Bonnie Nowicki
Happy January to all! Did you know that one of the original three Washington navel orange trees that launched the U.S. citrus industry is still alive and producing fruit? It was planted in 1873 in Riverside, Calif. With proper care, your citrus trees can thrive for many years. There are numerous varieties of each type of citrus, and selecting the perfect one can be a real challenge. When buying a citrus tree, it is important that the tree be properly tagged with the fruit variety, the rootstock, and the original grower’s name. Then you’ll know exactly what you are purchasing.
One of the most popular navel oranges that grows well here in the low desert is Parent Washington. This mid-season variety produces a large, good-quality fruit and is ready for harvest around Thanksgiving or early December. Valencia oranges are medium-sized and known for their excellent juice. They do not reach maturity until March—well after the navels, so they are a welcome treat.
Grapefruit varieties are divided into two natural categories: white and pink. It is a misconception that pink or red are sweeter. White grapefruit is just as sweet if allowed to fully ripen on the tree. The most widely planted white grapefruit in the low desert is called Marsh. The fruit is ready to harvest in December, but if left on the tree, it continues to mature and become sweeter. The Flame variety is a large pink grapefruit originating in Florida. It can also be picked in December.
Lemon trees are more frost-sensitive than other citrus trees. The fruit can be harvested when green and used well before the rind turns yellow at maturity. This is news to me. Also, Meyer lemons are not true lemons, but likely a hybrid of a sweet orange and lemon. Their shelf life is short and very seasonal.
March and April are the best months to plant citrus trees in the low desert. They will require more frequent watering than established citrus trees. To establish a strong root system, water deeply every three days during the month after planting. No fertilizer is required until the tree has been in the ground for two years. Then they are heavy nitrogen “feeders” to ensure a good fruit crop and healthy tree. Spring pruning should only remove dead branches or lower trunk suckers.
With so many citrus tree choices, now is the time to do your research for the ideal, long-lived specimen for your landscape. Happy gardening!