The Tropical Fruit Forum

Have had C. edulis damaged by 30º F, but that was before growing C. tetrameria.  C. tetrameria are now mature trees and have not seen damage at 28ºF.  However, damage experienced on white sapote was when trees were isolated and yellow sapote have been grown for the past 15 years surrounded by closed-in mature trees.  45 years ago we killed many sensitive plants/trees (many little macadamias, now fully grown) when we got down to low 30'sF and even once 17ºF.  Canopy of trees covering 1 1/2 acres is very protective as are the effects of global warming.  Orchard thermometers have not been below 30ºF the past 5 years.  A side-by-side comparison therefore cannot be made as so many variables have changed.  Another factor is simply the tree's maturity.  One that grows through several frost-free years has the capability of surviving frost/freeze due to its maturity.

Based on a taste test included in an old CRFG yearbook (long since donated to Mexican grower), #6 and #7 came out on top in taste. I have several C. tetrameria about 20 years old and both #6 AND #7 are good, but prefer #7.  Fruit are huge, seeds much smaller than C. edulis seeds, and all have the "wooly" or fuzzy leaf.  Trees tend to be much slmaller than C. edulis by far.  There is graft compatibility between C. edulis and C. tetrameria as some of my trees with mixed grafts are over 20 years old.  Both C. tetrameria on C. edulis and visa versa produce dwarfing one combination more than the other.  Other than the "wooly" leaves characteristic, many of my C. edulis produce yellowish colored fruit when ripe.  Have had C. edulis damaged by frost, but never had C. tetrameria show any effect.  Interestingly "Suebelle" is thought to be a cross between C. edulis and C. tetrameria due to its "wooly" leaf underside.  For me, it is also a small tree compared to the monster white sapote treees, yet seeds resemble the white sapote.

I have three small plants, growing well (3 ft).  Tried to determine if dioecious or not and info is lacking.  Hopefully with three plants will have answer in time.

Kevin...what NZ varieties do you have on the Feijoa?  My NZ varieties surpass others in size and flavor.

I have enjoyed the Persian mulberry here for many years.  It is a selected variety called "Kaester" obtained from a collector.  Cutting was small so I bought a fruitless mulberry and grafted it and now have a big tree.  Fruiting now, and being enjoyed by blue jays and other birds.  Used to have a tortoise that enjoyed the fallen fruits.  As a science teacher used trhe leaves to grow silkworms in the classroom.

Fortunate to have been able to get scions from Bob Chamber's orchard.  The most unusual was "Nettie" which looked like a pear, and about the same size.  All of the white sapotes and some yellow sapotes seem to like our climate and drop "bombs" frequently.  I have found that the unsmashed part of the "bomb" is perfectly ripened.  When picking, I look for a color change from darker green.

My best in the Central Coast iare Hass, Pinkerton, Jan Boyce, and Hellen.  I have GEM, small tree, smaller fruit, not very productive.  Of the 35 varieties (grafted) my favorite is Hellen.  Lesser production, but a very large avocado with great flavor is Choquette. Hass and Pinkerton are excellent also. 

'tis brillig then and the slithy toves are in the wabe.  Good luck!

Using 110 VAC on raccoons might have unintended consequences on dogs, children, or even the poster.  Much safer is the hotshot version which is very high voltage with low current.  It works with large animals like horses and cattle and they learn to avoid wired areas.  Been dealing with raccoons for almost 50 years, tried many things.  In my trapping days, I removed many only to create an opening for another one to move in.  Watched many viscious fights between raccoons from indoors.  Our population seems stabil now and we sometimes pass in the night, but garden and ponds are left alone (still electrified.)  Electric fence chargers are pretty cheap.

Having tasted and grown most of Frank Serpa's varieties (https://feijoarecipes.wordpress.com/2017/11/19/frank-serpa-fremonts-feijoa-king/) from Edenvale Farms, I believe my New Zealand varieties Mammoth and Triumph surpass them in size and flavor.  Had a good friend in John Moore who collected many and even named his favorite (Moore). The Edenvale varieties, Improved Cooledge, Edenvale Supreme, Edenvale Late are quite good, but really enjoy the New Zealand ones.  Pointed out before is their hardiness and productivity in suboptimal conditions that warrants their being planted.

Nice thought...just a luck of the draw with seedlings obtained from Puerto Rico.  Have a second tree (different seedling, same batch).  Have not had fruit from it yet (competing with two large macadamias)  Sure is a beutiful tree.

Just dug up several branches on my Triumph that were ground layered (thanks B2B).  All were well rooted in multiple places and cut into sections and potted.  Buried branches of my Mammoth for later cutting after they root.  Ground is wet thanks to lots of rain.

I do think the two NZ selections I have are superior in size and quality compared to others I have and  have tasted.  I do have to admit, sometimes there are seedlings with an intense great flavor, but only come in a miniscule size.  The trees/bushes are bullet-proof here with regard to cold and heat (we don't get much of either).  Don't seem to need much water to prosper.  They fall when ripe, and have a thick skin.  Best when eaten out-of-hand.