The Tropical Fruit Forum

Citrus => Citrus General Discussion => Topic started by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 03:59:13 PM

Title: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 03:59:13 PM
I went outside and a strange bright light was shining overhead...OMG it's the sun...finally. I thought I would share some pics.
(https://s33.postimg.cc/nf96b5v2j/Dekopon.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/nf96b5v2j/)
Dekopon 2nd Year

Oh well can't seem to get but one to load.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: SoCal2warm on July 10, 2018, 04:52:11 PM
How does dekopon handle the Winters in zone 8a Georgia?
Is it generally as hardy as other mandarins?
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 05:26:22 PM
The dekopon actually did quite well, even though it is on Cleo rootstock. It held up as well as Owari, Miho, and Brown Select. Very little damage, mainly to new growth. The one that got hurt the most was Kishu from FW. My other two Kishus held up well.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 05:40:34 PM
OK Peoples, how do I get more pictures on here. The first one went on, but the rest did not. I tried to load another one on my last reply..nothing!!!!


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: luckycloud on July 10, 2018, 06:35:21 PM
Could you share how you protect in winter? I'm in 7b (NC) and put an Owari in the ground this March, and I'm still deciding exactly how I'm going to protect it this winter.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 06:58:07 PM
(https://s33.postimg.cc/s2ovncykr/1230171421b.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/s2ovncykr/)


I drove 4 pieces of 1 inch pvc cut at angle on one end in the ground at four corners around tree.  Then I made a frame of 3/4 pvc pipe and fittings. I put a 55 gal. barrel with lid full of water on north side of tree, then cover all with 1oz. frost cloth held down with ground staples (6 inch).  The barrels should only be needed the first year or two, or on really cold nights.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 07:13:51 PM
(https://s33.postimg.cc/q337ytq7v/Kishu.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/q337ytq7v/)
Kishu

(https://s33.postimg.cc/ey9nzrddn/NZLnmade.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ey9nzrddn/)
New Zealand Lemonade

(https://s33.postimg.cc/3ngnmak8b/Gnt_Fngr_Lime.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3ngnmak8b/)
Finger Lime

(https://s33.postimg.cc/f136xqn3v/Moro_Bld_Orng.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/f136xqn3v/)
Moro Blood Orange

(https://s33.postimg.cc/t4pev5oaj/Flm_Grpfrt.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/t4pev5oaj/)
Dwarf Flame Grapefruit

I finally got some to load.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: brian on July 10, 2018, 08:28:59 PM
really nice looking trees!

And I like your winter heating solution.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 08:48:30 PM
    Thanks, Brian. I have over 50 trees now, so it's getting a little harder to cover all of them.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: luckycloud on July 10, 2018, 09:10:06 PM
Thanks, that's great. Nice job with them!
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 09:11:44 PM
(https://s33.postimg.cc/hh9lpix6z/1516194460424.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/hh9lpix6z/)
Rare snow last winter.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Millet on July 10, 2018, 10:16:45 PM
TFN I see you have some engineering skills
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 10, 2018, 10:27:19 PM
No, just two hands and a smart wife who barks orders and points her finger. LOL

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: mrtexas on July 11, 2018, 01:00:38 AM
https://mrtexascitrus.weebly.com/citrusfreeze.html

In my experience dekopan, nz lemonade, and valentine pummelo aren't as hardy as
mandarins. A friend had nz lemonade and valentine I gave him of some size freeze at 19F
and killed the trees. He just got dekopan this year. I imported budwood for dekopan to texas
from florida via the texas budwood bureau at great expense. I topworked a swingle root stock to
dekopon this year and it is 8+ feet tall now.

8a means temperatures as low as 10F. 8a is very marginal for in ground citrus without protection.
10F will kill any unprotected citrus tree. I'd suggest in addition to what you are doing you bank the trees with dirt for just in case.

Here in 8b/9a I bank the trees to cover the grafts so the occasional 19F won't kill them to the  ground.
Even at that, last year's 19F freeze defoliated all but the satsumas.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 11, 2018, 10:18:13 AM
Mr.Texas, that sounds like a great idea. Will have to round up some nursery pots. My dekopons actually came through the winter virtually unscathed. I did wrap the trunks with pool noodles, and covered with frost cloth on cold nights, but did not have barrels of water next to them. My Xie-shan suffered more damage than the dekopon and they had barrels of water next to them. My NZ Lemonade did suffer minor damage, but has come back looking better than it did before. I am only 20 miles from zone 8b, with a southern slope with a slight western slope also. I just recently installed a BoB fence on the north side of my mini orchard to protect from the north wind. Over in Statesboro, on the eastern side of the state, zone 8b, they have planted thousands of citrus trees and some are already producing. The only protection that I am aware of, is micro sprinklers and trunk wraps.My biggest problem the last two winters, has been very warm February and then mid 20s in March. Even my temperate fruit has not produced in the last two years, because they break dormancy, bloom and then get zapped by the cold snap. I get more citrus fruits than stone and pome fruits. Of course I have to work harder for the citrus. Last year I ate Pineapple, Guava, Papaya, and Bananas from my on yard along with Lemons, Limes, Kumquats, Satsumas, and Clementines.


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: forumfool on July 17, 2018, 11:49:19 AM
Very nice! I plan on doing something similar here in North Georgia, 7b.

How are you fruiting papayas in 8a?
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 17, 2018, 12:15:28 PM
forumfool, on the Papayas, I grow them like you would tomatoes. Start them from seed early, then transplant into garden when all danger of frost is over. It takes 9 months from seed to fruit on some varieties. Make sure the ones you grow are hemophorditic or plan on growing several to ensure pollination.  I start them in at least gallon pot, in January on heat mat. I am still working on the exact timing. I plan on trying RedLady Papaya next year. The last ones I grew were TR Hoveys.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Millet on July 17, 2018, 03:03:40 PM
TR Hoveys  can be grown as a container plant, and never put into the ground,  They don't get very big.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Yorgos on July 17, 2018, 05:19:05 PM
How does TR Hovey taste? I trust they are much better than store bought because store bought taste somewhere between vomit and soap.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 17, 2018, 05:30:04 PM
I would have to say that they had a pleasant, yet mild flavor. I did not detect any off flavors as described of some papaya. I am not a papaya expert, but I would say it was good... not mango or cantaloupe good, but still good. My wife made some papaya jam out of some of them, and it was delicious.


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 19, 2018, 09:42:19 PM
A few more pics.

(https://s33.postimg.cc/f293dv797/Xie-snan.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/f293dv797/)
Xie-shan

(https://s33.postimg.cc/a3lkzfqmj/Owari.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/a3lkzfqmj/)
Owari

(https://s33.postimg.cc/h83e800bf/Miho.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/h83e800bf/)
Miho

(https://s33.postimg.cc/tmq68fuff/Browns_select.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/tmq68fuff/)
Brown select
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on July 22, 2018, 09:35:17 AM
Luckycloud, you may need to use more protection in 7b NC than someone in central GA. I'm in western NCand have been experimenting with "cold hardy citrus " for the past 7 years or so. I've learned the hard way that no citrus or citrus hybrid is hardy here without the protection of a heated greenhouse, except poncyrus trifoliata. Even though my recorded low last winter was 7 degrees, I still lost all of my unprotected citrumelo and other citranges and nansho dai dai, etc, except for one 4 ft tall citrumelo planted out by the road and driveway. The problem here is that it can and does freeze and stay below freezing for days to weeks, and one winter didn't get above freezing for a month. My Owari, Kimbrough, Croxton, Changsha, Meiwa live and produce well each year by being grafted on PT and covering them with 4 mil plastic sheeting over pvc or wooden frames, and heated with small electric space heaters that are controlled by thermocubes that only come on at 35 degrees and turn off at 45 degrees. The trees have to be uncovered or vented/ partially uncovered if possible when temperatures outside get into the fifties so trees don't break dormancy. This past year, my 35 gallon black plastic garbage cans full of water that were next to citranges but uncovered by plastic tents and without heaters froze through and exploded. So, if you are below freezing for days, your satsumas will croak without extra heating.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: forumfool on July 25, 2018, 10:51:43 PM
I was thinking about doing the same you are doing with Papaya. I guess I'll try it next year. At a minimum I will be able to harvest green papaya for salad but I'd love it to fully ripen. I never liked papayas until I was in Maui last year and tried "Sold/Sunrise" varieties. I will purchase from alohaseed and give it a go.

Your citrus looks great. Keep us posted on their progress and the amount of fruit you get from them. I will be following in your footsteps hopefully next year!
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 26, 2018, 08:26:56 PM
Will do, forumfool.  Just remember when you start to set up your "orchard", that the north wind is one of your worst enemies. Any windbreak will help, as will a southern slope. But don't forget cold air flows like water down hill and will pool in low spots. I thought I had mine set up good, but found a slight rise on the western side of my orchard funneled cold air across a few of my trees. Those trees suffered the most damage. Good luck on your endeavors. Let me know how it goes.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: luckycloud on July 26, 2018, 08:57:07 PM
Luckycloud, you may need to use more protection in 7b NC than someone in central GA. I'm in western NCand have been experimenting with "cold hardy citrus " for the past 7 years or so. I've learned the hard way that no citrus or citrus hybrid is hardy here without the protection of a heated greenhouse, except poncyrus trifoliata. Even though my recorded low last winter was 7 degrees, I still lost all of my unprotected citrumelo and other citranges and nansho dai dai, etc, except for one 4 ft tall citrumelo planted out by the road and driveway. The problem here is that it can and does freeze and stay below freezing for days to weeks, and one winter didn't get above freezing for a month. My Owari, Kimbrough, Croxton, Changsha, Meiwa live and produce well each year by being grafted on PT and covering them with 4 mil plastic sheeting over pvc or wooden frames, and heated with small electric space heaters that are controlled by thermocubes that only come on at 35 degrees and turn off at 45 degrees. The trees have to be uncovered or vented/ partially uncovered if possible when temperatures outside get into the fifties so trees don't break dormancy. This past year, my 35 gallon black plastic garbage cans full of water that were next to citranges but uncovered by plastic tents and without heaters froze through and exploded. So, if you are below freezing for days, your satsumas will croak without extra heating.

Thanks, yes, I'm currently thinking about how to navigate that window of not too warm but not too cold. I am planning to use something pretty similar to what you describe: a plastic pop up greenhouse, small heater on a thermocube, and black 5gal buckets stacked and full of water inside the tent. Tree is planted in a fairly warm microclimate, and is on PT rootstock. I think it will require a lot of taking off the tent on warm days, putting it back on at night. I'm willing to try.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: LaCasaVerde on July 27, 2018, 02:20:30 PM
'I have over 50 trees now, so it's getting a little harder to cover all of them."

If they are as spaced out as they appear in your pictures you will end up working yourself to death every year. That will eventually lead to selective reduction of your collection. I know from experience as I have a large collection. It is far better to go ahead and design a frame that can be used over and over again. Though not as aestetically pleasing than removing the frames each spring- the best are those semi permanant in nature. I have experimented with many many designs over the years.  If you want to keep them so they produce non juevenile fruit   they will be 10-12 feet tall on a mater of a few more years and the  current frames will be impossible . Go ahead and set up one of these to experimant with. I used a side yard to develop the best set up to use in my orchard.  The 45 degree roof sheds snow,rain. It is very easy to vent  and very sturdy. Use snap clamps to hold greenhouse plastic to the frame. Will survive 60mph winds. Can be made of pipe like mine or pvc. The frame in the picture below is from several years ago. Ive gotten 3 years out of it so far and this summer will raise it up higher.   Cheap to build and can grow full size tree in one....Oh and used the thermocube mentioned before as recommend to me by Citradia last year- they do work well with heater to control temps. Benifit- not shuffling around building cold frames for days eash season and 45 min vs 2-3 hours for me each night it drops below freezing.

https://postimg.cc/image/1taol2fmtn/


https://postimg.cc/image/1taol2fmtn/
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on July 27, 2018, 08:03:44 PM

(https://s8.postimg.cc/vg6i54i5d/IMG_5336.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/vg6i54i5d/)
Luckcloud: this roll-up-a-side-of-yo greenhouse method on warm days has saved me a lot of daily work in the winter.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: luckycloud on July 27, 2018, 09:23:25 PM
That's great. I was looking at this one: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001KBY9ZK/?coliid=I2O28BQJDQPHWH&colid=3GNEUS6KTVOZD&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it with the thought that on the coldest nights (arctic blasts, etc), I could cover the whole thing with an extra layer of frost blaket or tarp.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on July 28, 2018, 09:58:35 PM
Luckycloud, I don't know about your yard, but where I live, mountain top, I get such high winds in winter, I have to use 4x4 wooden frames wrapped in plastic (4mil) and either sink the posts into ground or stake them down with rebar; last winter My new frame didn't last a day, being blown off the ridge in front of my house before I had a chance to stake it down at the end of October. That little greenhouse from Amazon would be flattened by snow/ice if I could stake it down. NC is a different growing experience I think from our comrades in SC and GA.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on July 29, 2018, 11:47:38 AM
I planted my main orchard 3 x 9 trees with plans to cover the rows of trees. It has worked fairly well, but then We went crazy and started putting trees everywhere. Most are still somewhat in rows, but we cover those separately.

(https://s8.postimg.cc/ksdbk7epd/1514666727201.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ksdbk7epd/)

 
I do plan on going more semi permanent on my structures, but I do love the look of an open orchard during summer. Still debating...


TFN 
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: luckycloud on July 29, 2018, 08:21:17 PM
No high winds here, I'm in the middle of an urban area (NC Triangle) and there's lots of windbreak on all sides of my site.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on August 02, 2018, 07:20:32 AM
Best of luck to all cold hardy citrus pioneers!
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Millet on August 02, 2018, 05:08:53 PM
Citradia you are one of the longtime cold hardy citrus pioneers.  Hope to see you again in Valdosta.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on August 02, 2018, 09:17:21 PM
Thanks, Millet.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on August 02, 2018, 09:23:03 PM
Looks like the Southeast Citrus Expo will be in Valdosta November 16 and 17th this year. I hope to attend.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on August 07, 2018, 03:07:29 PM
A few more pics from middle Ga.... the last ones, I promise  Lol.

(https://s22.postimg.cc/6jc56aiwd/0806181855.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6jc56aiwd/)
Changshou (Fukushu) Kumquat forming blossoms in August?



(https://s22.postimg.cc/x5oluwcp9/0806181856.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/x5oluwcp9/)
Bumper Satsuma


(https://s22.postimg.cc/xv7e7eifh/0806181856a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/xv7e7eifh/)
Arctic Frost Satsuma



(https://s22.postimg.cc/xv7e7osst/0806181857.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/xv7e7osst/)
3 year old Meyer Lemon  Takes a lot of pruning to keep it contained.

I hope too meet and greet many of you at the Citrus Expo in Valdosta Ga. in November.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Millet on August 07, 2018, 06:49:06 PM
Nice looking trees TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 06, 2018, 01:15:12 PM
Update:


(https://i.postimg.cc/hzZy5MLF/1106181233.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzZy5MLF)
Meyer lemons..almost ready..



(https://i.postimg.cc/ftvtzgHF/1106181233a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ftvtzgHF)
Dekopon..getting there...




(https://i.postimg.cc/gx0Kf30m/1106181234-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gx0Kf30m)
Owari...won't be long...


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: forumfool on November 07, 2018, 08:35:48 PM
Nice! Will be getting our first freezing temperatures next week you can’t be too far behind
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on November 08, 2018, 07:21:01 AM
TFN, what is the white covering over your frames in the photo above? Is the frame a metal pipe car port assembly? It looks like one my father has. Cost effective and easy to acquire and assemble frames is something I’m interested in.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 08, 2018, 03:33:42 PM
Forumfool, yeah looks like it won't be long, now.  However, they have moderated the temps up a bit for next week, so...fingers crossed.

Citradia, those frames are made of 3/4 pvc class 200 pipe, with 1 oz. frost cloth.  The frame is held down with 1 inch pvc pipe driven into the ground and the 3/4 pipe is dropped down into it.  The cover is held down with 6 inch by 1 inch ground staples.  We roll a piece of 3/4 inch  pipe on the bottom of the fabric before the staples go in to help with removal.  We also use snap clamps to secure fabric to pvc frame.  We usually only lift the southern side in the mornings and lay it over the north side and secure with snap clamps until late evening. This allows for ample sun to warm soil during the day.  We also have a 55 gallon barrel of water at each tree to help moderate temps.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 08, 2018, 03:37:59 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/fk66gnR4/1514666727421.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fk66gnR4)

Citradia, I found a better picture, that may help.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on November 08, 2018, 08:08:19 PM
Thanks TFN. Where do you purchase the frost cloth?
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 08, 2018, 08:41:11 PM
 Citradia, if I remember correctly, we got it from greenhousemegastore.com.  That is where we found the best price with shipping.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on November 09, 2018, 07:00:10 AM
Thanks TFN.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 09, 2018, 11:30:07 AM
Happy to help.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 20, 2018, 02:23:58 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/QVBYNvSJ/1120181342b-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QVBYNvSJ)

Well, my little trees have their PJs on.  All we have to do is pull them up on cold nights, and fasten with ball bungees. Hopefully, the extra large hot water bottle (55 gal. barrel) will help keep them warm.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: SoCal2warm on November 20, 2018, 03:29:16 PM
Well, my little trees have their PJs on.
Very creative setup.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 20, 2018, 04:23:41 PM
Thanks, SoCal.  With the ever increasing number of trees in my yard, I have to come up with easier ways to cover the young trees.  Once they get around 5 ft. tall, my wife has to use a step stool to help me, as she is vertically challenged, (Short). LOL.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: forumfool on November 23, 2018, 03:56:13 PM
I wonder as the trees get bigger it wouldn’t be more efficient to build a hoop house around the lot of them for winter. Not sure how big you want them to be
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 24, 2018, 09:21:16 AM
Forumfool, after about three years of growth, or 2 to 3 inch diameter trunks, they will be on their own.  That is when the real cold hardiness test will begin.  Mother nature will determine what I can grow at that point.  I am just trying to get them through their first 2 or 3 growing seasons.  I have a few that I will continue to protect, because I really like the fruit, but I have those in more protected areas.  I know I will lose some, but this is all just an experiment, like all zone pushing is.  What doesn't survive will be replaced with something else to try.  There are new cultivars coming along all the time. I treat them like they are my children.  I protect and nurture them while they are young, but when they are grown they are on their own ... lol.


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 24, 2018, 10:26:46 AM
UPDATE: Some fruit is ready!!

(https://i.postimg.cc/qzDR7hKQ/1124181019a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qzDR7hKQ)


TFN

Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: LaCasaVerde on November 24, 2018, 09:45:37 PM
Do you have a well by chance? I fill ibc containers set just adjacent to citrus trees with water here-runs about 68 degrees year around here - on nights it freezes. Then cover the tree and ibc container with greenhouse poly to the ground. The tree becomes the greenhouse structure itself. Mine are now 15 feet tall.  Slowly drain the second day and refill. The radiant heat is more than enough for 20 degree hard freeze temps.  Will help when your trees get bigger.

Your fruit looks great!
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: forumfool on November 25, 2018, 05:33:05 PM
I think it will be tough to watch them die after all that tlc. That is some pretty fruit, great colors inside and out hope they taste as good as they look
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 25, 2018, 08:06:46 PM
LaCasaVerde, I do have a well, but there is no way I could fill 50 ibc containers every two days.  I don't understand the need of emptying and refilling them.  They absorb heat during the day rain or shine and release it at night.  I use 55 gal. barrels of water for thermal mass. In your zone with ocean influence, I am surprised you need that much thermal mass.  I did not loose a single tree over the last two years, and some only had a couple of gallons of water under the cover.  We reached 14 degrees f. at least twice both years.  The biggest problem is long warm ups and then sudden deep cold. That is what hurt some of my trees the most.  It also wiped out almost all of my temperate fruit and blooms the last two years.  I have gotten more fruit from my citrus trees than my temperate fruit trees and I have almost equal number of each type.


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 25, 2018, 08:44:20 PM
Forumfool, I hope that I don't lose any, but it is inevitable, that I will.  I know that one day a severe cold blast will take out some, if not all of my citrus trees.  It happens, just ask Citrusman99.  I may cover what I can if a brutal cold front comes my way, and hope for the best.  I still have my barrels at each tree, bare soil underneath, and the option of mounding soil around the trunks.  There are commercial orchards of trees across the state from me ( only a degree or two difference) that have only passive heat protection during winter, with no barrels, that are producing quite well.  I don't leave them out in the cold..so to speak.. completely.  I just won't cover the larger trees unless it gets down into the middle to low teens. I pretty much have the north wind blocked from my orchard.  That helps a lot. I did not mean to give the impression that I would do NOTHING to protect them, just that they will not receive the same level of care as the younger trees.  I hope they live for many, many years and give me many, many fruits.  Fingers crossed.  LOL


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: LaCasaVerde on November 26, 2018, 04:27:49 PM
LaCasaVerde, I do have a well, but there is no way I could fill 50 ibc containers every two days.  I don't understand the need of emptying and refilling them.  They absorb heat during the day rain or shine and release it at night.  I use 55 gal. barrels of water for thermal mass. In your zone with ocean influence, I am surprised you need that much thermal mass.  I did not loose a single tree over the last two years, and some only had a couple of gallons of water under the cover.  We reached 14 degrees f. at least twice both years.  The biggest problem is long warm ups and then sudden deep cold. That is what hurt some of my trees the most.  It also wiped out almost all of my temperate fruit and blooms the last two years.  I have gotten more fruit from my citrus trees than my temperate fruit trees and I have almost equal number of each type.


TFN

I empty mine because I ran a 2 inch main out there and can fill 6 in about 20-30 min. These are the full size trees I want to keep after I weened myself off of all the others and culled them.   Ive found the ibc  at 68 degress when the temp is 20 outside- will retain  adequate usable heat for 2 days.. after that the water will be too cold to reheat back to 68 degress for me unless I have a week or more of sun and higher ambient temps..  A 275 gallon Ibc container will not heat up as fast as a 55 gallon drum due to the huge mass of water.  In a greenhouse envirornment i would  not drain mine either but these ibc are exposed to the elements until the individual trees are covered. This way I can acurately regulate temps with constant control over water tamp for individual specimins. This will be inportant to you when you want to save just a few trees and dont have a greenhouse for each..

Also-A full size tree 15hx10 wide will not be warm enough with a 55 gallon barrel.  Actually the 55 gallon barrel will regulate temps for a 22 sq foot area usually already permanatly or semi permanatly enclosed for the winter...say 4x5.5 foot area.   If your full size trees are eventually housed in a greenhouse as others of mine are-- I would not drain the IBC containers or barrels then either. 

I lost a lot of my citrus the winter of 2014 which ill never forget and im south of you... these were big trees.. satsumas, included- no proximity to the ocean could same me.... You are  farther north of me and much cooler. Its good to have a contingency plant for your trees when they get fully mature..
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Millet on November 26, 2018, 10:26:26 PM
Video of South GA citrus

https://www.wtoc.com/2018/11/23/citrus-crop-growing-southeast-georgia/ (https://www.wtoc.com/2018/11/23/citrus-crop-growing-southeast-georgia/)
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 27, 2018, 06:48:50 AM
Millet, that is the place I was talking about.  I went there last year, and call Joe occasionally, to seek his advice about various things related to growing citrus in our climate.  He is about the closest citrus farm to me and my climate, so I figure he would be the best one to help me.  Joe is a very friendly person to talk to and doesn't mind helping. I would like to go back and visit his farm again.


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on November 29, 2018, 11:16:29 AM
I picked my first Kishu off my tree today.  It only had three on it. I found something surprising inside:


(https://i.postimg.cc/Z0BFZbRB/1129181055.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0BFZbRB)

I planted them in a pot with bottom heat.  Curious to see what they become.  This is the first time I have ever found a seed in a Kishu.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on December 03, 2018, 04:23:30 PM
I had one fruit on my UGA Pink frost grapefruit tree this year.  I had missed it when I pulled off the little fruitlets.  I had also thought that this tree was a lemon ( mislabled).  I did not have high hopes for this grapefruit when it comes to flavor or color, but I was surprised on both accounts.  I almost forgot to take a picture after I saw the color and tasted the juice....


(https://i.postimg.cc/N2DB12D8/1203181608.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N2DB12D8)

I was pleased with the flavor, though it is your average pink grapefruit, taste wise.  It had a total of 2 seeds.  The wife liked it also.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Citradia on December 03, 2018, 07:03:58 PM
What is the actual parent of pink frost? I know Dr Hanna irradiated grapefruit, but which variety?
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on December 03, 2018, 07:30:23 PM
Yes, this is a UGA tree bought from Lindy Seville at Savannah, Ga. last year.  It was just planted Spring 2018.  It is listed as irradiated Bruce grapefruit.????

http://citrusindustry.net/2017/06/29/georgia-prison-gets-citrus-plot/ (http://citrusindustry.net/2017/06/29/georgia-prison-gets-citrus-plot/)

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Millet on December 04, 2018, 04:12:11 PM
I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think Bruce Grapefruit is a made up name by the University of Georgia.  What type of a grapefruit it is, or if it is even a true grapefruit, or some other cultivar, the word Bruce is just UGA's trademark.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on December 04, 2018, 04:47:20 PM
That makes sense, because any research comes up empty, except for a mention on UGA website.


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on December 10, 2018, 04:26:55 PM
Observation:  I let two of my three Owari trees bear a few fruit this year.  One tree had only roundish fruit, while the other had roundish and oblate fruit.  The oblate fruit looks like regular Owari fruit I had last year and have seen elsewhere.  I thought the larger, roundish fruit would be puffy and dry.  What I found was that not only was the larger roundish fruit better tasting than the oblate fruit, it was also completely seedless.  The oblate fruit was pretty seedy and nowhere near as flavorful.  I can only assume that the oblate, seedy fruit was cross-pollinated while the roundish ones were self pollinated.


(https://i.postimg.cc/5jKwwXmW/1208182132a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5jKwwXmW)

Does my assumption sound plausible?  Any input is appreciated.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Millet on December 10, 2018, 09:33:31 PM
Depending on how close the two trees are to each other, they would both be pollinated by the same insects.
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on December 11, 2018, 07:38:59 AM
Millet, these trees are a little over 30 feet apart..  I have plenty of bees and other pollinators, it just seemed strange that one tree had all round fruit and one had both types. One type seedy..one type seedless.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on December 14, 2018, 11:46:10 AM
UPDATE:   Pulled one of my larger Dekopons today.


(https://i.postimg.cc/hfHkpbmz/1214180138a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hfHkpbmz)

The paper towel it is sitting on is 6 inches wide.  It was very good tasting, though may have been even better if left to hang a little longer.  Not bad at all for first fruit from a young tree.  I have several that I have picked and have in storage in a cool place, that I will be sampling every 10 days or so to see if the flavor changes.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Luisport on December 14, 2018, 01:51:40 PM
UPDATE:   Pulled one of my larger Dekopons today.


(https://i.postimg.cc/hfHkpbmz/1214180138a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hfHkpbmz)

The paper towel it is sitting on is 6 inches wide.  It was very good tasting, though may have been even better if left to hang a little longer.  Not bad at all for first fruit from a young tree.  I have several that I have picked and have in storage in a cool place, that I will be sampling every 10 days or so to see if the flavor changes.

TFN
Hello my friend, congratulations! Did your fruit have any seed?
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on December 14, 2018, 06:29:08 PM
Hey, Luisport, so far I have only found a few flat wannabe seeds out of nearly a dozen fruit.  If the flavor gets better as the tree ages....OH MAN.


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Luisport on December 15, 2018, 10:40:04 AM
Hey, Luisport, so far I have only found a few flat wannabe seeds out of nearly a dozen fruit.  If the flavor gets better as the tree ages....OH MAN.


TFN
Oh ok. If you get any good seeds of dekopon can you reserve and send them for me, please?
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on December 15, 2018, 11:24:26 AM
Oh ok. If you get any good seeds of dekopon can you reserve and send them for me, please?

I sure will.  Is there anything special that needs to be done before shipping?

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Luisport on December 15, 2018, 12:34:18 PM
Oh ok. If you get any good seeds of dekopon can you reserve and send them for me, please?

I sure will.  Is there anything special that needs to be done before shipping?

TFN
I think just to send it quik to not let it dry too much... Thank's!  ;)
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on February 07, 2019, 09:26:00 PM
Update: Found out that my "seedy" Kishu is most likely Juanita tangerine. After talking to the seller of the tree, it makes perfect sense.  Well, at least I have another cultivar to add to my list.

My protected Meyers, Bearrs lime, and Clementine are blooming.  I also have Pomelo, Cara Cara, New Zealand Lemonade, and unprotected Meyer Lemon putting on bloom buds. The NZL has been blooming all winter, though many were damaged during the Polar Vortex.  I hope the mild weather holds.


TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: Millet on February 08, 2019, 12:49:23 PM
I have eaten the last of the New Zealand Lemonade.   During the season I sampled fruit that was mostly yellow mature fruit (still some green rind), completely yellow fruit, and one I found just two days ago that had dropped from the tree and was just slightly turning soft.  I don't actually know how long ago it fell to the ground.  Least sweet = the early mostly yellow (still some green rind), next in sweetness = completely yellow fruit, and the fruit with the highest sweet taste was the fruit I found that had dropped from the tree.  Therefore, it made me think that perhaps storing the NZL much like one does with a Dekopon, might be the way to go if higher sweetness is desired..
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on February 08, 2019, 04:11:00 PM
Thanks for that report, Millet.  If I get several this year, I may try to store some for a while, to see how they do in storage in regards to taste.

TFN
Title: Re: Pictures from middle Georgia
Post by: TooFarNorth on April 23, 2019, 07:48:17 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/Rqn0YZLf/Dekopon.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Rqn0YZLf)

Dekopon.  Hardly any damage from winter with no cover.



(https://i.postimg.cc/zyd5Bsk8/Kishu.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zyd5Bsk8)

Kishu.  Same as Dekopon, little damage, no cover.



(https://i.postimg.cc/kBsP10zK/New-Zealand-Lemonade.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kBsP10zK)

New Zealand Lemonade.  Kept covered on freezing nights, because it bloomed all winter long.  Some blooms actually survived and are now little fruitlets.  It is also putting on many more new bloom buds.

I have been asked before how Dekopon handled our winters as compared to other satsumas and mandarins. I would have to say as good or better than some.  My Mihos on Trifoliate rootstocks did not fare near as well as Dekopon, nor did Brown select on US897.  The Dekopon is on Cleo.  All of the trees pictured here were planted spring 2017.

TFN