiast, growing a Kaffir lime tree in your garden or home landscape is an excellent and inexpensive way to have access to these flavorful leaves year-round. Grafting a Kaffir lime tree cutting onto a robust citrus rootstock, such as trifoliate orange, produces much faster results than growing the tree from seed. Kaffir lime trees perform best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9…
Lemon trees remain green year-round, typically producing mature fruit during the winter months. The trees don't tolerate frost, so they are grown outdoors in mild winter climate areas or as a potted indoor tree in colder regions. Proper irrigation depends on the lemon tree’s age and whether it's grown outdoors or indoors a pot.
Mangos are a sweet, juicy tropical fruit that typically become ripe in summer. The bad news is, you must live in a tropical or subtropical climate zone for this tree to prosper. The good news is that if you do live in the tropics, many varieties of this fruit tree exist and are relatively easy to grow. Grafted trees grow and produce faster than trees you grow from seed; thus, if you start right, you will be enjoying your own homegrown mangos within two to four years.
Orange berry is a berry known by many names, including rubus pentalobus, Taiwan raspberry, crinkle-leaf creeper, emerald carpet, ground-covering raspberry and creeping raspberry. Used as a creeper, the orange berry plant is a perennial native to Taiwan, and produces bright orange edible berries that resemble raspberries very closely in shape and size.
Dwarf grapefruit trees are well suited to container growing indoors or outdoors. However, as with any container gardening, the conditions have to be suitable. If something goes wrong -- for example, you forget to water the tree for too long, it outgrows the pot or it becomes infested with pests -- a container plant may quickly start withering. The small size of their habitat makes such plants vulnerable, but it is often possible to save the tree as soon as you identify the cause.
The peach blossom is the official state flower of Delaware. That state was the leading producer of peaches in the United States until the late 1800s, when a blight disease killed many trees and destroyed the peach industry. Today, modern hybrid varieties of the peach, or Prunus persica, are available and many are resistant to this and other diseases. Hybrid flowering peaches also exist and their blossoms are white, pink or red, but they produce very little fruit. When either type of tree lives in an appropriate environment, it will bloom without much help from you.
The Newport plum, Prunus cerasifera "Newport", is a cross between P. cerasifera "Omaha" and P. cerasifera "Auropurpurea." This deciduous tree flowers in spring, producing pink blooms against purple foliage. Mature Newport plums reach heights of 20 feet, attracting birds and providing year-round appeal. Companion planting with plants that work well with Newport plum increases interest and wards-off pests.
Placing multiple grafts on a single citrus tree is an effective way of propagating the tree. Grafting a citrus tree involves taking the buds off of one or more existing trees and placing them on a single separate citrus tree. The buds are referred to as scions and the intended tree is referred to as the rootstock. This form of grafting is also commonly referred to as budding. The grafting technique referred to as "T" budding is generally the best choice for a novice grower.
Biting into a sweet cherry is one of summer's simple pleasures. Choose from the many varieties of cherries available and grow your own cherry tree. A cherry tree is finicky about its climate so make sure you chose appropriately for your location. Growing a cherry tree is not hard, but the cherry seed may require forced germination to get started. Germination begins when the plant ruptures from the seed and begins to grow. Forcing germination will result in your cherry tree bearing fruit in five to seven years.
Lemon tree cultivars range from flowering ornamental varieties to large, fruit-bearing types. Cultivars such as Eureka and Villafranca are valued for their seedless fruit, which offers the same tart flavor as other lemons but without the hard seeds. Young seedless lemon trees sometimes suffer stress damage during their first few years in the garden, and many never fully recover to bear fruit, but it is possible to regrow a new seedless lemon tree from a damaged one by using a vegetative propagation method, such as cuttings.
Dwarf citrus trees are a smart alternative for gardeners who lack the space necessary to grow standard size citrus trees. Dwarf citrus cultivars are particularly well-suited for container cultivation. If you get a large enough planting container, you can even grow multiple dwarf citrus tree saplings together. Caring for potted dwarf citrus trees is a simple process. Check with a nursery or garden center for dwarf orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit or tangerine cultivars.
Many people think of oranges as being sweet in taste. However, some orange trees actually produce bitter or sour oranges that may leave an unwelcome taste in your mouth. Rich in history, varieties of sour orange trees are native to southeastern Asia. By 1002 A.D. there were reports of sour orange trees in Sicily and by the end of the 12th Century they were being cultivated in Spain, according to Purdue University. The Spanish brought sour orange trees to Florida by 1763, where they slowly made their way to citrus-growing regions across the country. If you have a sour orange…
Ornamental plum trees enhance landscaping year-round with their dainty blossoms, colorful foliage and tidy growth habit. While most ornamental plum tree varieties share characteristics such as small stature and a dramatic springtime bloom, each cultivar offers variations on those traits that set them apart and lend them to use in a variety of landscapes and climates.
An orange tree requires adequate care to successfully bear an abundant crop of fruit. The tree must have sufficient nutrients and water. A newly planted orange tree usually does not bear fruit until two to three years old. Citrus trees do not tolerate even a moderate freeze. If the tree suffers unseasonably cold weather, it may not produce oranges.
Barbados cherry (Malpigha glabra L.) is commonly called acerola or West Indian cherry. Its fruit has received attention because of the high vitamin C content. The tree is not currently grown commercially in the U.S., being most commonly found in home gardens in South Florida. Acerola is not difficult to grow, but is not cold hardy, and is susceptible to all the pests and diseases of other tropical fruits. Peeling bark on an acerola cherry tree can be caused by a number of factors and it may take a bit of detective work to uncover the culprit.
Citrus canker, a disease that causes fruit to drop off orange trees prematurely, is caused by the Xanthomonas citri bacteria. A highly contagious plant disease with serious economic consequnces, citrus canker was declared to be eradicated several times in the last century only to re-emerge in 1995. The most recent outbreak has resulted in Florida being placed under a citrus canker quarantine that controls the transport of citrus trees, with strict laws governing newly purchased trees. By observing proper precautions, you can help prevent the spread of citrus canker.
Grafting the roots of one type of cherry tree to another variety of cherry tree allows you to produce a cultivar that exhibits strong growth and optimal fruit production. Fruit tree grafts contain the rootstock portion and the scion -- the vegetative segment that forms the upper part of the tree. Although most cherry trees respond well to grafting, sour cherry tree roots combined with sweet cherry scions tend to produce poor results. Several factors help determine the rate of grafting success and the potential for future growth and fruit production.
Fresh oranges, bursting with flavor brought fresh to the breakfast table, start the day off right. Dwarf and semi-dwarf orange trees are available in many of the same varieties as full-sized orange trees, from Mandarin to Valencia to navel, and these trees face the same challenges in growing conditions as regular orange trees.
Cherry trees are bright, flowering specimens in home gardens, and grow in fruiting and decorative varieties. Weeping cherries are decorative trees, but follow the same rules as their fruiting cousins. Grafted weeping cherries grow on the roots of stronger trees, but still experience cherry-specific problems in the wrong growing conditions.
