1
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Vista White Seedling Tree? Do you have One
« on: April 15, 2024, 07:34:43 PM »
I have one from Exotica nursery. It's about 5ft tall, couple of years old, no fruit yet.
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2
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Zone Pushing the Sapote Family
« on: April 15, 2024, 01:06:39 AM »
Partly based on this thread, I became interested in another sapote, the cinnamon apple.
It seems to be very difficult to find, but I lucked out and got one through Facebook.
I also went down to Exotica. They currently have two. The owner stated one he did not want to sell, it was about four and a half feet tall, supposedly 8 to 10 years old. Nice leaf structure.
The second would he offered to sell did not have as many leaves, was around 3 and 1/2 ft tall, and was reportedly around the same age. So if you are interested in another sapote, and don't mind going to San Diego, take a look!
It seems to be very difficult to find, but I lucked out and got one through Facebook.
I also went down to Exotica. They currently have two. The owner stated one he did not want to sell, it was about four and a half feet tall, supposedly 8 to 10 years old. Nice leaf structure.
The second would he offered to sell did not have as many leaves, was around 3 and 1/2 ft tall, and was reportedly around the same age. So if you are interested in another sapote, and don't mind going to San Diego, take a look!
3
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Zone Pushing the Sapote Family
« on: April 09, 2024, 11:00:35 AM »
Redlands, CA Zone 9b checking in here:
Last year, my black sapote totally defoliated with winter, lost a ton of healthy growth, and looked dead. Thanks to the advice of folks here, I kept it, and it recovered, has survived this winter. Really doesn't like weather below 40F. I used much more aggressive covering this winter, most of the season, and only had one dead leaf. Hopefully it is tougher now.
Canistel, two years old, from seed. Doesn't seem to get fazed by the cold weather, but isn't very fast growing either.
Green Sapote, seedling, from Hawaii seller. It has survived two winters now, and keeps putting on growth. Still small but robust. MUCH better than the waste of money one I purchased on Mamey rootstock a few years ago, that one is now dead.
Lucuma, from seed. Growing robustly, kept growing during the winter, and looks the best out of my my sapotes. It's about 1.5 years old at this point, probably 20" tall?
I have many white sapote seedlings, and several trees in the ground. They did not seem to need any covering for the winter, and seem definitely suited for this climate. (Didn't include photos).
Keep the posts coming! And if someone has green sapote seeds available, let me know
Last year, my black sapote totally defoliated with winter, lost a ton of healthy growth, and looked dead. Thanks to the advice of folks here, I kept it, and it recovered, has survived this winter. Really doesn't like weather below 40F. I used much more aggressive covering this winter, most of the season, and only had one dead leaf. Hopefully it is tougher now.
Canistel, two years old, from seed. Doesn't seem to get fazed by the cold weather, but isn't very fast growing either.
Green Sapote, seedling, from Hawaii seller. It has survived two winters now, and keeps putting on growth. Still small but robust. MUCH better than the waste of money one I purchased on Mamey rootstock a few years ago, that one is now dead.
Lucuma, from seed. Growing robustly, kept growing during the winter, and looks the best out of my my sapotes. It's about 1.5 years old at this point, probably 20" tall?
I have many white sapote seedlings, and several trees in the ground. They did not seem to need any covering for the winter, and seem definitely suited for this climate. (Didn't include photos).
Keep the posts coming! And if someone has green sapote seeds available, let me know
4
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Green Sapote best light/sun conditions?
« on: November 05, 2023, 12:13:37 AM »I have one planted in full sun and one in part shade since they were 1 year seedlings. The one in full sun has outgrown the part shade seedling. Direct sun on our hottest days has no effect and has never exhibited symptoms of sun burn.
I have tried two now, one seedling, one on mamey rootstock. Both did very poorly with the brunt of the summer and early fall sun in the Zone 9B Inland Empire heat, granted there is a wooden fence behind them which magnified the heat (mangos sure love it!)
The one other seedling I have in a more shaded area has done much better. We will see how it does in the cooler winters we get here, had snow on the ground last year
5
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: White Sapote Fruit Shapes
« on: October 25, 2023, 12:56:27 AM »
Seemed relevant given the interest in the fruit while on the topic of its shape, and the lack of such in local markets.
Apologies if it offended!
Apologies if it offended!
6
Tropical Fruit Buy, Sell & Trade / Re: Looking for bulk fresh white sapote seeds
« on: October 19, 2023, 12:55:46 AM »
Likewise, I have a ton, fresh --- let me know.
7
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Growing Mango trees in Southern California
« on: October 19, 2023, 12:55:07 AM »
If anyone wants cheap, cheap, cheap mango trees in the Inland Empire of SoCal....
Check out the going out of business sale at the Santa Ana Nursery in Bloomington, CA.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/santa-ana-nursery-bloomington
Call them ahead of time to check.
It's a small mom and pop style operation, and had 30+ mango trees in 5 gallon and 15 gallon containers when I went last week.
The deal is in the price -- the 5 gallons were $15; and the 15 gallons were only $45!!!
They told me they had criollo, corriente, kent...not entirely sure on the accuracy of the varieties but was stoked to find so many, for so cheap.
Check out the going out of business sale at the Santa Ana Nursery in Bloomington, CA.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/santa-ana-nursery-bloomington
Call them ahead of time to check.
It's a small mom and pop style operation, and had 30+ mango trees in 5 gallon and 15 gallon containers when I went last week.
The deal is in the price -- the 5 gallons were $15; and the 15 gallons were only $45!!!
They told me they had criollo, corriente, kent...not entirely sure on the accuracy of the varieties but was stoked to find so many, for so cheap.
8
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: White Sapote Fruit Shapes
« on: October 19, 2023, 12:51:06 AM »
There is a 50+ year old tree in Redlands, CA. It currently is loaded with fruit.
The owner has offered to let people pick from it for free, provided they set up an appointment with her. The tree is simply overloaded with fruit.
Search for "Plants Traders Inland Empire" on Facebook, join the group, then once accepted search for "sapote." You'll find the posts where you can contact/direct message the tree owner easily.
The owner has offered to let people pick from it for free, provided they set up an appointment with her. The tree is simply overloaded with fruit.
Search for "Plants Traders Inland Empire" on Facebook, join the group, then once accepted search for "sapote." You'll find the posts where you can contact/direct message the tree owner easily.
9
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Why Pitaya (organ pipe cactus fruit) is so expensive
« on: October 19, 2023, 12:47:42 AM »
There's a guy in Long Beach growing them...lots of posts on Instagram.
10
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: White Sapote Fruit Shapes
« on: July 06, 2023, 12:47:58 AM »This is the Mary Ln. variety I found a few years ago in an empty field. Many of you have started grafting them. This is a smaller size fruit, but the taste is like a Carmel Pawpaw, very smooth, no bitterness.
Mary Ln.
Great sounding fruit. I am interested in trying to graft it on my current sapotes.
Could you share the location of the tree? Private message is fine too. Thanks!
11
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: list of fruit trees in los angeles parks
« on: April 22, 2023, 04:14:55 PM »
This is a really neat idea. Keep us posted.
You could either go the guerilla route, or the official route. Risk and benefits of both.
You could either go the guerilla route, or the official route. Risk and benefits of both.
12
Temperate Fruit Buy, Sell, & Trade / California Coffeeberry seedlings for sale
« on: April 11, 2023, 01:32:50 AM »
I have many California Coffeeberry seedling trees (California Buckthorn aka Frangula californica aka Rhamnus californica).
I have eaten the berries - and also made a "coffee" like drink from the seeds in the past. There are mixed reviews of the fruit online, beware. It is a very attractive tree though when full grown with berries.
$5 each. Local pickup. Redlands, CA. Singles, doubles in containers and more.
I have eaten the berries - and also made a "coffee" like drink from the seeds in the past. There are mixed reviews of the fruit online, beware. It is a very attractive tree though when full grown with berries.
$5 each. Local pickup. Redlands, CA. Singles, doubles in containers and more.
13
Tropical Fruit Buy, Sell & Trade / White Sapote, Longan seedlings for sale (SoCal, local pickup) $5
« on: April 11, 2023, 01:30:23 AM »
I have many white sapote seedlings for sale, as well as longan seedlings. These were planted last year, summer/fall, and survived our unusually harsh SoCal winter, some even had snow on them and have done just fine.
Local pickup in Redlands, CA area. $5 each.
Local pickup in Redlands, CA area. $5 each.
14
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Blackberry Jam fruit growth in southern California
« on: February 24, 2023, 02:00:58 PM »
I have two small plants of this -- one died this winter, the other has nearly died but appears to be making a comeback. These were purchased from a Florida seller. I'm in zone 9b, Inland Empire CA area.
15
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Southern California cold damage black sapote suggestions?
« on: February 23, 2023, 01:46:07 PM »
Thank you! I will wait and prune it down after this cold front passes.
16
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Southern California cold damage black sapote suggestions?
« on: February 22, 2023, 07:32:34 PM »
Hi all, zone 9b, Southern California here.
Last week, temperatures dropped briefly into near freezing, around 33 to 34° f. There was also quite a bit of wind.
Immediately after this, my grafted black sapote, approximately 3ft tall, had its leaves turn black, shrivel up, and many of them fall off. The underlying trunk and many of the larger branches look okay. I'm rather discouraged by this as a tree has been a champ and didn't seem phased at all by cooler weather, and I also have protected it with a bag during the cold front, but alas to no avail.
Any suggestions on what I should do with what remains? Throw it out? Wait and see if it grows back? Bail on the black sapote in future and plant something else? It handled the summer heat without any issue, put on a ton of new growth... But this cold was only near freezing for a couple of hours and seems to have done it in.
Thank you!
Last week, temperatures dropped briefly into near freezing, around 33 to 34° f. There was also quite a bit of wind.
Immediately after this, my grafted black sapote, approximately 3ft tall, had its leaves turn black, shrivel up, and many of them fall off. The underlying trunk and many of the larger branches look okay. I'm rather discouraged by this as a tree has been a champ and didn't seem phased at all by cooler weather, and I also have protected it with a bag during the cold front, but alas to no avail.
Any suggestions on what I should do with what remains? Throw it out? Wait and see if it grows back? Bail on the black sapote in future and plant something else? It handled the summer heat without any issue, put on a ton of new growth... But this cold was only near freezing for a couple of hours and seems to have done it in.
Thank you!
17
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Avocado thread
« on: February 22, 2023, 07:28:52 PM »
We are in the middle of a windy cold spell in Southern California, and unfortunately a large branch off of my zotano avocado broke off last night. Here are photos showing the fallen branch and the residual trunk at the site. It had so many buds too! :-(
https://imgur.com/KNVwL2V photo of the remaining broken off portion
https://imgur.com/28bkrCp photo of the fallen large branch, approximately 8 to 10 ft long with lots of offshoots
I'm planning to cut the jagged remaining portion clean, and then try grafting in a bark graft style along it. However, I don't want to do the graft right now as we have at least a week of more windy and cold weather. Do you all think this approach will be okay? Any tips or suggestions?
https://imgur.com/KNVwL2V photo of the remaining broken off portion
https://imgur.com/28bkrCp photo of the fallen large branch, approximately 8 to 10 ft long with lots of offshoots
I'm planning to cut the jagged remaining portion clean, and then try grafting in a bark graft style along it. However, I don't want to do the graft right now as we have at least a week of more windy and cold weather. Do you all think this approach will be okay? Any tips or suggestions?
18
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Shooting at San Diego Fruit Nursery
« on: February 10, 2023, 10:50:36 PM »
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/2-shot-at-plant-nursery-in-fallbrook-san-diego-sheriffs-department/3165126/
Very sad. Atkin's Nursery in Fallbrook, CA
Very sad. Atkin's Nursery in Fallbrook, CA
19
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Just curious - how many year-round greenhouse/indoor gardeners?
« on: January 28, 2023, 01:08:46 AM »
Really neat setups everyone.
Has anyone created a passive solar style greenhouse, requiring little to no extra energy input?
Something using a similar concept to this:
https://www.mainepublic.org/environment-and-outdoors/2023-01-25/this-maine-home-can-stay-70-degrees-without-a-furnace-even-when-its-freezing-outside
Has anyone created a passive solar style greenhouse, requiring little to no extra energy input?
Something using a similar concept to this:
https://www.mainepublic.org/environment-and-outdoors/2023-01-25/this-maine-home-can-stay-70-degrees-without-a-furnace-even-when-its-freezing-outside
20
Tropical Fruit Buy, Sell & Trade / Re: Matsumoto persimmon source in SoCal?
« on: January 13, 2023, 12:45:27 PM »
Hi all -- if anyone is looking for persimmons in SoCal, especially the inland empire region, consider checking out the massive bare root collection of trees at Cherry Valley Nursery. They had Giant Fuyu, Chocolate, Coffeecake, Haichiya, regular fuyu, all around 5-6ft tall, about $50-$60. No matsumoto but I was still happy to find the above ones.
21
Tropical Fruit Buy, Sell & Trade / Matsumoto persimmon source in SoCal?
« on: January 06, 2023, 01:31:38 PM »
Hi all -- has anyone had luck finding matsumoto persimmon trees for sale in southern California?
I can find them online, but many sellers don't seem to ship to California.
In store, seems like only Fuyu or Haichiya.
Thanks!
I can find them online, but many sellers don't seem to ship to California.
In store, seems like only Fuyu or Haichiya.
Thanks!
22
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Property Tax Benefits with Fruit Tree Farm? (California)
« on: December 31, 2022, 10:15:06 AM »Not a tax professional, but I have looked into this when deciding to operate a small farm on land that includes my private residence. CA had two exemptions that could lower your property tax through ag use, neither of which your property likely qualifies. Williamson Act requires 100 acres of land and Urban Incentives Zone Act cannot have improved land. Both cases require demonstrated sale of ag goods (fruit). I’m my case, I run my orchard through my corporation for federal tax benefits among other considerations but that opens you to a number of other oversights including demonstrated profitability and S-Corp annual renewals. To Brad’s point, in the end big brother gets his due and there is no cheating the system.
Thanks, I appreciate your insight. I'm not surprised it seems much more difficult in California to do so. I heard about the topic in a discussion about land in Montana, where it appears the rules are much more feasible. Found this list, looks like Oregon might be even easier:
https://www.livewaterproperties.com/what-does-it-take-to-qualify-as-an-agricultural-property/
23
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: How to Sprout Pouteria spp.
« on: December 30, 2022, 12:45:12 PM »
I have found Pouteria seems to take a very long time to sprout in general.
24
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Property Tax Benefits with Fruit Tree Farm? (California)
« on: December 30, 2022, 12:43:56 PM »
I have heard that in certain states there are significant property tax advantages to having your fruit tree orchard be under some sort agriculture or homestead designation. Has anyone looked into this in California? (Ag Exemption or something similar?)
25
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Fruit tree with crepe myrtle - like curb appeal?
« on: December 12, 2022, 02:03:44 PM »
Thank you, everyone! Very helpful. I think we will go with the strawberry tree that was mentioned. From my research, looks like it will totally thrive in our climate, and we recently saw 1 at a park nearby that was loaded with fruit + flowers and was very visually pleasing. Double bonus as fruit is edible.
Thanks, all!
https://sactree.org/trees/strawberry-tree/
https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Strawberry_Tree_10303.php
Thanks, all!
https://sactree.org/trees/strawberry-tree/
https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Strawberry_Tree_10303.php
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