Citrus Growers Forum

CampoCalle · Posted: Tue 12 Mar, 2013 1:10 am

Hi, I have been reading and enjoying this forum for a few months and with spring almost here I am getting serious about my present and future citrus orchard. We bought a place last year in Redding's thermal belt, which usually escapes freezing nights in the far north Sacramento Valley which is just a few miles away. Our low (so far) this winter has been a few hours of 29 degrees back in January - not bad!

One of the reasons we bought the property was the fact that there are several existing citrus trees, and we know of a neighbor with a producing avocado. All the orchard trees were abused, and appear to have been pruned with chainsaws in the past. The citrus consists of several neglected and completely out of control rootstocks - gnarled old rough lemons with gigantic puffy fruits and one-inch thorns!

Well, here's an attempt to post a picture of the last standing rough lemon:

Once we cut away some of the thorny lemons we found a real lemon (Lisbon maybe), a grapefruit, and a stunted valencia orange. We also have some sort of citrange, I believe. This was probably a rootsock as well I am guessing but the original grafted variety is nowhere to be found.

Anyway, we have lots of plans for the property and I hope to begin budding trees next year. I hope to grow all the best varieties of citrus and subtropicals, and as many stone fruits and nuts as we can.

I'll start with a couple of questions about rootstocks soon.

Thanks!

Darkman · Posted: Tue 12 Mar, 2013 1:38 am

Welcome aboard!

You have come to the right place to ask questions.

Sounds like you have the beginings of a nice place.

_________________
Charles in Pensacola

Life - Some assembly required, As is no warranty, Batteries not included, Instructions shipped separately and are frequently wrong!

Kentucky Bourbon - It may not solve the problem but it helps to make it tolerable!

CampoCalle · Posted: Tue 12 Mar, 2013 10:32 pm

Yes, looking forward to planting lots of citrus and learning from all of you!

Hershell · Posted: Tue 12 Mar, 2013 11:20 pm

CampoCalle, welcome, it sounds like you are off to a good start.

_________________
Hershell
Nothing in the world takes the place of growing citrus.

Millet · Posted: Tue 12 Mar, 2013 11:39 pm

Welcome, we are very glad to have you as a member. - Millet

CampoCalle · Posted: Tue 12 Mar, 2013 11:50 pm

It's great to be a member. I have collected a few article links that discuss microclimates and citrus growing in this area. Too few people realize that we have a near-ideal climate in this part of Northern California. We are about 75 miles north of any sizable commercial citrus operation that I am aware of.

http://www.redding.com/news/2007/dec/29/juice-your-garden/

http://www.redding.com/news/2011/dec/16/north-state-weather-is-strange-mix-of/

http://www.redding.com/news/2008/jan/19/thermal-belt-shining-example-north-states-weird-we/