Abiu in Alkaline Soils

[adiel]

How does Abiu perform in Alkaline Soils?  Is anyone growing them in South Florida's limestone soil?  If so, how many years did it take to fruit?

Thank You,

[FlyingFoxFruits]

they seem to be effected, but not horribly.

I've seen some surviving at fruit and spice park, but not thriving.

They prefer acid soils, but can be grown in lime rock with proper care.

[davidgarcia899]

I bought one from pine island last year and planted it out in August. Turned chlorotic almost immediately. But I started ground applying chelated iron and other chelated micros  and the tree has greened up rather nicely.

I give my seal of approval to the micro nutrient mix they sell at pine island, its just a little expensive.

Also this may have been exacerbated by the fact that I planted the tree in a newly broken hole. I am guessing since you are in Miami your soil is similar to me, about a foot or less of native soil and then solid limestone. My planting method is to break the rock with a back hoe and mix as much of the adjacent  native soil into the hole. My guess is that this probably temporarily raises the alkalinity.

[cbss_daviefl]

David, what does the micronutrient have?  Iron, magnesium, and manganese mixed at a rate of one tablespoon per gallon?

[davidgarcia899]

David, what does the micronutrient have?  Iron, magnesium, and manganese mixed at a rate of one tablespoon per gallon?

Yes, all chelated.

[adiel]

Adam:

Thanks for the info.   

David:

Yes, after less than a foot its solid limestone.   

Thanks,

[fruitlovers]

Most tropical fruit like acidic soil, including abiu. It seems to me that is the biggest limiting factor for growing tropical fruits in S. Florida. Mango and jacks are popular there because they can withstand alkaline soils. Another popular fruit in S. Florida, the sugar apple, is one that actually likes alkaline soils.