Fruits and Nuts

Home , Fruit tree

I C'/ \¿MM. Kß VW -l-l^iS Fruits and Nuts tiiitc'd Sl.ili's Drp.irliurnl nt Agrii iillur' A^rii ulliiri' Ititnriiialioii Hullcliii 4IIH r.n This is a reprint of Part 3 from the 1977 Yearbook of Agriculture, Gardening/or Food and Fun. The Yearbook may be purchased at government bookstores or ordered from the Superinten- dent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Original page numbers from the entire book are used in this reprint.

Part 3 Fruits and Nuts Growing Apples, Pears, and Quinces; Pest Control, Air Drainage Important 246 Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Apricots, Cherries— Climate Puts Limits on What You Can Raise 253 Grapes Are Great But You May Have to Wait; Buying Rooted Vines Can Save You a Year 260 Strawberries Like Full Sun—and a Good Deal of Attention . . . 265 Cane and Bush Fruits Are the Berries; Often IVs Grow Them or Go Without 272 Just About Any Home Garden Can Produce Blueberries 279 Nut Crops—Trees for Food, Ornament, Shade, and Wood 284 Subtropical Fruit Choice Wide—From Avocado to Tamarind . . 291

Issued in December 1977 PART 3 Fruits and Nuts Growing Apples, Pears, and Quinces; Pest Control, Air Drainage Important by Roger D. Way

Growing fruit in the home garden escape late spring frosts which could is a good, profitable hobby, but it also kill blossoms. Windswept hill tops can be challenging because of pest or low valleys where frosts settle control problems. This chapter gives should be avoided. instructions on how to select, plant, Apples grow on a wide range of and maintain an apple, pear or quince soil types. An ideal soil is a well orchard and how to harvest, store drained, fertile, sandy loam at least and use the fruit. four feet deep. Good drainage is more Home-grown apples are excellent important than good fertility. Soils for eating fresh or for apple sauce that remain wet late into the spring and baking. Pears can be home are not suitable. Apple and pear trees canned as halves or eaten fresh. tolerate a wide range of soil acidity. Quinces are used for jelly making or Liming before plowing may not be preserves. Fruit trees can do double- necessary unless the pH is below 5.5. duty in producing fruit and also in There are at least 6,000 apple vari- landscaping. eties. They can be classified accord- Climate is more important than ing to their time of harvest. In the soil in determining where apples will Northeast, the very earliest summer grow successfully. Apples do not varieties are harvested in mid-July grow well in central and southern and the latest in late October at the Florida or southern California because time winter freezes begin. winters are not sufficiently cold to In their approximate order of har- satisfy the necessary chilling require- vest, some of the best mid-July to ments. Some new varieties with low mid-August varieties are: Vista Bella, chilling requirements, such as Anna, Julyred, Jerseymac, Viking, Tydeman will grow farther south than most Early; mid-August to late September: varieties. Gravenstein, Paulared, Prima, Mcln- Conversely, severe cold (—45° or tosh, Cortland, Macoun, Spartan, colder) will kill most apple trees, Jonathan, Rhode Island Greening, Em- making it impractical to grow them in pire; late September to late October northern North Dakota and in other spur type Delicious, Priscilla, Jona- very cold locations. They do well be- gold. Golden Delicious, Spigold, tween Georgia and New Mexico and Northern Spy, Stayman Winesap, Maine, Wisconsin and the southern Idared, Red Rome, Mutsu, and Mel- parts of Canada. rose. There are also many old apple Before planting, survey your area varieties still available from nurseries. and determine what varieties grow Contact your county Extension of- best. fice for a list of recommended vari- Air drainage can be very important eties. to the successful growing of fruit Scab-resistant varieties include trees. Trees planted on sloping land Prima, Priscilla, Macfree, Nova Easy- (5 to 10 percent slope) will sometimes gro, Priam, and Sir Prize. Unfortu- nately, no insect-resistant varieties Roger D. Way is Professor of Pom- are yet available. ology, New York State Agricultural Ex- Satisfactory pear varieties are Bart- periment Station, Cornell University, lett, Spartlett, Moonglow, Seckel, Geneva. Clapps Favorite, Aurora, Gorham,

246 Magness, Highland and Bosc. Mag- eties to cause effective pollination ness and Moonglow have some resis- and fruit set. Bartlett and Seckel are tance to fire bUght, a severe disease cross-incompatible. Most other pear on pears, and are recommended for varieties are cross-compatible. Mag- the South where this disease is a ness and Alexander Lucus do not special problem. Orange is the most produce good pollen. popular quince variety. Bees carry pollen from one variety Variety selection can be greatly to the other. Bees fly at temperatures aided by studying nursery catalogs above 65° F. In some springs, the v^hich give good descriptions of vari- temperature during bloom may never etal attributes, but often fail to point rise above 65°. Due to bee inactivity, out their weak features. little cross-pollination will occur. Pollination is essential for the set- Thus, not much fruit will be set. ting of flowers to initiate fruit development. Apple varieties cannot be Dwarf Trees fertilized by their own pollen. How- Dwarfing rootstocks are a bene- ever, pollen from almost any other ficial innovation for the modern home apple variety will cause fruits to set. orchardist, as well as for the com- Therefore, in order to obtain fruit set, mercial apple grower. Although dwarf you need to provide for cross-pollina- trees are somewhat more expensive tion by having more than one variety to buy, they are easier to prune, within 100 feet. Bouquets of another spray and harvest. They also begin variety may be brought in and placed to bear crops of fruit at a younger age in a pail of water beside the tree. than full-sized trees. The pollen source variety has no The fruit of Delicious, or any other effect on fruit characteristics of the variety, which is borne on a dwarf variety being pollinated. tree is just as large and otherwise Some varieties, although they bear identical with the fruits of Delicious heavy crops when pollinated by an- borne on a full-sized tree. Dwarf other pollen-producing variety, do not rootstocks do not shorten tree life. themselves produce good pollen. Dwarfing in apple and pear trees Examples are Gravenstein, Rhode is caused by specific dwarfing root- Island Greening, Mutsu, and Jona- stocks onto which common varieties gold. When these are grown, it is are budded. Tree size at maturity de- necessary to have three varieties in pends on which rootstock is used. order to provide cross-pollination. True dwarf trees grow to a height of about 10 feet when fully mature at Blooming Times 15 to 20 years of age. Varieties differ in their time of The most dwarfed trees are pro- blooming. Some early bloomers are pagated on Mailing 9 or M.27 roots; Vista Bella, Mclntosh, and Idared. semi-dwarf on M. 26 (12 feet), M. 7 Late bloomers follow about a week (15 feet], or M.9/Malling-Merton 106 later. These include Macoun, Rome interstems; semi-vigorous on MM.106 Beauty, and Golden Delicious. In or MM.Ill; and vigorous (30 feet most years, early and late bloom will high) on seedling roots. overlap and result in good cross-pol- An interstem tree, such as M.9/ lination but in some cool springs, the MM.106, is one with strong growing, overlap may be insufficient. It may be well-anchored MM.106 roots. By dou- desirable to plant two early bloomers ble budding, it has a 6-inch trunk or two late bloomers. section of the very dwarfing M.9 to Pears will not pollinate apples nor produce a semidwarf tree. Finally, the vice versa. Pears also need two vari- variety is budded on the top.

247 Pear trees are dwarfed by growing them on quince roots with an interstem of Old Home to overcome the graft incompatibility which exists between Bartlett and quince. Tree size also is influenced by the inherent varietal vigor, soil fertility, severity of pruning, and several other factors. For example, on a given rootstock, Cortland grows into a larger tree than Golden Delicious or Rome Beauty. Also, nonspur Delicious and Mclntosh will grow into bigger trees than spur type Delicious and Mcln- tosh. Spur varieties are mutations which grow into compact trees that are smaller than normal and usually more desirable for the home orchard. Buying the proper tree from a reliable, local nursery is one of the most critical decisions in the successful growing of fruit in the home orchard. Nursery catalogs contain much information about varieties and planting tips; study them carefully before buying. Medium-sized, 1-year-old trees are preferred to 2- or 3-year-old trees. Do not attempt to grow fruit trees from seed; they do not come true to variety. Trees from seeds produce very small, poor quality fruits. Trees with five varieties on one tree can be grown, but they are not recommended because the different varieties will grow unequally, making tree shaping difficult. Order from the nursery the precise variety/rootstock combination you want. Do not buy a tree which is called "dwarf"; the specific rootstock should be identified. Spacing between trees in the orchard will depend on such factors as how much land is available, vigor of the variety, rootstock vigor, soil fertility, and drainage.

Photo» by RoQer W«y Dwarf apple trees provide easy occess to the fruit. They also bear fruit much quicker than standard trees.

248 Apple Tree Spacing in the Home Garden

Tree spacing (feet) Vnriiatal VarloXai Rootstock Soil vigor fertility Between Between trees rows

Semi-vigorous Dwarf Medium 6 12 (Golden Delicious, (M.9, M.27) High 8 16 Rome Beauty, spur varieties, etc.) Semidwarf (M.7, M.26, Medium 8 16 M.9/MM.106 High 10 18 interstems) Semivigorous Medium 14 22 (MM.106, 111) High 16 24 Vigorous Dvy^arf Medium 10 18 (Cortland, nonspur High 12 20 Delicious, Mclntosh, etc.) Semidwarf Medium 12 20 High 14 22 Semivigorous Medium 18 26 High 20 28

Planting of fruit trees in the north- enough to contain the roots without eastern United States should be done crowding when they are extended in as early as possible—as soon as the their natural position. Do not put land is dry enough to work in the fresh manure in the hole. very early spring. Fall planting is Depth of the hole is important and risky because it may result in winter must be adjusted according to special injury to the trees, but in warmer needs of each tree. If the roots have regions, fall planting is practical. been budded onto size-controlling As soon as the trees are received, rootstocks such as M.9, it is essential they should be unwrapped. The roots that the scion be above the surface should be kept moist and above freez- of the ground. The bud union is the ing. If the planting site is not ready, point at which the scion variety bud dig a temporary hole in the garden had been inserted into the rootstock and heel-in the roots in moist soil in and there usually is a small crook a shady spot. Trees should be planted at this point. Dwarf trees are budded while still dormant, or at the latest, high in the nursery (14 inches) so before much leaf growth occurs. they can be planted deep for good Fruit trees require full sunlight and anchorage. should not be planted in the shade Put the topsoil into the bottom of of a building or large tree. The or- the hole. Do not use grass sod to fill chard area should be plowed and the the hole. Bring in good soil from an- soil disked before planting. Prune off other part of the garden if necessary. damaged, broken, diseased or dead Tramp hard with the heel of your roots. Cut off the tips of excessively boot to firmly pack the soil. Pour on long roots so they are no more than a pail of water just after planting. 15 inches long. Usually very little No fertilizer is applied at planting root pruning is needed. Dig a large time, nor during the first summer. hole a foot or more deep and wide Any labels attached to the tree

249 must be removed at planting, as the Christmas tree. A 5-year-old tree wire or string will girdle the trunk should have 5 to 7 side branches, after growth begins. well spaced around the main central Just after planting, cut off the top trunk. of the tree at a height of 30 inches. You may need to partially shorten If there are several side branches, the leader and to remove some of the remove half of them to balance the high central branches to prevent the root loss. tree from growing too high. Heavy You need to stake dwarf apple cropping tends to deter too much trees because they have poor an- branch growth. chorage due to their brittle roots; Trees on dwarf rootstocks have heavy fruit crops will topple them. less excessively vigorous growth than They need support throughout their trees on seedling roots. Pruning itself lifetimes. Semidwarf trees may also has a dwarfing effect on the tree. require staking. Semivigorous and Sometimes, dwarf trees need very lit- vigorous trees will stand alone with- tle pruning. out staking. Cut out branches which cross each Just after planting a dwarf tree, a other, as well as vigorous upright 2x2 inch stake, 4 feet long, is driven suckers in the middle of the tree. 2 feet into the ground at a distance Thin out parts of the tree which are of about 6 inches from the tree trunk. too thick and which hamper penetra- The tree is supported by tying it to tion of chemical sprays and sunlight. the top of the stake with a strip of Make pruning cuts flush with the cloth. As the tree grows, the tie main limb, without leaving stubs. On must be loosened so that it does not young trees no healing paint is neces- girdle the tree. sary. Crotch angles of some varieties, Pruning especially spur type Delicious, tend to Pruning fruit trees is an art. A be vary narrow. The branches grow strict rule is not to prune too much, almost straight up, close to the center especially in the early years. The tree of the tree. These should be spread should be trained in the first year or out in the first, second, and third two so that it will begin to develop years and later if necessary. into its proper shape. Select branches Spreaders should be placed before with wide crotch angles. In the third you make pruning cuts. Cut a thin to sixth years, very little pruning may lath board about 18 inches long with be needed. Overpuning will delay V cuts on both ends. The V on one bearing. end is braced against the central Prune in late winter or early spring. leader and the other against the Summer pruning of small twigs is also branch to force it outward to an an- a good practice and helps to keep tree gle of about 45°. Branches can also size down. Each spring cut out all be forced outward by loosely tying dead and broken branches. During the their tips to a stake driven firmly into first two years, select branches the ground. Clothespins or No. 9 wire spaced at intervals along the main 6 to 16 inches long and sharpened on stem. Cut off all branches lower than both ends also are very effective in 20 inches. A short trunk and closely spreading small branches. Spreading spaced lateral branches will aid in of branches discourages too much developing a small, compact tree. vigorous tree growth and also in- Train the tree so that it has a cen- duces early fruit production. tral leader which is taller than the Dwarf trees can also be trained on other side branches. Shape it like a a wire trellis similar to grapevines.

250 Fertilizer chips or coarse hay, will require extra Beginning with the second year, nitrogen fertilizer to aid decomposi- apply fertilizer annually about two tion. Mulches may harbor harmful weeks before bloom. It must not be mice in winter. applied in mid to late summer be- Thorough irrigation benefits fruit cause this stimulates late summer trees in midsummer when little rain- growth which will be too tender and fall occurs. Watering is especially im- result in winter kill during very cold portant at planting time and during winters. the first summer. In Western States, Ammonium nitrate at V^ pound per of course, fruit trees are almost al- tree multiplied by the number of ways irrigated every summer. years the tree has been set, but never Frost (28° F or lower) occurring more than 2V2 pounds per tree, is after bloom kills all the blooms and applied to moderately fertile soils. young fruit and there will be no crop. Very fertile soils need less. Frost injury to blossoms occurs most The quantity of fertilizer is also frequently in the low parts of a val- adjusted according to the tree's vigor. ley, because cool air is heavier than If shoot growth the previous year was warm and it drains to the low areas. more than 12 inches long, less fer- On a sloping hill there may be good tilizer will be needed. air drainage and less damage will Too much nitrogen causes exces- occur. Trees near houses in suburban sive branch growth, inhibits fruit set, areas will suffer less frost damage causes poor fruit color and flavor, than those in rural areas. Late bloom- delays ripening, and encourages fire ing varieties, such as Golden Delicious blight disease. Conversely, pale green or Rome Beauty, sometimes escape or yellowish leaves in the summer late spring frosts. and short shoot growth may indicate Frequently there is little the home the need for more nitrogen fertilizer orchardist can do to protect against the following spring. frost. Phosphorous fertilizer generally Pest control is one of the most dif- neither benefits nor harms apple ficult aspects of growing your own trees. If the soil is low in potassium, fruit. It is not possible to produce apply some. usable apples without applying chemi- A 10-10-10 fertilizer at three times cal sprays. Pears do better. When the above^ rates of ammonium nitrate pears are grown without insect con- is an equally good substitute. trol, it is often possible to use about Fertilizer is scattered under the half of the fruits. outer parts of the branches. Since am- Insects which can be really serious monium nitrate dissolves easily, you problems on apples include the cod- don't need to dig holes in the soil. ling moth, apple maggot, red-banded Stable manure can be used instead leaf roller, tent caterpillar, aphids, of chemical fertilizers, but it is usual- mites, and apple tree borers. Serious ly more expensive and less available. diseases include apple scab, powdery Mulches of any plant material, such mildew, and fire bhght. The home as straw, grass or sawdust, suppress gardener usually must accept less weed growth, hold soil moisture dur- than complete control or apply more ing a dry summer, maintain favorable spray than is actually needed. soil temperatures, and add organic Mow the orchard weekly so that matter to the soil. Mulches should be tall grass and weeds do not compete six inches or more deep and extend with the trees for soil moisture and to the tips of the branches. Woody nutrients. Fertilizers do not reduce materials, such as sawdust, wood the need for grass and weed control.

251 but mulches and herbicides can be Harvest when fruits begin to drop useful in helping control weeds. Mod- and soften or become fully colored, ern herbicides can kill all grass with- and have developed good eating qual- out damage to the trees. If weeds are ity. Early summer apple varieties controlled, no soil cultivation will be tend to ripen unevenly, and several needed. pickings over a 2-week period may Meadow mice and rabbits can chew be needed, but the fruits on individual off the trunk bark. If the bark is trees of late varieties all ripen at chewed completely around the trunk, once. the tree will die unless it is bridge Certain varieties such as Mclntosh grafted. Crushed stone packed around begin to drop even before they ripen. the base of the trunk, and wire guards Others such as Cortland will not drop, of y4-inch mesh screen made into a even long after they have become tightly closed cylinder IV2 feet high overripe. and 6 inches in diameter wrapped Harvest Bartlett pears before they around the base of the trunk, can help begin to turn yellow. Ripen them at control mice. Rodenticides are some- room temperature off the tree in the times used. basket. If the orchard is near a wooded Yields of fruit trees will vary, de- area, deer may chew off the growing pending on such factors as pests, tips of young shoots. Tankage, a pul- rootstocks and variety. Fruit buds for verized animal slaughter by-product, the 1979 crop develop on the tree in a small cloth bag hung in the tree beginning in June, 1978, and they re- sometimes helps to repel deer. quire adequate foliage for proper Birds may peck into early summer flower development. apples which ripen from mid-July to Some varieties such as Golden De- mid-August, and can cause serious licious crop at a young age, often 3 damage. Late ripening varieties are years, but others, such as Northern not injured by birds. Spy, are much less precocious, often Thinning is necessary when too beginning about the 8th year. heavy a crop of fruit is set. It results Mature apple trees on dwarfing in larger, better colored and higher rootstocks usually produce 1 to 2 quality fruits. bushels per tree. On seedling roots, Prevent too early cropping by re- 15-year-old trees may bear 5 to 15 moving all fruits just after bloom in bushels. the spring of the first and second Pear trees may produce half the years. This encourages maximum volume of fruit borne by apple trees. early tree growth. Fruit removal from Storage of early ripening summer the leader will encourage an upright apple varieties is generally not prac- leader. tical, but late October varieties store Up to five or six years of age, well. Such apples store best at 31° F apple trees usually do not overset. at high humidity and will stay tree- But after six years, thinning may be fresh through the winter. A home needed. Reduce the crop to a fruit per fruit storage can be made from a spur, spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. large garbage can or a large discarded By thinning in the years of exces- home refrigerator buried in the ground sive fruit set, alternate cropping vari- with its door at the surface. In the eties such as Baldwin and Wealthy case of a refrigerator, the lock must can be forced into a more consistently be removed to prevent children from annual cropping behavior. accidentally being trapped inside.

252 Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Apricots, Cherries . Climate Puts Limits on What You Can Raise by John H. Weinberger and Harold W. Fogle

Growing peaches or other stone or may kill the trees. European and fruits in your home garden can re- native plums, cherries and apricots ward you with luscious, tree-ripened are hardier in fruit bud and wood fruit. But you must give your trees than peaches or Japanese plums. the care they require. Here are three Along the southern border of the specifics: country, winter temperatures may be —Regular sprays for, insect and dis- too high to break the rest period of ease control are absolute necessities the buds of many varieties. Only vari- to growing unblemished fruits. eties with a low chilling requirement —Birds and bees will take their succeed there. In the vast area of the share unless you protect ripening country between the marginal areas fruits. most stone fruits can be grown —You must select varieties adapted successfully. to your climate to be assured of reg- Nectarines do best in a climate ular crops. where rain rarely falls in the three Despite such requirements, the op- weeks before ripening. They are very portunity to have fruits of various susceptible to brown rot disease. flavors, tastes and textures for up to Japanese plums, except for a few six months in your home garden is a varieties, are not adapted to the hu- real inducement to plant stone fruits. mid climate of the Southeast. Diseases Peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots affect the trees and the fruits of most and cherries are called stone fruits varieties. because they have a hard, stony pit. Apricots bloom early in spring. The They can be eaten fresh, or saved for blossoms are usually killed by frost future enjoyment by canning, preserv- or freezes each year in all but the ing, freezing, or drying. Sour cherries most favorable locations. are most often used in pies. Sweet cherries are not adaptable The climate where you live limits to the extreme North or South. Every- your selection of the kinds of stone where birds will get a good share of fruits you can grow. Individual vari- the fruit before the home gardener is eties must be adapted also. One or ready to harvest unless the tree is more of the stone fruits can be grown protected by netting or otherwise. in every State except Alaska. Peaches should receive first con- Low winter temperatures hamper sideration by the home gardener for the growing of stone fruits in North- their wide adaptability, long ripening ern States. Some fruit buds of period, and ease of growing. Nec- peaches, nectarines, and Japanese tarines, where adaptable, are equally plums are usually killed by tempera- as good. tures below 0° F and a reduced crop European plums need more care results. Lower temperatures damage than peaches. They bloom later than Japanese plums and may escape frost. Japanese plums, where adapted, pro- John H. Weinberger is a Collaborator with Horticuhural Crops Production, duce large and attractive fruits with Agricultural Research Service, Fresno, a minimum of care. Calif. Harold W. Fogle is a Research Apricots in the home garden should Horticulturist, Agricultural Research be tried only in commercial apricot- Service, Beltsville, Md. growing regions.

253 Sweet cherry trees reach large size, tilization must be planted nearby. For which adds to the problem of grow- best results select two varieties to ing them in a backyard. plant which are known to be cross- Contact your county Extension of- fertile. An alternative is to bud or fice for recommended variety lists graft a branch of the pollinator vari- and cultural practices. ety in the desired tree. Nearly all peach, nectarine and ap- Location, Spacing ricot varieties set fruit with their own Stone fruit trees should not be pollen. Avoid self-sterile varieties of planted in a low or frosty location, these fruits. where frost damage to blossoms and Select only varieties which do well young fruits is probable. Moderately in your locality. The fruits should elevated ground or a slope will pro- have good flavor and smooth texture vide the necessary air drainage. Tem- to make your efforts worthwhile. Ex- peratures below 30° F will kill most treme firmness and slow softening fruits. are not necessary since the fruit will The soil should be reasonably fer- not be shipped. On the other hand, tile, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Poorly rapid softening makes handling drained soils are not suitable for difficult. stone fruits. Avoid planting trees in Fruits of most commercial varieties the permanent sod part of the lawn. will fill these requirements satisfac- Plant them in border plots or edges torily when picked at their peak of of the lawn. Fruit trees need full sun. perfection. Do not let nostalgia for old Do not plant them in the shade of varieties overly influence your choice. larger trees. Peaches, nectarines, and plums have Peach, nectarine, plum, and sour been much improved in recent years. cherry trees need the least space for Hundreds of peach varieties are maximum production; 18 to 24 feet available. Freestone peaches are pre- is adequate. Apricot and sweet cher- ferred for fresh use and for freezing. ries need 25 to 30 feet. Peach and Both freestone and clingstone peaches plum trees can be kept small by may be canned. Varieties grown in the pruning and maintained in a 10- to humid region east of the Rocky Moun- 12-foot spacing if necessary. tains are usually different from those All fruit can be picked from the grown in dry irrigated areas west of ground if trees are kept low by prun- the Rockies. ing. Training trees on a wall or wire For the eastern part of the country, trellis is practical where space is a succession of varieties in time of limited. ripening from early to late would be A single tree can have fruit ripening Springold, Candor, Early Redhaven, over several months if three to six Dixired, Harbrite, Redhaven, Red- early, medium and late ripening varie- globe, Loring, Redskin, and Monroe. ties are budded into one tree. Budding In States from Texas to Maryland is best done in late August while the where bacterial leaf spot disease is a bark still slips. The buds remain dor- problem, give special consideration mant until spring, when they are to resistant varieties such as Senti- forced by cutting off the branch just nel, Ranger, and Dixiland. above the bud. The ordinary "T" bud Special varieties having a low chill- is the simplest type to use. ing requirement are needed where Sweet cherries and some Japanese winters are too warm for the above plum varieties require cross-pollina- varieties. These include Maygold, tion in order to set fruit. A tree of Junegold, and Suwanee. Desertgold another variety capable of cross-fer- and Flordasun, which require even

254 less chilling, are suitable for central Rosa, and Casselman are partially Florida and the Rio Grande Valley. self-fertile and will pollinate the A succession of peach varieties for other varieties. In the Southeast, the dry, irrigated areas west of the Frontier and Ozark Premier can be Rocky Mountains are Springold, grown. Frontier needs cross-pollina- Springerest, Royal May, Flavorcrest, tion. Methley and Santa Rosa are use- Regina, Redtop, Suncrest, Fayette, ful farther north. Summerset, and Fairtime. They ripen Frost-protected locations are best from mid-April to mid-September. for Japanese plums because of their Firm-fleshed clingstone peaches for early blossoming. canning are Loadel, Andross, and Blenheim {Royal}, Tilton, and Cas- Halford. Junegold, Sunnyside, and tleton are suitable apricot varieties in Fairway varieties are freestones California. In other areas Wenatchee adapted to warmer areas of the re- (Moorpark), Goldrich, and Early gion. Desertgold can be grown where Golden may be used. Apricots bloom winters are short. earlier than Japanese plums. Some of these peach varieties may not be available in your area. You might visit a local fruitstand where you can select a locally-grown, adapted variety suiting your needs. Nectarines are beautiful fruits. In recent years some non-patented varieties have been developed which are available to the home gardener. The earliest is Firebrite, followed in order by Independence, Flavortop, Fantasia, Late Le Grand, Flamekist, and Fair- lane. Fairlane ripens about September Robert Bjofi" 1 in California. Remember that in hu- A sour cherry variety. mid climates, nectarines are harder to grow than peaches. The home gardener who wishes to Plum Varieties challenge the birds for his crop of European plums can be grown in sweet cherries might plant Bing, Rain- most States, including some of those ier or Van. They ripen in June and too cold for peaches. Suggested va- July. Two or more varieties are rieties are the self-fruitful Fellenberg needed for pollination. (Italian Prune), Stanley, and Shrop- Sour cherry varieties available are shire. In the Far West, Tragedy and Montmourency, English Morello, and President can be grown and they pol- Early Richmond. linate each other. French Prune is used for drying. It is self-fertile and Planting can be planted alone. A comercial nursery is the most Varieties developed from native convenient source of trees for the American species of plums are avail- home gardener. Trees are graded by able for areas with severe winters. height in feet, or trunk caliper in Japanese plums ripen from May to inches. A medium-sized tree (4 to 6 September in California. A succession feet in height or VT. to Vs inch in of varieties in season of ripening is diameter) often gives best survival Burmosa, Santa Rosa, El Dorado, La- and growth. roda. Friar, and Casselman. Santa Trees should be dormant when

255 planted. Spring planting is satisfactory in most areas providing the trees are kept dormant before planting. Fall or winter planting also is satisfactory and sometimes preferred in southern areas. If conditions are not suitable for planting at time of purchase, store in moist cellar or "heel-in" outdoors in a trench. Keep the roots moist and cool but avoid freezing. Remove broken or diseased roots. If the roots have dried out in handling, soak them for several hours or overnight. Avoid planting when roots might be exposed to freezing. Plant the tree 1 or 2 inches deeper than it was growing in the nursery. Fill around the roots with topsoil, and tamp the soil. If the soil is dry, add 1 or 2 gallons of water to the hole. Fill the hole with soil and round off slightly. Trees usually bear their first appre- In mature trees, keep vigorous cur- ciable crop the third or fourth year rent-season wood coming along to after planting. bear next year's crop of peaches and At planting time, the nursery tree nectarines. The other stone fruits pro- usually has a single upright stem duce spurs which bear part of the which should be cut back to 24 to fruit. Cut the tops back to reasonable 36 inches. This cut should be just picking height but change the height above a mature bud. If there are of cuts slightly each year. Prune to wide-angled, strong lateral branches, renew the bearing wood annually. select 2 to 4 which are separated up to 6 inches and spaced around the Fertilization trunk. Tip these slightly. Remove or Most of the 12 nutrient elements severely stub remaining laterals. essential for growth are available in Select 3 or 4 scaffold branches dur- nearly all soils. The tree's growth and ing the first dormant period. These production can tell you which ones selected branches become the tree's are deficient. Leaf sample tests may primary framework. be useful in diagnosing deficiencies. Pruning should be minimal until the Nitrogen is most often needed. A tree bears fruit. Unpruned trees tend tree deficient in nitrogen will have to bear younger than pruned ones. light green to yellowish foliage and However, branches which cross or reduced shoot growth. In severe cases interfere with good exposure of the of N deficiency, small leaves, red scaffolds should be removed. An specks on leaves and sometimes on open-centered vase-type tree will give fruit, misshapen and insipid fruit, good exposure. Some secondary and greatly reduced growth are com- branches may be kept for early fruit and protection of the trunk and crot- Peach tree with well-spaced, strong ches from sunscald, but they should scaffold limbs and open center for not interfere with the tree's basic maximum exposure to light on the fruit- framework. bearing surface.

256 mon symptoms. Excessive nitrogen Frost Protection causes rank growth, poor fruit color Protecting fruit trees from frost is and flavor, and may subject the tree difficult in the backyard. Anti-smog to winter damage. restrictions prohibit use of smudge The dormant period is a convenient pots or similar protection. time to apply fertilizers. For a tree Choose the most frost-free site growing in sod, you need extra fer- available before planting. Record the tilizer to satisfy requirements of both minimum temperatures in available tree and sod. sites for at least a year in critical To remove competiton for nutrients areas. Avoid planting in draws or ba- and water, keep a bare area under the sins where cold air settles. Higher spread of the tree by culivation, her- elevations are usually best, but wind- bicides or mulches. swept knolls should be avoided. Apply a complete fertilizer (10-10- Covering trees with tarpaulins or 10 or similar mixture] after the newly other material to prevent radiation planted tree starts to put out leaves. cooling is one way of protecting them. Each subsequent year apply fer- However, 'some framework is usually tilizer in amounts judged necessary necessary to avoid tree damage. It is for the individual tree based on ap- cumbersome to cover large trees, and pearance or leaf analysis. An approxi- the cover must be left on until air mate amount to apply is Vs pound of temperature is safely above freezing actual nitrogen per year of tree age and then removed before damaging up to 1 pound per tree. Spread the heat is built up. Hence, covering is fertilizer evenly in a circle slightly usually impractical except for small larger than the tree spread. Applica- trees. tions may be split, with part applied Low volume sprinkling can be used during the growing season. Avoid for frost control. Pruning must be al- nitrogen applications after late July tered to give a heavy, stiff framework in northern areas. to hold the ice load from all-night Regular irrigation in arid areas is sprinkling. Protection depends on needed, and supplemental irrigation a continuous film of unfrozen water in natural rainfall areas is desirable. which releases heat for bud protec- A temporary drought, particularly tion. Sprinkling must be continued during the month before harvest, may until air temperature is well above severely reduce fruit size and quality, freezing or the night's effort may be even though the annual rainfall is lost. adequate. Sod or shallow-rooted Don't try growing stone fruits un- plants will show water stress before less you provide for adequate pest the tree suffers from lack of moisture. control. You need spray equipment Avoid frequent light irrigation. In- capable of reaching the tops of ma- stead soak the soil thoroughly to root ture trees, or you need to be able depth and wait for signs of moisture to hire a custom spraying service stress in the indicator plant before when required. irrigating again. Too heavy or too fre- Obtain and follow carefully the quent irrigation may damage roots. pest control calendar from your Cherries are particularly susceptible county Extension office. Timing of to excessive moisture. sprays is extremely important. Use Heavier soils—particularly those only currently recomended materials with considerable clay—require less at the rates specified. frequent irrigation than light, sandy Brown rot, caused by Moniiinia soils and are subject to slower loss spp., destroys more ripening fruit of nutrients to the subsoil. than any other pest. This is particu-

257 larly serious in areas where it rains Several virus and virus-like di- during and just before harvest. Re- seases can spread unchecked unless moval of rotting fruit and "mummies" diseased trees are recognized and re- from the trees wrill help control moved. They will not recover, and en- spread of the fungus. danger nearby trees. Scab, leaf curl, and cherry leafspot Precise timing of sprays should give usually are not troublesome if trees adequate control of insects. However, are sprayed regularly. Bacterial leaf missed sprays can result in wormy spot is not adequately controlled by fruit, dead "flags" in the terminal spraying in extremely sandy soils of growth, girdling of trunks by borers, the Eastern United States—resistant or leaf damage by aphids and mites. varieties should be planted. Protecting trunks from mice and rabbits with wire screens or plastic wrap-arounds may be necessary on Ti Ê Carnahan trees growing near forests. Covering ripening fruit with netting is often the only way to protect it from birds and squirrels.

Fruit Thinning Adequate dormant pruning removes a large number of flower buds. Prun- ing is the only practical thinning method for cherries, and can do a par- tial thinning in the other stone fruits. Heavy pruning may reduce the number of buds too drastically if later frosts kill additional fruit buds. Additional thinning usually is needed after fruits have started development. Trees overloaded with fruit must have the crop thinned out to produce fruit of adequate size and good quality, and to prevent limb breakage. Peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots should be spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Early ripening varieties need the greater spacing, and must be thinned early to give large fruit. Later varieties can be thinned at the pit- hardening stage without much loss in final size. The advantage of homegrown fruit is that the best quality possible can be attained by ripening it on the tree. Most fruit for commercial use must

It's tempting to want to leave aU the jruit on a peach tree. By thinning the peaches, those left on tree will be ¡arger. be picked three to seven days before Drake, C. R., Diseases of Stone Fruits soft ripeness to withstand handling and Their Control in Virginia, Vir- and shipping. ginia Agri. Exp. Sta. Publ. 475, Vir- ginia Polytechnic Institute and State Ripeness can be estimated by the Univ., Blacksburg. Va. 24061.1972. 85^. disappearance of green and the devel- Fogle, H. W., J. C. Snyder. H. Baker, and opment of yellow undercolor. Press- others. Sweet Cherries: Production, ing the pads of your fingers against Marketing, and Processing, U.S. Dept. a fruit in your cupped hands will in- Agri. Handbook 442, on sale by Super- dicate softening of the fruit without intendent of Documents, U.S. Govern- damaging it. The fruit should be har- ment Printing Office, Washington, vested by this same method, adding a D.C. 20402. 1973. $1.40. slight twist of the wrist to loosen the . L. C. Cochran and H. L. Keil, fruit from its stem. Growing Sour Cherries, U.S. Dept. of Agri. Handbook 451, on sale by Su- Pick the fruit into shallow con- perintendent of Documents, U.S. Gov- tainers to keep bruising at a minimum. ernment Printing Office, Washington, Handle the fruit gently in moving and D.C. 20402. 1974. 40^. transporting it. , H. L. Keil, W. L. Smith, and others. Fruit which will be used within a Peach Production, U.S. Dept. of Agri. short time need not be refrigerated. Handbook 463, on sale by Superin- It will attain its best quality in rela- tendent of Documents, U.S. Govern- tively warm storage. ment Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. 1974. $1.35. Most varieties of fruit can be held Gerdts, M., and J. H. LaRue, Growing in refrigerated storage for two to Shipping Peaches and Nectarines in three weeks without excessive loss California, Calif. Agri. Exp. Sta. Leaf- of quality. Longer storage usuallv re- let 2851, Univ. of Calif., Davis, Calif. sults in internal breakdown of the 95616. 1976. Free. flesh. Rizzi, A. D., and J. A. Beutel, Care of Stored fruit should be checked Standard Fruit Trees, Calif. Agri. Exp. regulariv for rotting or internal break- Sta. Leaflet 2759, Univ. of Calif., Davis, Calif. 95616. 1975. Free. down. Use the fruit as close to its Savage, E. F., and V. E. Prince, Per- prime quality as possible. formance of Peach Cultivars in Geor- gia, Georgia Agri. Exp. Sta. Res. Bui. For Further Reading: 114, Univ. of Georgia, Athens, Ga. Barden, J. A., R. E. Byers, F. R. Dreiling, 30601. 1972. Free. and others. Production Management Schwartz, P. H., Insects on Deciduous Practices for Apples, Peaches and Fruits and Tree Nuts in the Home Nectarines, Virginia Agri. Exp. Station Orchard, U.S. Dept. of Agri. H&G Bui. Publ. 595, Virginia Polytechnic Insti- 190, on sale by Superintendent of tute and State Univ., Blacksburg, Va. Documents, U.S. Government Printing 24061. 1974. 54^. Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. 1972. Benner, B., Fruit and Vegetable Facts 70^. and Pointers; Peaches, United Fresh Seelig, R. A. Fruit and Vegetable Facts Fruit and Vegetable Association, 777 and Pointers; Plums-Prunes, United 14th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005. Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Assn., 777 1963. $2. 14th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, Bobb, M. L., insect and Mite Pests of 1969. $1.90. Apple and Peach in Virginia, Virginia Agri. Exp. Sta. Publ. 566, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg, Va. 24061. 1973. 26^. Childers, N. F., The Peach (Third Edi- tion), Childers Horticultural Publica- tions, New Brunswick, N. J. 08903. 1975. $13,95.

259 Grapes Are Great But You May Have to Wait; Buying Rooted Vines Can Save You a Year hy ]. R. McGrew

Grapes may be used as fresh or summer privacy screen, but after leaf stored table fruit, made into jellies or fall and pruning there is little left. juice, or fermented into wine. There Purchase of rooted vines from a is a wide range of flavors among the nursery or garden store saves a year many varieties. Grapes can be one of over propagating your own vines the easiest home-garden fruits to from cuttings. If muscadines or graft- grow and one of the most rewarding. ed vines are to be grown, the pur- There are several types, each suited chase of plants is preferable. to particular climates, areas and use. Spacing of vines is not critical. Six Trying to grow types not adapted to to 10 feet between vines gives room your area can be a frustrating for each vine, makes pruning easier, experience. and is a more economical use of the In an article this brief, there is no space. way to cover all varieties or all the Planting will be easier if the soil is methods of growing grapes. Nor can spaded or tilled beforehand. Grape- all the possible mistakes, hazards or vine roots rapidly grow out several pests be discussed. What follows are feet in the first two years, so working general statements. compost or fertilizer into the plant- Before deciding to try to grow ing hole will be of little value. grapes, you should consider the basic For at least the first 2 years, an requirements for success: area one to two feet around each vine —A growing season of at least 140 should be kept free of weeds by hoe- frost-free days. ing, or with a heavy mulch of grass —A site with full sunshine and clippings or black plastic. Fertilize good air drainage (not frosty). young plants only on very poor soils. —Soils that are neither waterlogged nor shallow, at least 3 feet deep. Varieties —Willingness to spray at least The choice of grape varieties is three times per year to control in- both important and complicated. Ad- sects and diseases. vice from neighbors, your county Ex- —Patience to wait three to four tension office or from State Agricul- years for vines to reach maturity be- tural Experiment Station bulletins can fore cropping. be most helpful. —Annual pruning of vines. For California and parts of the —Readiness to defend the fruit Southwest, there are many excellent against birds by netting the vines or varieties of Old World grapes fVitis bagging clusters. vinifera). There are seedless table A few vines may be planted along varieties, muscats and many wine va- an existing fence, or a fence or arbor rieties, each best adapted to certain may be built in an esthetically pleas- areas. ant place. Vines form an excellent For the Southeast (from Tidewater Virginia, through the central areas of the Carolinas, south through Florida, }. R. McGrew is a Research Plant Pathologist with the Fruit Laboratory, and west through* the southern part of Plant Genetics and Germplasm Institu- Texas) Pierce's disease kills or short- te, Agricultural Research Service, Belts- ens the life expectancy of many popu- ville, Md. lar grape varieties.

260 In these areas the kinds of grapes that may be expected to give the best results are the muscadines, like Scup- pernong or modern self-fertile varieties, and a few tolerant varieties introduced from the Florida Experi- ment Station at Leesburg; Stover, and Lake Emerald, and a few older varieties such as Champanel, Herbemont and Lukfata. Other varieties may survive to produce a crop or two, but have not proven successful over a longer period. For the rest of the country, where the climate is humid enough to permit wild grapes to survive, the problem of variety selection is complicated by the several diseases and insects that attack cultivated grapes. The Ameri- can and French-American varieties are somewhat tolerant of these problems and therefore less risky to grow. In the shorter season areas (140 to 160 frost-free days), you can grow early ripening varieties such as Beta (blue] for juice and jelly; Foch (blue). Cascade (blue), and in better sites Aurore (white), for wine. Light cropping of vines may be useful in short- season areas because it can advance ripening of the fruit by about two weeks. In the medium season areas (160 to 200 frost-free days). Concord (blue) and Niagara (white) are two of the most popular and easily grown varieties for table use and for juice and jelly. There are several semi-seedless varieties, like Himrod (white) and Suffolk Red, table grapes such as Seneca (white), Alden (blue) and Steuben (blue), and many French- American wine grapes that are satisfactory. Chardonnay and White Reis- ling, representatives of vinifera wine grapes, may survive if sprayed carefully and frequently. For growing seasons longer than

Top, table voriety, Steuben. Right, semi- seediess Suffolk Red. 200 days, late ripening varieties are make good growth during the first preferred. Concord and Niagara are growing season, cut the top back to suitable for juice or jelly. White wine two buds and treat it as a newly varieties include Villard blanc and planted vine. It will generally grow Vidal 256, for red wine-Chambourcin more vigorously during the second and Villard noir. A muscat flavored season. grape of interest is Golden Muscat. Training places the crop in a con- If you have a protected site, in cold venient location for vineyard opera- areas, and if you are v^illing to take tions and harvest. Pruning controls a chance on occasional crop loss and the size of the crop to a level that can especially if you are willing to take be ripened successfully. extra effort to protect vines against pests, you may succeed with varieties Structures that might otherwise fail. Structures on which the vines may Vines should be planted at about be trained range from two or more the same depth they were grown in posts set in the ground and strung the nursery. If vines are grafted, the with two or three horizontal wires (a graft union should be about 2 inches trellis) to decorative arbors. Bracing above ground level. should be sufficient to carry the Roots should be spread out in all weight of vines and crop under the directions in the planting hole. They sort of wind conditions experienced may be trimmed to about 2 inches if in the area. Trellis posts should not you choose to plant the vines in a be more than 20 feet apart and arbor narrow hole made with a post-hole posts not more than 10 feet apart. digger. Wires (11- or 12-gauge smooth gal- The top should be cut back to leave vanized) should be spaced about 2 two or three buds. When the new feet apart up the posts or along the shoots begin to grow, remove all ex- top of an arbor. Closer spacing causes cept the one or two shoots that are excessive shading. To permit weed the most vigorous and straight. Tie control under the vine and to keep these loosely to a light stake. Several the fruit up, the lowest wire should times during the first season remove be 30 to 36 inches above the ground. lateral shoots that develop at the Train a permanent trunk to the top point of attachment of each leaf. This wire of a trells or to the top edge of allows the main shoot to grow more an arbor. rapidly and a full year may be gained During the dormant season when in establishing the vine. vines are pruned, fruiting canes (see Failure to remove these lateral below) should be trained outward shoots and the sprouts that appear along each wire on the trellis or along from the base of the vine throughout an arbor's top edges. the season will result in a bushy vine Each bud on. the fruiting canes which seldom has any shoots long grows into a shoot from 4 to 20 feet enough to reach the trellis. long. These are tied along trellis wires Leave about four lateral shoots just as they grow, or on an" arbor are below any horizontal wires along spaced out across the top wires to which you want the vine to grow. give even exposure to sunlight. When the shoot or shoots reach the Fruiting canes can be readily iden- highest point of the trellis or arbor, tified if we look at a vine in the tie them there, pinch off the tip and spring before growth begins. They are allow several of the lateral shoots to the one-year-old shoots (wood of the grow. previous season), with bark that is If for any reason a vine fails to smooth and brown. At each place

262 where a leaf grew the previous season, there is a conical swelling, or bud. During the growing season, each bud grows into a shoot which bears leaves and generally three clusters of grapes. The more buds that are left after pruning, the more clusters will appear on the vine. An unpruned grape vine will set far more fruit than it can ripen successfully. Fruit from overcropped vines is low in sugar, sour, and has poor color. Excessive over-cropping can severely damage the vine. Obviously the cluster size must be considered in calculating size of a crop. With very large clustered varieties, such as Thompson Seedless, as few as 10 clusters per vine (8-foot spacing] should be left. Perhaps 50 clusters of Concord can ripen and as many as 100 of small clustered varieties such as Beta or Foch. Some types of weedkiller should The commercial grower controls not be used near grapes as they are extremely sensitive. Do not use the crop size by leaving exactly the right number of buds. The home gardener combination of fertilizer plus weedkiller on lawn areas within 15 feet of can achieve a far more accurate control of crop size, and do it despite a grape vine. The weedkiller may be picked up by the grape roots that ex- variations in weather or fruitset, by leaving an excess number of buds, tend out this far and the vine can be two or three times as many as needed, damaged. and removing clusters until the right In many areas birds can be a major problem. Netting, which can be used number remain. Removal of excess earlier in the season for strawberries clusters can be done any time from before bloom until mid-season. and blueberries, is available and if placed carefully over the vines will Pest Control protect the fruit. Most county Extension offices have Hornets and wasps on ripe fruit are spray schedules for the home gar- a common complaint. They are able dener and in those areas where grapes to attack the fruit only if it has been are grown, appropriate sprays for dis- damaged by insects, diseases or birds, eases and insects of grapes are in- or if it is overripe. cluded. You may be able to get an An acceptable taste is the main occasional crop without spraying, but criterion for table use. On a vine that both diseases and insects tend to be- is not overcropped, the berries of blue come progressively more severe from varieties will lose their red color and white varieties will change from green year to year. Control of weeds for a foot or two to golden yellow. Ripe berries will around young vines is worth the ef- soften and seeds become brown. fort in the improvement of growth you can expect. Once established, the Black rot fungus on on American bunch vine will shade out some weed growth. groj)e leaf.

263 As the berries ripen, sugar content For Further Reading: rises while the acid level decreases« Banta, E. S., G. A. Cahoon, and R. G. Both these changes are reflected in Hill, Grape Growing, Bui. 509, Coop. Ext. Serv., Ohio State University, improved taste. Columbus, Ohio 43210. 1969. Free. Determining the harvest of wine Cultural Practices for New York Vine- grapes requires either experience or a yards, Cornell Ext. Bui. 805, Publica- means of measuring both sugar and tion Office, New York Agri. Exp. Sta., acid levels. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. 50^. The jrields of a grapevine greatly Grape Growing in Virginia, Bui. 175, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and affect fruit quality. If you permit vines State University, Blacksburg, Va. spaced at 8 feet to produce over 30 24061. 14^. pounds of fruit each, the quality will Growing American Bunch Grapes, U.S. almost surely be low. Only under ideal Department of Agriculture F 2123, on circumstances and climates can this sale by Superintendent of Documents, size crop be ripened successfully. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. 1974. $1.10. It is better, especially on young Muscadine Grapes, A Fruit for the vines, to leave a smaller crop than South, U.S. Department of Agricul- optimum, say 5 to 10 pounds of fruit, ture F 2157, on sale by Superintendent until you find out how much fruit can of Documents, U.S. Government Print- be ripened successfully in your par- ing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. ticular situation. 1971. 35^. There are several sources of infor- Wagner, P. M., A Wine-Grower's Guide, mation at all levels of complexity for Alfred A. Knopf, New York, N.Y. 11022. $7.95. the home grape-grower. Weaver, R. J., Grape Growing, Wiley & The U.S. Department of Agriculture Sons, Mew York, N.Y. 10016. 1976. and State Agricultural Experiment $16.50. Station bulletins and leaflets cover Winkler, A. J., General Viticulture (Sec- general grape growing, variety recom- ond Edition). Univ. of California Press, mendations, descriptions of diseases Berkeley, Calif. 94720. 1974. $27.50. and insects, pests, and recommended spray programs. States which have an established grape industry tend to have more complete and extensive publications.

264 Strawberries Like Full Sun — and a Good Deal of Attention by Robert G. Hill Jr., James D. Utzinger, and Eiden J. Stang

Success in growing strawberries de- likely to be lost to late spring frosts, pends on close attention to cultural which destroy the flowers. details. Small well-cared for plantings Avoid planting strawberries on are generally more rewarding than steep slopes. Heavy rains are apt to larger plantings which receive less bury some plants and wash others out care. of the soil. If you must use a sloping You can expect nearly a quart of site, rows should run across the slope berries from each plant you set if you or on the contour. follow good cultural practices. Well Avoid areas used recently to grow established and cared for plantings tomatoes, potatoes, or sod. These sites can produce berries up to three years. are likely to contain disease and in- Besides being a versatile dessert sect pests that may attack strawber- fruit, strawberries are highly nutri- ries. Likewise, avoid sites heavily tious. One cup of fresh strawberries infested with quackgrass, Johnson supplies more than the recommended grass or thistle, or else treat the site daily Vitamin C requirement. Straw- well before planting to destroy those berries also make a welcome addition weed pests. to the home freezer or can be used for Performance of a strawberry variety jellies and jams and other preserves. is markedly influenced by local soil Strawberries do best when planted and cHmatic conditions. A variety where they receive full sun most of highly successful in one area may be the day. They grow and produce well of little value in another. So select in a wide range of soils—from sandy varieties on the basis of area condi- to heavy loams, but sandy loams are tions. Ask your county Extension of- preferred. Strawberries are not par- fice what varieties are best adapted ticularly sensitive to soil acidity or for your area. No cultural practice alkalinity. However, they produce best can overcome a handicap imposed by on acid soils with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. poor selection of varieties. Key factors in site selection are soil Commercially available strawberry drainage and freedom from frost. varieties are self-fruitful (they don't Don't expect good production without require cross pollination], and will adequate soil drainage during the en- produce good crops when only one tire year. Strawberries can't tolerate variety is planted. However, most standing water. Since strawberries home gardeners prefer to plant sev- bloom very early in spring, don't plant eral varieties to extend the harvest. them in a frost pocket. Frost pockets Two types of strawberries are avail- are low-lying areas into which cold able. June bearing strawberries pro- air drains. The crop in such areas is duce a single crop each year. Everbearing strawberries produce one crop during the normal season and a The authors are all members of the second crop during fall of the same Department of Horticulture at the Ohio year. Probably the normal June bear- State University and the Ohio Agri- cultural Research and Development Cen- ing type is the most popular. ter, Wooster. Robert G. Hill, Jr., is Pro- Other factors to consider are qual- fessor and Associate Chairman. James ity of the berries, their suitability for D. Utzinger is Associate Professor. Eiden freezing, and the degree of disease J. Stang is Assistant Professor. resistance.

265 Buying Plants low trench deep enough to accommo- Buy from a reputable nursery to date the roots. Open the bundles and be sure of getting quality plants true place a single layer of plants against to name. To get plants of the desired one side of the trench so the crowns varieties, order as early as possible are partially above the soil line. Cover and indicate the desired delivery date. the roots with soil, moist peat moss, The best kinds of plants to buy are or sawdust, and firm carefully. "virus-free". They can yield 50 to 75 Plants so handled can be held for percent more fruit than plants from several weeks, if not allowed to dry ordinary planting stock. out. But don't leave plants heeled-in There is no apparent visual differ- any longer than necessary. ence between virus-free and ordinary It is wiser and cheaper, in the long planting stock. The only way to be run, to purchase nursery stock than certain the plants are virus-free is to to secure planting stock from your purchase registered plants. These have own or a neighbor's plantings. The been grown under State supervision, better the planting stock, the better and the word registered on the bundle yields you can expect. label indicates the plants are substan- tially virus-free, the best that can be Site Preparation obtained. It is best to begin preparing the Virus-free plants of many varieties strawberry site the year before plant- are available. Use them whenever ing. Use the proposed site to grow a possible. cultivated crop during the season Another class of plants, certified, prior to planting. Chronic weeds can also is grown under State supervision. be controlled and soil fertility levels Certification indicates the plants are adjusted during this period. Use soil free of most noxious diseases and in- test results as a guide in adjusting the sects; however, they may carry virus. fertility level. If necessary to plant an Certified plants are the best available area that has been in sod, turn or of some varieties. spade the sod over during the fall Dormant strawberry plants are best before planting. Weed problems in for spring planting. Plants dug early plantings set into newly-turned sod and held dormant in storage, if prop- can be overwhelming. erly stored, are as good as freshly dug Ideally, work the site during late plants. In some cases, stored plants summer. Seeding the area to ordinary are superior. rye in early September helps control When plants arrive, check the bun- erosion. Usually, 2 to 3 pounds of rye dles. If necessary, moisten the roots, seed per 1,000 square feet will give but do not soak them. Plants which the desired results. cannot be set immediately may be If animal manures are available, stored in a refrigerator for several they may be applied in fall. A suitable weeks, or until planting conditions application is 50 to 75 pounds of are satisfactory. Hold plants as close strawy manure per 100 square feet. to 32° F as possible in the plastic Prepare the site for planting as early bags they are shipped in. Be sure the as possible in spring, during late bags are closed by folding only, and March or early April, before the rye not tightly closed. gets too tall. Work the soil until it is If no storage facilities are available near seedbed condition. and planting can't be done in a few Apply fertilizer and work it in as days, carefully unpack plants and heel you prepare the soil. Adjust rates of them in. To heel-in, pick a sheltered fertilizer application based on your and well-drained area and dig a shal- experience with the site, or results of

266 a soil test. On most sites, 1 pound of Strowberries pionted in matted row sys- a 5-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet tem used by most home gardeners. will be beneficial. For convenience, you may mix and spread the recommended soil insecticides with this roots. Place the plants in the soil so fertilizer. the roots are spread out. Cover the Don't work the soil when it is wet. roots until the crown (where the leaves arise] is just above the soil sur- Making the Planting face. If the crowns are covered with The training system to be followed soil, or the roots exposed, plants will in strawberry planting determines the do poorly and may die. distance between rows and between Hand planting can be done by a plants in the row. Most home garden- two-person team. One person forces ers use the matted TOW. NO effort is a spade or long-handled shovel about made to limit the number of runner 6 inches into the soil and pushes it plants, but they are kept within a row forward to open the hole. "The other 18 to 24 inches wide. Plants of most inserts the plant to the proper depth varieties are usually set every 18 and holds it against the side of the inches in rows 48 inches apart. hole while the spade is removed. The The other system is the spaced TOW. one with the spade then closes the The number and location of runner hole by inserting the spade in front plants is predetermined. The spaced of the hole and pushing forward on row system requires much more labor the handle. Soil about the roots is than the matted row. It also requires then firmed with the foot. setting more plants per unit area. After setting, if the soil is dry, give Early spring planting is best. Set each plant at least a cup of water. plants as soon as the soil can be pre- Regardless of the planting methods, pared, normally during late March and make every effort to prevent the early April. Don't attempt to plant plants from drying out. until the soil is dry enough to work. If plants can be maintained in a dor- First Season Care mant condition and irrigation is avail- Remove flower stalks as they ap- able, planting can be delayed. pear. If berries are allowed to develop, Before planting, remove all but two they will reduce plant growth, runner- or three of the most vigorous leaves ing, and next year's crop. and prune away about a third of the Carefully cultivate and hand hoe

267 August 1. Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves. Fertilizer applications in the spring of fruiting years are apt to cause soft berries and reduce yields. Since too much nitrogen may cause excessive growth and reduce yields, exercise care in application rates. Use irrigation and pest control practices as needed.

Winter Care Mulch strawberry plantings in colder regions as a winter safeguard. A mulch protects plants from severe cold and against soil heaving caused by alternate freezing and thawing of the soil. the planting throughout the season to The best mulching materials are control weeds. Frequent, shallow cul- clean, seed-free wheat or rye straw. tivation in one direction only is best. Tree leaves and oat straw tend to Infrequent, deep cultivation can dam- pack and smother the plants. Coarser age strawberry plants. materials offer little protection. Saw- Cultivation helps keep runner plants dust may be used, but straw is pre- within the allotted row area and per- ferred. Expose the straw to weather mits easier rooting of runner plants. by placing it near the planting in early Don't allow the rows to get wider fall. Most of the grain and weed seeds than 18 to 24 inches. Chemical her- will germinate before the mulch ap- bicides may be used as an aid in plication, thus reducing a serious weed control during this period. But spring weed problem. for most garden plantings their use is Apply mulch 3 to 4 inches deep not recommended because of prob- over the plant rows. Do this only after lems in application. the planting has experienced several Runner plants produced after Au- sharp freezes—in the lower 20's. It is gust 15 are relatively unproductive easier to apply mulch when the and should be removed, unless the ground is frozen. When mulch is ap- desired matted row has not been plied before growth stops, damage to obtained. the crowns could occur. If mulching Fertilizer applications are seldom is delayed, low temperatures could needed during the growing season. damage the crowns. But if the new plants appear light Mice sometimes will damage straw- green and don't grow well, sidedress berry plants under the mulch. Check with nitrogen fertilizer about a month with your county Extension office for after planting. Apply IV2 to 2 pounds control methods. of ammonium nitrate per 100 feet of In spring when new leaves begin row. When applying this fertilizer, to develop, fork the mulch off the select a dry day and brush all fertil- plants, placing it between the rows. izer off the leaves to protect them So placed, the mulch controls weed against fertilizer burn. If the plants continue to have light Removal of flower clusters from new green leaves, a similar application leaf set plants will increase future may be spread over the rows about yields. .,

268 this, snap the stem, using the thumb- nail. Avoid bruising the berries. Keep harvested berries out of the sun and refrigerate as soon as possible. The first harvest generally can be made about 30 days after first bloom. One advantage of growing your own strawberries is that they may be eaten at peak of quality. growth, conserves moisture, and helps If possible, avoid picking berries keep the berries clean. Remove only when the plants are wet. Harvest as enough mulch from the rows to let often as necessary, about every other the plants develop. day. The harvest season of a given Winter mulch may be re-used to variety extends over 5 to 7 pickings. protect flowers from frost. If frost is Harvesting is made easier by the use predicted, mulch can be spread even- of "carriers" that hold 4 or 6 quart ly back over the rows. The mulch baskets. acts as an insulation barrier which Pick and remove berries damaged traps radiant heat from the soil and by birds, and any rotted berries. holds it around the plants. Mulch can be left in place for several days, if Renewing Plantings necessary. Strawberries may be fruited more than 1 year. Yield and size of berries Harvesting are progressively smaller the second Harvest berries when they are and third years. As a rule, it is unwise fully colored; those with white areas to attempt more than 3 crops from are not ripe. Pick the berries with a single planting. the caps and stems attached. To do Only good plantings should be Left, mulching strawberries heJps keep maintained and renewed. Destroy the fruit clean and conserves moisture. weak, weedy or diseased plantings Right, strawberry bioom at frost-hazard- right after harvest. ous stage. If frost is predicted, remulch Renewal of a planting should be the planting until hazard passes. done shortly after harvest. Start by

269 mowing off the tops as close to the ground as possible without damage to the crowns. Then with a spade or a rotary type tiller, narrow the row width to a strip of plants 8 to 10 inches wide. This can be done by destroying plants on both sides of the row or one side only. The latter is preferred. As you narrow the row, work the mulch and other organic material into the soil. Fertilize the row as indicated for summer fertilization of a newly set planting. Handle the renewed planting the same way as a first-year planting. Generally a planting should not be renewed for more than 2 seasons.

Irrigation Strawberries can be grown on a limited basis without irrigation. How- ever, in many seasons full production can't be realized unless the plantings are irrigated. During these seasons, supplemental water assures formation of a good row and helps assure good berry size. Apply enough water during the county Extension office for details. growing season to supplement rain- Birds may be a problem during the fall and to provide an average of 1 fruiting season, damaging the ripe inch of water per week. Irrigate when fruit. Bird control netting, available a water shortage is apparent, even commercially, is the best solution. before the plants show drought Stretch it over the beds. symptoms. Strawberries are relatively free Everbearing Berries from disease and insect problems. Everbearing strawberries are grown Normally they produce satisfactory primarily for the fall crop. They will crops in home gardens without spray- produce satisfactorily if grown under ing. Full production of high-quality the spaced-plant system of culture. berries, however, requires that you Successful production of this type follow a careful pest control program. strawberry requires much labor, so You can avoid many headaches by planting should be of limited size. selecting sites free of disease and They will not do well when grown insect problems, getting suitable in matted rows. planting stock, and following good The site for Everbearing varieties cultural practices. As with other fruit should be prepared and the plants crops, good pest control practices are set with the same considerations as based on preventing problems rather June bearing varieties. than overcoming them. Specific problems and control practices will vary Stretch netting over strawberry plants, from region to region. Contact your so as to protect them against the birds.

270 These plantings should be main- the soil. The distance between runner tained under either a sawdust mulch plants varies from season to season or a black plastic mulch. With a saw- but will be about 8 to 10 inches. dust mulch, care for the planting as After the desired number of run- if it were a regular planting until ner plants has been established, re- early June when the runners appear, move all others as they develop then stop cultivation. Fertilize each through the remainder of the season. plant with 2 tablespoons of a 16 per- Removal of flowers should con- cent nitrogen fertilizer or equivalent, tinue until the first to the middle of spreading the fertilizer uniformly July. The exact date for discontinu- over the soil around each plant. ing blossom removal depends on the planting. The more vigorous it is, the earlier blossom removal can be stopped. Harvesting will begin about 30 days after first blossoms appear. The first berries will ripen in August and harvesting should continue twice a week until frost. Black plastic offers advantages over sawdust as a mulch for everbearing strawberries. Its use mini- mizes problems of weed control and helps keep the berries cleaner. With black plastic, only a slight variation in cultural practice is needed. The mulch may be spread over the row Ripening cJuster of strawberries. area and the plants set through it at desired locations. Cover edges of the Then cover the entire area of the mulch with soil. planting with 1 inch of either hard- Establish runner plants where wood or softwood sawdust. It may needed by cutting a slit in the plastic be fresh or weathered. Don't apply and placing the plant firmly into the excessive amounts. Further weed con- soil. Blossom and runner removal are trol must be done by hand, since the same under both mulch systems. hoeing and cultivation will mix the Trickle type irrigation lines in- sawdust with the soil, thus destroy- stalled under the plastic mulch can ing the mulch benefits. prove helpful during drought periods. After applying the mulch, start Take care not to over water. training the runner plants, locating June bearing strawberries may be each in the desired position. Force grown according to the spaced plant the plants gently but firmly through systems, too, but benefits do not the sawdust so their roots contact justify the added efforts.

271 Cane and Bush Fruits Are the Berries; Often It's Grow Them or Go Without hy John P. Tomkins

Homeowners frequently overlook somewhat higher temperatures than the possibilities of growing rasp- indicated if they receive poor cultural berries, blackberries, gooseberries, care during the growing season. How- currants, and similar berries. During ever, they may withstand tempera- recent years these fruits in local mar- tures 5° to 10° F lower than indi- kets have been scarce and rather ex- cated if properly hardened or given pensive. The homeowner might have some winter protection. to grow them or do without. Success of a cane fruit planting These cane and bush fruits are depends largely on selection of the easier to grow and much more prac- proper varieties for your area. Vari- tical as compared with the tree fruits eties differ greatly in berry quality in home gardens. Cane fruits require and size, season of ripening, hard- less work, occupy a smaller area, iness to low winter temperature, and need relatively few sprays for pest disease susceptibility. Growth and control, and will produce fruit within yield are influenced by length of a year or two of planting. A small growing season, temperature, rainfall area devoted to berries will give rich and humidity. A good variety in New dividends in fresh fruit for the home York may be very poor in Maryland, or to be passed along to friends. Maine, California or Washington. Raspberries, currants, and goose- The most reliable information on berries are excellent sources of vita- varieties for a given area may be min C. Raspberries and blackberries obtained in fruit publications avail- may be used fresh, canned, frozen, able at your county Extension office. or in pies, jellies, jams or preserves. Gooseberries are used mainly in Fall Bearers sauces and pies. Currants may be Much good work is being done by used alone or mixed with berries to the berry breeders in the U. S. De- make a very tart and tasty jelly. partment of Agriculture and at vari- These fruits vary greatly in hardi- ous state Agricultural Experiment ness to low winter temperature. Cur- Stations. One of the most interesting rants and gooseberries are the hard- developments has been the produc- iest and can withstand -40° F and tion of fall-bearing raspberries which still be productive. Red raspberry is have a summer crop on floricanes next in hardiness; some varieties will (canes produced the previous year) withstand —35°, although others may and a fall crop on primocanes (canes be injured at 0°. Black and purple produced during the current season). raspberries are next in hardiness and The fall crop is very successful in may withstand —25°. Blackberries areas with a frost-free growing sea- may be injured around —15° while son of 165 days or longer. thornless blackberries, boysenberries, The best fall-bearing raspberry and youngberries may be injured variety is Heritage. Another promis- when the temperature falls close to ing fall-bearing variety is Augustred zero. from New Hampshire. In New York All cane fruits may be injured at it has a fall crop that ripens 35 days John P. Tomkins is Associate Profes- earlier than Heritage. Augustred is sor of Pomology at Cornell University, worth a try where the frost-free Ithaca, N.Y. growing season is 130 days or less.

272 During recent years, breeders have manure into the top 4 to 6 inches of developed some varieties of thorn- soil. Before planting, mix about 1 less blackberries which are very vig- pound of 10-10-10 or equivalent fer- orous and productive. The weakness tilizer per 100 square feet of soil. of these varieties is a tendency to If the soil reaction (pH) is under 5.5, injury during winter by temperatures add limestone or hydrated lime as near 0° F. However, the home gar- indicated by a soil test. Your county dener can cover these canes with Extension office or a reputable gar- mulch during winter and the buds den store can suggest how to go and canes will survive at tempera- about having a test made. tures much lower than 0°. Plants are usually obtained and The most important soil factor for planted in eariy spring. If they arrive growing raspberries is good drainage before soil preparation or when the to a depth of 3 to 4 feet. Plants in soil is too wet for planting, store the full leaf will not tolerate standing plants—if well wrapped—in a cool water or a high water table for 2 to place. If unpacked, heel them into 3 days without root injury, subse- the ground in a shallow trench in a quent decreased yields, and perhaps cool shady area so the roots do not death of the plant. Raspberries tol- dry out. erate a wide range of soil types from Set plants in rows with 30 inches clay to sand if drainage is good. between plants in the row for rasp- Currants and gooseberries tolerate berries and blackberries, 3 to 4 feet a heavier soil and poorer drainage between plants for currants and than cane fruits. gooseberries, and 5 to 8 feet for trail- The most suitable soil is a sandy ing and thornless blackberries. loam, rich in organic residues, with Space between rows will vary from a good moisture-holding capacity and 6 to 10 feet depending on cultivation a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. equipment. Nine to 10 feet between Select a site for planting in which rows is usually adequate and helps perennial weeds have been eliminated to prevent spread of fungus diseases and where tomatoes, eggplants, pep- which tend to be prevalent with pers and potatoes have not been the plantings in closer rows. grown within the previous two years. Set plants in the ground to a depth These crops build up a fungus dis- of 5 to 6 inches, or at least 1 inch ease known as verticillium wilt which deeper than the plants were grown damages or kills many cane fruit in a nursery row. varieties. A location in full sunlight Purple or black raspberries are is desirable, although cane fruits will grown in hills. Black raspberry never thrive in areas shaded for part of develops new canes from root suck- the day. ers; purple raspberry may develop a Buy plants from a reliable nursery. few. This is a key to success in bramble Red raspberry develops many new fruit production. The disadvantages plants from root suckers, and is of poor stock can never be overcome usually grown in a hedgerow sys- by a good site or even superior cul- tem. New suckers developing along tural knowledge. Be sure plants come the row are controlled either by cul- from certified or inspected stock. tivation or timely mowing to keep Prepare the site by growing cul- the row of new canes 6 to 18 inches tivated crops at least a year before wide. planting cane fruits. Work 1 inch or Cane fruits have an unusual growth more of organic residues such as lawn habit. The canes are biennial and the clippings, rotten leaves, or well rotted roots perennial. The new canes are

273 known as primocanes. The next year robust canes, preferably 2 canes per these canes are known as floricanes. foot of row. Tie these canes securely Buds on floricanes develop shoots to each wire. with leaves and terminate in flowers. Sometimes red raspberry is grown After the canes have fruited they die. in a hedgerow 18 to 24 inches wide. Remove them at this time or when A horizontal trellis may be used with pruning in winter. wires 36 to 42 inches above the Obviously new primocanes are ground. Frequently a trellis is not being formed each year. Primocanes used and the fruiting canes are on thornless blackberries, dewberries, pruned to a height of 36 to 42 inches and boysenberries tend to grow along so they stand upright when loaded the ground. The next year these canes with fruit. This is a cheap and simple are tied along the trellis where they system but the plants are subject to fruit. After the canes have fruited fungus diseases. they may be removed and destroyed. Boysenberry, dewberry, thornless blackberry and youngberry are usual- Pruning ly trellised. Fruiting canes are sep- Black and purple raspberries usual- arately wrapped around the wire and ly are not trellised. When the primo- tied along the bottom and/or top wire canes get 18 to 24 inches long— of the trellis. Allow new canes to generally during May or June—prune grow along the row on the ground off the tip of each cane. This forces during the first year. Remove old 3 to 7 buds nearest the severed tip to canes after fruiting. start growth, and eventually they Currants and gooseberries are pe- form laterals 3 to 7 feet long. The rennial bushes. Usually you remove following winter prune back the canes or branches after the fourth laterals to about 8 inches from each year. A mature bush might consist main cane. All buds on the laterals of 12 to 15 branches under 4 years of and main canes are potential fruit age. You usually prune currants and buds. gooseberries in early spring before If you live in a snow belt, prune growth starts. black and purple raspberries in early All these berries may be grown November before heavy snows. Melt- under clean cultivating, sod, or a per- ing snows in early spring may dam- manent mulch. The author prefers age unpruned laterals in areas where either clean cultivating or the mulch. snow is 3 to 7 feet deep. The average homeowner has many You prune red raspberry quite dif- organic residues around the home ferently from black and purple rasp- such as lawn clippings, leaves, or berry. Tips of the primocanes are not shredded vegetation. A raspberry pruned the first year. Red raspberries planting is an ideal place to use these may be grown without a trellis, but materials. a better crop will be obtained with If you grow raspberries under clean less damage from fungus diseases if cultivation, the area between rows the raspberries are confined to a row is cultivated to a depth of 1 to 2 6 to 9 inches wide. The canes are inches at intervals of 2 weeks from secured to a vertical trellis with the early spring to end of the harvest bottom wire at 36 inches and the top season. This controls weeds and rasp- wire at 60. berry suckers in the row. If you use Red raspberry normally is pruned sod culture, mow the area between in late winter. Remove old fruiting the row like a lawn throughout sum- canes and new canes which are dam- mer to control growth of weeds, aged or weak. Leave only 2 to 4 grasses and suckers. Where a per-

274 manent mulch is used, mow at timely fertilizer or equivalent applied per intervals to control raspberry suckers 20 feet of row in early spring before between the rows. start of growth. If you use less nitro- Highest yields will be obtained gen, cease cultivation by mid-July with permanent mulch. Clean cul- and allow weeds, grass or cover crop tivation is the next highest in yield. to grow between the rows. The plants Sod usually results in the lowest then are less likely to be susceptible yield, but in some cases is the easiest to low winter temperatures. system for a homeowner to maintain. In a very cold area you can protect canes and buds from winter in- Two Cautions jury by bending the canes to the ground in late fall before the ground A key to cane fruit is a weed-free freezes, covering the tips with soil. planting given tender loving care the This keeps the canes below the snow first half of the season and then line. Or you can cover canes with somewhat neglected the second half mulch. The author was able to grow after the berries are harvested. Seri- Thornfree blackberries at Ithaca, ous mistakes are using too much N.Y., and had a beautiful crop after nitrogen fertilizer, and cultivating a winter of -18° F during the coldest after the last of August. night. Cane fruits respond to timely irri- When canes are given winter pro- gation during periods of drought. tection by covering with mulch, how Water may be applied by sprinklers, do you know when to uncover them soaker hoses, or trickle irrigation. in spring? Wait until warm weather Sprinklers are easier to operate —but uncover them before the buds and faster, but if the foliage is wet start growth. for extended periods the plants are Harvest red raspberries when the more susceptible to certain fungus fruit is ripe, usually about the end diseases. It is suggested the home- of strawberry season. There are early, owner irrigate by soaker type hoses mid-season and late varieties of rasp- or trickle irrigation. berries. A given variety will produce Probably the best system is trickle fruit over a 17- to 25-day period. irrigation, which applies a few gal- Blackberries ripen after raspberries. lons of water a day. It requires very If you laid out a good variety little water at very low pressure. planting of red, black or purple rasp- With trickle irrigation the water is berries; blackberries and thornless applied along the row at intervals of blackberries, and fall-bearing rasp- 18 to 24 inches. It does not wet the berries, in some States you can have entire surface. fresh berries for your table almost Most people recognize the impor- daily from strawberry season until tance of irrigation between bloom early November. and harvest for the fruiting canes. Currants and gooseberries are ripe But irrigation may be needed from when soft, well colored, and tasty. May to September for adequate In making jelly, some people like growth and development of the tart berries which are not fully ripe. primocanes which are next year's Others prefer berries that are fully fruiting canes. A permanent mulch ripe and high in sugars. Few people controls weeds and reduces water are aware that immature gooseber- loss by evaporation from the soil's ries, "hard as marbles," make a tast- surface. ier pie than ripe berries. A raspberry planting usually re- Yields per plant will differ greatly sponds to 1 to 2 pounds of 10-10-10 depending on variety and cultural

275 Photos by Pans Trail Top left, Jewel black raspberry. Top right, Brandywine purple raspberry. Bot- tom, Heritage fall-bearing red raspberry.

276 Pholos by Paf IS Trait Left, Poorman gooseberry at time of harvest. Below, White Imperial currant.

care. Raspberries and blackberries in keeping raccoons and similar ani- should average a quart or more of mals away. Mice are likely to be a fruit per plant. Thornless blackberries problem with a permanent mulch. and boysenberries may produce Mice and bird problems can be somewhat higher yields. A mature solved in part by owning a cat which currant or gooseberry plant should travels through the garden. Presence yield 4 to 6 quarts a year. of the cat tends to keep birds away. A raspberry planting may be pro- If mice are a serious problem, apply ductive for 7 to 12 years. Currants a prepared mouse bait under the and gooseberries should be fruitful mulch. and productive for 20 years, and in It is likely that a few birds and a some home gardens the same bush few mice will have to be tolerated. has been productive for 50 years. You might try to grow a little more Remove any plants that become fruit and share with the birds. Birds unproductive. Buy new plants and often are helpful in controlling cer- set them in a different location. tain insects. Ripe fruit is prized by birds, mice, Many insects and diseases damage and raccoons. If birds are a serious cane fruits. Only a few of these prob- problem, obtain netting with %- to lems are likely to occur in a given 1-inch mesh and cover the planting. area. You might attempt to grow An electric fence with wires at a these fruits without pest control treat- height of 5 and 10 inches is effective ments until a problem arises, then

277 spaced with a narrow wall of foliage well exposed to light; (3) use nitrogen fertilizer at a light to moderate rate; [4] removing diseased or sick plants and all cane after they have fruited, m either burning them or removing them; (5) allowing a few birds to live in the vicinity of the garden; (6} replanting with quality stock every 5 to 7 years; and [7] being cautious about accepting a plant from a friend because it may be diseased. For Further Reading: Blackberries, Currants and Gooseberries, Ext. Bui. 97, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. 14850. 30^. Controiling Diseases of Raspberries and Blackberries, U.S. Department of Ag- riculture Farmer's Bui. No. 2208, on sale by Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. 35(*. Growing Blackberries, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmer's Bui. No. 2160, on sale by Superintendent of Docu- ments, U.S. Government Printing Of- fice, Washington, D.C. 20402. 35i}. Growing Raspberries, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmer's Bui. 2165, on sale by Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. 25^. Shoemaker, James S., Small Fruit Cul- ture, 4th Ed., AVI Publishing Co., Westport, Conn. 06880. $19. Thornless Blackberries for the Home Garden, U. S. Department of Agricul- ture H&G Bui. No. 207, on sale by Superintendent of Documents, U.S. George A Robinson Government Printing Office, Washing- ton, D.C. 20402. 30

278 Just About Any Home Garden Can Produce Blueberries by G. J. Galletta and A. D. Draper Nearly everyone knows how great upper foot of soil, usually the upper blueberries are in pies, muffins, pan- 8 to 10 inches. The root system is cakes, or as a fruit topping for break- not a strong competitor, consequently fast cereals. However, most people blueberries thrive on open porous have not experienced the delightful soils with a high water table and flavor and texture or subtle and deli- good drainage. cate aromas of improved hybrid blue- Like most other plants of the Heath berries at the plump and proper stage family—heather, azalea, cranberry, of ripeness—right from the bush. and rhododendron—blueberries grow Just about anyone in the continen- best in acid soils (pH 3.5 to 5.0, with tal United States should be able to 4.5 about optimum). grow prime blueberry plants in the Many acid soils are light and backyard, or as a hedge along the sandy. Nutrients and water are gen- property border. erally held on the organic matter Blueberries and other perennial fraction of such soils. Consequently, fruit plants are often regarded as dif- heavier garden soils such as clay ficult to grow. But attention to a few loams would need a fair amount of facts about blueberries, and timely organic matter added to the blueberry observance of a few practices, should planting area to increase the acidity, result in excellent bush growth and porosity, drainage and tilth of the fruit yields. soil. Blueberries vary in nature. Some Important aspects of blueberry cul- are vine-like with creeping branches ture are an acid soil requirement and and some spread by underground a need for full sunlight for best flower rhizomes (prostrate stems). Plants bud development. For these reasons, may vary in height from two to eight never plant blueberries in an area feet. Plant shapes range from semi- which has been limed in the last 2 to upright to upright free-standing. Fruit 5 years, or near trees which shade is borne on perennial stout stems the bushes, rob them of moisture, or called canes. prevent free air movement around Most cultivated blueberries are hy- the plants. brids between two or more of the taller growing species and are re- Free Air Need ferred to as "highbush blueberries." Free air movement is especially In the Southern United States it is important in the spring when early also possible to grow selected hybrids morning frosts can kill the flower of the very tall-growing blueberry buds. For this reason avoid low-lying species known as the "rabbiteye" or planting sites with poor air drainage Southern highbush blueberry. and increased frost hazards. Blueberries have a mass of delicate Highbush blueberries should be and fibrous roots with no root hairs. spaced 4 to 5 feet apart in rows 8 to The root system is confined to the 10 feet apart. Rabbiteye blueberries should be planted 5 to 6 feet apart Gene J. Galletta and Arlen D. Draper in rows 10 to 12 feet apart. For hedge- are Small Fruit Breeders at the Fruit rows, highbush can be planted as Laboratory, Agricultural Research Ser- close as 2 feet apart and rabbiteye vice, Beltsville, Md. 3 feet apart, but pruning must be

279 more severe to provide the leaves (2) Coastal Plain of Georgia, South and stems with adequate light. Carolina (South of Charleston), Most highbush varieties will set Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, East fruit with their own pollen. For best Texas, Southern California (Los An- fruit set, however, plant at least three geles and south) varieties in any one location. Cross- Highbush—try Flordablue and pollination tends to produce larger Sharpblue. fruits with more seeds which ripen Rabbiteye—Tifblue, Woodard, faster and more uniformly than those Southland, Delite, Briteblue, Climax, which have been self-pollinated. Hav- Bluebelle, Garden Blue. ing several varieties in a proper (3) Mountain and Upper Piedmont ripening sequence yields fruit over a of region 2 longer period. Highbush—Morrow, Croatan, Har- At least two varieties of rabbiteye rison, Murphy, Bluetta, Patriot, Blue- types must be planted together, since crop, Berkeley, and Lateblue. these varieties will not set fruit with Rabbiteye—same as region 2. their own pollen. The early rabbiteye (4) Richmond, Va., south to Pied- varieties ripen 4 to 6 weeks after the mont and Coastal Plain Carolinas, early highbush varieties in eastern Tennessee, lower Ohio Volley, east North Carolina. and south Arkansas, lower Southwest Generally, highbush blueberries and mid-California should be planted in areas having Highbush—Morrow, Croatan, Har- 160 or more frost-free days, with 800 rison, Murphy. Try Bluecrop and to 1,200 hours below 45° F in the Patriot except in coastal plain areas. winter, and minimum winter tem- Rabbiteye—Tifblue, Woodard, peratures of not less than —20°. Homebell, Southland, Garden Blue, Rabbiteye varieties differ, but gen- Menditoo; try Climax and Bluebelle. erally need 400 to 600 hours of winter (5) Middle Atlantic States, Mid- chilling (below 45° Fj. It is not known west, Ozark highlands, mountain how many frost-free days are re- areas of region 4, northern California, quired but the rabbiteye will grow Oregon, Washington between 30 to 37 parallels of latitude Highbush (in ripening sequence)— in acid soils at locations having mild Bluetta, Collins, Patriot, Bluecrop, winters. Blueray, Berkeley, Darrow, Lateblue, Varietal choices for planting vary Elliott; (also older clones like Ivan- from region to region. The following hoe, Pemberton, Burlington and Dixi are the better choices resulting from are good home garden types. Addi- experience in separated test sites. tionally, Herbert and Elizabeth have New varieties are marked ''trial" or high dessert quality). "try". (6) New England and cooler areas of Great Lakes States Regional Varieties Highbush—Bluetta, Collins, Patriot, Regional varietal choices for plant- Bluecrop, Blueray, Meader, Berkeley, ing: and Northland. (1) North Florida, Gulf Coast, Low- Many poorly drained soils, espe- er Southwest, and extreme Southern cially in the South, are infested with California (San Diego and south] a root-rotting fungus called Phyto- Highbush—try the new Flordablue phthoTQ cinnamomi. Almost all high- and Sharpblue. bush blueberry varieties are suscep- Rabbiteye—Woodard, Bluegem, and tible to damage by this fungus. An possibly Tifblue; try the new Climax exception is the new resistant variety and Bluebelle. from the U.S. Department of Agri-

280 culture and the Maine Agricultural if it is mowed during the growing Experiment Station, named Patriot. season. Most rabbiteye varieties are toler- If you have a mineral soil low in ant to the root-rotting fungus. It is organic matter, mix 1 cubic foot (2 also possible to buy plants of high- to 3 shovels) of peat moss, rotted bush varieties grafted on suitable sawdust, or screened pine bark with invigorating rabbiteye rootstocks like the soil removed from the planting Garden Blue or Tifblue. Normally hole. Make sure the organic soil mix- such plants are grafted to order, are ture is placed below, around and more expensive, and need to be above the roots. pruned differently than own-rooted Sulphur can be used to make soil plants. more acid. Add 1 pound per 100 square feet for sandy soils and 3 to Transplants 4 pounds per 100 square feet for For most successful transplanting, loam soils, and work the sulphur order certified or State-inspected 2- into the soil before planting. year-old nursery plants in the 12- to In areas with mild winters, you 24-inch sizes. Three-year-old plants can either plant blueberries in the of up to 36 inches in height also fall or you can plant fully dormant transplant well. Plants older than 3 plants in the spring as early as the years or less than 2 years may die ground can be worked. from water stress during the first If blueberries are unmulched, cul- growing season. tivate them with a tined rake, fork, Before or shortly after transplant- or hoe no deeper than 2 inches so as ing, prune the plants to 3 or 4 strong not to damage roots near the soil shoots well spaced around the crown surface. Primary reasons for tilling (stem base). Prune back each of the the soil are to improve aeration and remaining shoots to remove the control weeds. Around mulched plump, rounded fruit buds. Cut to plants, either pull weeds by hand or just above a vegetative bud (narrow gently hoe them out. Replenish the and pointed bud], located preferably mulch at the rate of 2 inches per toward the outside of the stem. year. In setting or planting, dig a hole 12 to 18 inches deep and 18 inches Watering wide. The first year following transplant- If your soil has a good organic mat- ing of the blueberry plant in the field ter content and the proper acidity or garden is critical. The young plant (pH 3.5 to 5.0), thoroughly mix the is very sensitive to drying out, over- soil taken from the hole and replace watering, fertilizer level, and weed it along with the plant, setting the competition. plants 1 to 2 inches deeper than they An inch of water per week through grew in the nursery. After planting, the growing season is usually con- firmly press the soil around the plant sidered essential for maximum growth with your feet, and water the area and fruiting of blueberries. Water is thoroughly. especially critical just after setting Mulch the blueberry plants for at the plants, through the first two grow- least 18 inches around the plants in ing seasons, and at the time of all directions with 4 to 6 inches of flowering and fruiting. well-rotted sawdust, peat moss, pine Water can be applied from an open bark, pine straw, leaf mold, etc. Grass hose, porous hose, by sprinklers, or can be permitted to make a sod for by surface irrigation. walkways at the edge of the mulch Since blueberries bear their fruit 281 on new shoots produced during the previous growing season, it is essential to balance growth and fruit production with proper fertilization and pruning. The purpose of fertilizing and pruning the plant during the first 3 to 4 years is to establish a number of well-spaced, stocky canes bearing many branch shoots with 6 to 12 flower buds each. During the plant's mature years, the cultural objectives are to keep the plant from getting too tall; to keep the canes branching freely; and to keep the plant producing a modest supply of new renewal canes. Certain fertilizer salts, such as lime and chlorides, should be avoided in feeding blueberries. Don't fertilize blueberries at planting, but fertilize lightly 4 to 6 weeks later. Blueberries generally respond to nitrogen in the ammonium form, and at least once a year it is wise to apply a complete fertilizer (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium] in a 1-1-1 or 1-2-1 ratio, such as 8-8-8 or 5-10-5. This applies especially to the East Coast. In Michigan a 2-1-1 fertilizer is preferred. For the home garden, azalea and camellia fertilizer mixes are satisfactory. One ounce of complete fertilizer per year of plant age up to a maximum of 8 ounces per plant per year for mature plants is a good rule of thumb for fertilizing blueberries. Dur- ing the first two years, the fertilizer is split and applied several times through the growing season. From the third year on, apply the complete fertilizer just as the flower buds are breaking. Apply an ammonium nitrogen fertilizer about 6

Pnotosby William E Carnahan Top, spraying to control insects fnote attire for protection against spray. Gloves also are a good idea.} Right, netting spread over frame will keep birds from eating your berries.

282 weeks later. Occasionally, an addi- spotting fungi may prove trouble- tional application of nitrogen fertil- some to young blueberry plants. On izer is made in early summer if the bearing-age plants, problems may be plants are quite yellow after the fruit caused by leaf chewing insects, bud harvest. Bear in mind that blueber- mites, stem and leaf fungi, and fruit ries are very sensitive to excess worms. Your county Extension office fertilizer. can suggest appropriate controls for Broadcast fertilizer evenly around these problems, and recommend vari- the plant. Extra nitrogen should be eties resistant to sonte pests. added to mulched plantings to help Many species of birds are espe- decompose the mulch in early years cially fond of blueberries. The berries of the planting, but the plant's age can be protected with a variety of and vigor in relation to the quantity cloth barriers, nets, or cages during of fertilizer applied must be kept fruiting. in mind. Weekly harvesting of the fully colored and plumpest berries is nec- Pruning essary to get the maximum flavor and fruit-keeping quality. Many rab- Blueberry plants need not be biteye and several highbush varieties pruned. However, on unpruned plants do not attain prime flavor until they the twig growth will get thinner, the have been fully colored on the branches will shade each other out, plants 5 to 10 days. the fruit will be very small, and the Blueberry plants will live 25 to 30 plant will die sooner than expected. years, with at least 10 to 15 prime Hence, it is suggested that blueber- bearing years. Mature plants in their ries be pruned annually during the prime can be expected to yield 6 to 8 dormant season. This will lengthen pounds of fruit for highbush varieties bush life, produce strong new growth, and 12 to 15 pounds for rabbiteye space the bearing wood evenly for varieties. Yields as high as 24 pounds best light distribution, and reduce the for highbush and 50 pounds for rab- crop so as to increase berry size and biteye have been reported, but these regulate ripening time. are rare. Prune lightly in the first two years For Further Reading: to remove low branches, overlapping Brightwell, W. T., Rabhiteye Blueberries, branches, and flower buds. 19 pp.. University of Georgia, College From the third year on, remove of Agriculture, Experiment Station, old canes that are weak or being Res. Bui. 100, Tifton, Ga. 31794. 1971. shaded. Cut back very vigorous up- Free. right shoots to force branching at a Eck, P. and N. F. Childers (eds.), Blue- berry Culture, 378 pp., Rutgers Uni- lower level. Prune out overlapping versity Press, New Brunswick, N. J. canes and branches. On the remain- 08903. 1966. $15. ing canes, remove the short weak Johnston, S., J. Hull and J. Moulton, shoots and tip back long shoots to Hints on Growing Blueberries, 4 pp., about 6 to 8 buds. Reduce very Michigan State University, Ext. Bui. heavily branched canes by a third. 564, East Lansing, Mich. 44824. 1967. Select several renewal shoots 5<^. around the plant and cut them back Scott, D. H., A. D. Draper and G. M. to 12 to 18 inches if they come from Darrow, Blueberry Growing, 30 pp., USDA Farmer's Bui. 2254, for sale by the ground, and 4 to 6 inches if they Superintendent of Documents, U.S. arise as a branch on an older cane. Government Printing Office, Washing- Stem borers and leaf and stem ton, D.C. 20402. 1973. 35

283 Nut Crops—Trees for Food, Ornament, Shade, and Wood by Richard A. Jaynes and Howard L. Malstrom Trees are planted to give shade, to ing selections are required for the improve landscapes, and sometimes Midwest. In the high rainfall area of to produce food for man or wildlife. the Southeast, disease-resistant vari- Nut trees provide all of these bene- eties that need less spraying are pre- fits. Wherever trees can be grown in ferable. the United States there are one or Besides pecan trees there are sev- more kinds of nut trees suited for the eral other native hickories. Two, climate. shellbark and shagbark, are notable Black walnut, pecan, and hickory for their sweet tasting nuts. They are can reach heights beyond 90 feet hardier than pecans. Though shell- when mature. Other nut trees are low bark and shagbark are not grown in and spreading, like Chinese chestnut, commercial orchards, amateur nut butternut, Japanese walnut and heart- growers propagate and grow several nut. In outline they may resemble selections having large kernels that old fashioned apple trees. Almond separate readily from the shell when trees are even smaller, while filberts cracked. Shellbark hickory does best and chinkapin chestnuts are little on lowland and river bottom soil. more than shrubs. If an evergreen is Shagbark is common on thinner, more needed, large seeded nut pines are acid, upland soils. suitable. Eastern black walnut is our most The pecan is the most popular nut valuable native hardwood, and the tree native to the United States. It is nuts are harvested in huge quantities a species of hickory and in the same each year. The nuts* tangy flavor isn't plant family as walnuts. The pecan lost even in baking. grows throughout the southern United Black walnuts, native to the east- States from the Carolinas to Arizona ern United States, are grown from and north, along river bottom land, Nebraska and Texas to southern Ver- as far as Iowa in the Midwest. mont and South Carolina. They do Pecan trees prefer a rich, deep, best on limestone-derived soils. well-drained soil, and long, warm Persian (English) walnut is an in- growing seasons. In the South the troduced species. Like almond, filbert, frost-free period extends from 190 to and pistachio, it is adapted to the 220 days, but it may be as short as West Coast. These nut trees all 150 days in the Midwest. Although originated in arid, mild climates of trees will survive in much of the Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Northwest and Northeast, the cooler The climate of parts of California, summers don't allow development of Oregon, and Washington is similar full kernels. to that of their native habitat. Hardy Numerous varieties have been se- members of the species are grown lected for their fine nuts and other extensively in home and farm yards desirable characteristics. Early matur- in the Midwest and East. They are often referred to as the "Carpathian** strain because many originated in Richard A. Jaynes is Geneticist, Con- necticut Agricultural Experiment Sta- the colder Carpathian mountains of tion, New Haven. Howard L. Malstrom Europe. is Associate Professor, Texas A&M Uni- Butternut is an extremely hardy, versity Research Center, El Paso. native walnut valued for its nuts in

284 Pecan Varieties

State Pollination Relative Kernel Disease Variety of origin type* production quality resistance

Southeast Chickasaw Tex. II excellent fair good Desirable Fla. I good good fair Elliott Fla. II good fair good Farley — I fair excellent fair Kernodle Fla. II fair good fair Mahan Miss. II fair poor poor Schley Miss. II good excellent poor Stuart Miss. II good good good Southwest Ideal II good good poor San Saba Imp. Tex. I good good poor Sioux Tex. II good excellent poor Western Tex. I excellent good poor Wichita Tex. II excellent excellent poor Midwest Kernel quality Remarks Colby 111. II poor Retains foliage late in fall Fritz 111. II — Hardy tree for extreme north Greenriver Ky. II good Susceptible to spring frost Major Ky. I good Good producer; susceptible to aphids Perqué Mo. I good Susceptible to aphids, squirrels and birds

* I. Pollen shed before females are receptive. II. Pollen shed after females are receptive. Interplant at least one tree from each group for best pollination. the colder areas of our north central Almonds and pistachio are grown and northeastern states. Other spe- in the Sacramento and San Joaquín cies of walnut, such as the Japanese Valleys of California and to a limited walnut and heartnut and their hy- degree in other southwestern States. brids, are locally important. Spring frosts, high humidity, and rain- Commercial production of filbert fall limit their success elsewhere. (hazelnut) is limited largely to Ore- American chestnut was destroyed gon's Willamette Valley where the by an introduced bark parasite in the European filbert variety Barcelona is early half of this century. Blight- the principal selection grown. The resistant Oriental chestnut trees, nota- American filbert, hybrids with the bly the Chinese chestnut, are widely European filbert, as well as some grown for their nuts. They are hardy European varieties are grown in the and thrive wherever peach trees can eastern United States. Eastern filbert be grown. blight and cold winters restrict their Chinkapin chestnuts, native to the wider use. Southeast, are small trees or shrubs 285 Walnuts and hickories, including pecans, shed pollen about a month after the buds break in spring, while filberts flower during the winter or early spring before vegetative growth begins. Chestnuts, by contrast, flower later, about two months after shoot growth begins in spring. Many pecan, walnut, filbert, and chestnut varieties or seedlings are unfruitful unless they receive pollen from another tree of the same species. Failure of self-pollination may be due to a difference in time of pollen shedding and female recep- tivity on the same tree, or a pollen incompatibility. To ensure cross pollination, two or more varieties need to be present in a planting. Almond—related to peach, plum, and other stone fruits—and macadamia have colorful flowers and are pollinated by honey bees, which are usually prevalent in residential areas. that bear small, tasty nuts. The Chin- Macadamia is self-fertile. Almond kapin nut size makes them especially flowers are self-incompatible, so two suitable producers of wildlife food. or more compatible varieties must be Macadamia is a tropical nut tree selected for a planting to insure of Australia and now an important pollination. crop in Hawaii. The tree has met with Numerous superior pecan trees some success in warmer areas of have been selected from native California and in Florida. groves. Recently, outstanding vari- Other trees such as oak, beech, eties have been developed from the ginkgo and pine, often not thought breeding program sponsored by the of as nut trees, can be grown for U. S. Department of Agriculture at their nut fruit. Among the nut pines, Brownwood, Tex. pinyon pine is native to the arid Newer selections of Persian wal- Southwest, Korean pine is hardy in nut, like pecan, are considerably im- the Northeast, and Italian stone pine proved over older varieties. Many of is hardy in the Deep South. the new Persian walnut varieties bear on lateral branches or spur Flowering shoots and are capable of producing Pecans, hickories, walnuts, filberts, more nuts. They have also been se- and chestnuts have both male and lected for hot or for cool climates. female parts on the same shoot, but Characteristics of several of the older in separate flowers. In pistachio the and newer varieties grown on the male and female flowers are borne West Coast are given in the second on separate trees. Flowers of these table. species are not showy and are largely wind-pollinated, except for chestnut which is both wind- and insect- Developing burs on a Chinese chestnut pollinated. tree.

286 Persian Walnut Varieties for West Coast

Danger of Old spring Relative Kernel best varieties frost damage production quality adapted to Eureka moderate good excellent cool Franquette none poor good cool Hartley slight good good hot Payne great excellent excellent cool

New varieties

Amigo* slight good fair cool Chico* moderate good good hot Gustine moderate excellent excellent hot Lompoc moderate good good cool Midland slight good good cool Pioneer slight good fair hot Pedro* slight to none good good cool Serr moderate good excellent hot Tehema slight to none excellent good hot Viva moderate excellent excellent hot * Good pollen producers for cross pollination with other varieties.

Many varieties of Carpathian wal- shagbark hickories is like that for nut are adapted to the Midwest and Carpathian walnuts. Outstanding East. These include Colby, Hansen, trees selected for vigor, production, Lake and Metcalfe. Unfortunately, nut size, and good cracking have been such selections are not readily avail- named and propagated, largely by able from nurseries. amateur nut growers, but few nur- The most widely planted almond series list them. variety is Nonpareil. Mission, Ne Plus Ultra, and Peerless are often Location, Spacing used to pollinate it. However, the Pecans and the large walnut trees newer varieties—Davey, Karpareil, should be spaced at least 40 to 50 Merced, and Thompson—are also feet from buildings, trees, and other good pollinators for Nonpareil, and obstacles if they are to remain a long produce better quality kernels. time. Trees on poor soils with inade- Barcelona is relatively resistant to quate water will reach only half to most insects and diseases but the three-quarters the size of those grow- nuts are poorly filled. Several new ing under good conditions. In areas hybrids yield more kernel per nut of late spring frosts, plant on the but produce smaller crops. In Wash- north side of buildings to delay bud ington, Noosack is commonly grown break in spring. Or plant on the up- with Alpha and DeChilly as pollina- per portion of slopes to avoid frost tors. Royal is adapted to colder areas pockets. along with Gem or Hall's Giant. Smaller filbert and almond trees Availability of varieties of walnuts, may be spaced about 25 feet apart. butternuts, heartnuts, chestnut, fil- Almond is drought-hardy and toler- berts for the East, and shellbark and ates poor soil, but it must not be ex-

287 posed to late spring frosts. Filberts feet to prevent limbs sagging to the have shallow roots and can be grown ground. The central leader system on relatively shallow soils. gives greater strength and results in Chinese chestnut trees grow to less limb breakage. After the first 5 about 40 feet and should be planted years, when the tree is shaped, little about 40 feet apart. They prefer an pruning need be done except to thin acid soil, pH 5.5, in contrast to the crowded or dead branches. various walnuts which generally per- As trees mature, prune out crowded form better on less acid soil, pH 6.5. branches. But don't cut back the ter- All nut trees should be planted minal portion of pecan twigs, because when dormant after leaf fall and be- these bear the fruit. The terminals fore leafing-out in spring. If the roots can be pruned back on most walnuts of a dug tree are allowed to dry, the because they bear on lateral twigs. tree will probably die. Buy young If the variety does not fruit well trees from reputable nurseries. on lateral branches, cut the main A narrow, deep hole is required to branches about a quarter of the way accommodate the pecan's tap root; back. roots of other nut trees spread out On older pecan and walnut trees moi"e as a rule. The hole should be where seasonal growth is only a few large enough so tree roots are not inches, many small cuts may be nec- twisted and folded back. essary to thin fruiting wood and Once in the hole with soil filled open up crowded areas of the tree. back in, the tree should be gently This type of pruning will stimulate lifted a little so the roots point down. new growth and rejuvenate the fruit- Final depth of the tree in the soil ing wood. should be the same as in its former Filberts commonly form suckers at location, and can be determined by the base and grow in bush form. In the different bark color at the old the Northwest, suckers are removed soil line. Apply water to settle soil to maintain single-stemmed trees. In around the roots and prevent the tree the East, filberts grow best as multi- from drying out. stemmed shrubs, but thin suckers For the first year after planting, constantly to maintain tree vigor. the ^oal is to keep the trees alive. Ample soil moisture is the most crit- Fertilizer ical factor. An inch of water per Shortly after planting, a handful week by rain or irrigation is adequate. of 10-10-10 can be broadcast around Excessive daily watering may water- the tree, but not in the tree hole. log the soil and kill a tree as readily Excessive fertilizer or a heavy nar- as lack of water. row band can result in damage or Maintenance of an area around the even death of young trees. The sec- tree base free of weeds and sod will ond year and thereafter, add 1 to 4 maximize tree growth. A mulch or pounds of 10-10-10 per inch of trunk herbicides will assist in controlling diameter during winter in the South weeds and conserving moisture. or early spring in the North. Nitrogen Pruning can begin the winter after is the most commonly lacking nu- the first summer of growth. Large trient; deficient trees have weak trees like pecan and Persian walnut growth, pale green foliage, and small should be trained to a modified cen- leaves. In Western areas, walnuts can tral leader (main trunk) rather than suffer the effects of many nutrient an open vase. A tree of this type has deficiencies and even excessive toxic 5 or 6 main branches radiating from amounts of some elements. the trunk, beginning at a height of 5 Potassium deficiency is common

288 where topsoil has been removed by culio may also attack the nut, but of land leveling, construction, or where greatest consequence is larval injury the soil is extremely sandy as in arid to stems and branches. western areas and where excessive Walnut blight, caused by bacteria, nitrogen has been applied in the is found on all walnut species, but southern United States. Boron, man- the Persian walnut seems the most ganese, iron, copper, and magnesium susceptible. The disease rarely kills can also be deficient. a tree but infects trunk, limbs, shoots, Many States have Cooperative Ex- and leaves, spreading to the nuts— tension Service laboratories, which which are destroyed. The bacteria will analyze soil and plant tissue overwinters in dead twigs infected samples. Consult local agricultural the year before, so complete sanita- authorities for advice on taking leaf tion practices will help eliminate the or soil samples and interpreting re- pest. sults as regards fertilizer needs. Walnut anthracnose or leaf blotch Production of good nuts often de- is caused by another bacterium. pends on pest control. An itemized Symptoms include defoliated trees list of potential spoilers would be and unfilled, deformed nuts. Fungi- long but for each tree species there cidal sprays are the usual control. are only a few notable insects or Another serious problem with all diseases expected. Consult local agri- walnuts and some pecan varieties is cultural authorities on identifying bunch disease. Symptoms include die- pests, control measures, and current back, stunting, and brooming of pesticides registered for use. growth. The causal agent is a myco- The most common disease of pecan plasm. Control measures are un- trees in humid areas is scab, which known. affects leaves and nut shucks and Brown rot and shot hole fungus can ruin the crop. Crown gall, a bac- are two serious diseases of almond terial disease which forms tumors at fruit. Bacterial canker is also prev- the base of the tree trunk, is also prevalent during rainy spring weather alent in some locations. Aphids, and affects blossoms and young mites, spittlebug, and leaf casebearer shoots. These diseases can be con- all feed on foliage. Shuckworm and trolled with dormant sprays and fun- pecan weevil, as well as spittlebug, gicide applications in early spring. are the insects most damaging to nuts. Insects such as brown almond mite, Most pecan varieties have little re- peach twig borer, and plant bugs can sistance to scab and no resistance to be controlled with insecticides. Red the above insects. Shagbark and shell- spider mite, as with other nut trees, bark hickory are attacked by the may occur in late summer, especially same pests as pecan. under dusty, dry conditions. It can be One of the most serious pests of controlled by spraying. Persian walnut in the West is the Insects and diseases have not been navel orange worm. The larvae eat a serious problem with filberts in the the kernal while the nuts are still on Northwest. But in the East, eastern the tree. Harvest nuts early and clean filbert blight and filbert bud mite up nut husks, leaves, and dead limbs have limited the successful growing to reduce damage from this pest. The of filbert as yard trees. Effective con- maggot of the husk fly, and codling trol measures have not yet been moth larvae, can cause early season developed. destruction of the immature kernel Chestnut blight fungus, the disease or stain the kernel in late season. that destroyed the American chest- The walnut weevil or butternut cur- nut, may also attack the more re-

289 sistant Chinese chestnut trees. Prun- of nut trees are not readily available ing weak, shaded branches, as well commercially, amateur growers may as suckers, and keeping trees in vig- decide to do their own propagating. orous condition helps control blight Trees can be grown from seed, but damage on resistant trees. Chestnut seedlings seldom produce as good weevils (two species of curculio) in- nuts as named varieties. However, fect ripening fruit, and feeding larvae seedlings can be converted to a cause great damage to nuts. These named selection by grafting or bud- weevils can be controlled with sprays. ding a short stick (scion) or bud of In areas where particular pests a selection to them. cause serious damage, yearly preven- Techniques used to propagate tive sprays are warranted. Other selected varieties are explained in pests may be controlled by careful numerous pamphlets and books. The observation, taking control measures rootstock and scion are usually of the when you see the pest or damage. same or closely related species. Spraying for one pest often may limit Most temperate climate nuts ger- other similar pests present at the minate best if they receive a cold same time. treatment. This may be supplied by refrigeration at 40° F, or simply by Harvest, Storage sowing the nuts in the fall and let- Ripening of nuts occurs from Au- ting mother nature furnish the moist gust to November, depending on the cold treatment during winter. Where species and variety. With the excep- temperatures well below freezing are tion of chestnut, most nuts have a expected, a straw or similar type high oil content and long shelf life. mulch should cover nuts in winter. However, harvest nuts immediately Protection from rodents, such as after they fall from the tree, espe- wire screening, may also be needed. cially where there is rodent préda- How often when the suggestion is tion, rainfall, high humidity, or hot made to plant a nut or fruit tree does weather. Ripe nuts remaining in trees the answer come back, "Why bother? can be knocked off with poles. By the time the tree bears, I'll be Husks of pecan, shagbark and gone." Such a response shows an shellbark hickory, chestnut, and Per- unfortunate short-sightedness and sian walnut open and fall off when lack of concern for those who come the nut is ripe. The husks of black after us. If Johnnie Appleseed or so and other walnuts have to be re- many others had thought this way, moved. All nuts should be air-dried the world would be the poorer for it. before storage. Nuts, especially pe- The tree planter leaves a valuable cans, keep longer if left in the shell legacy behind him, not only in a har- and refrigerated at 35^ F. Shelled vest of wood but in valuable food nuts keep well frozen. sources of man and wildlife and a Chestnuts, with their low oil and better place to live. high carbohydrate content, have spe- For Further Reading; cial needs and should be refrigerated Aldrich, T. M., D. E. Ramos, and A. D. at 35° to 40° under high humidity Rizzi, Training Young Walnut Trees shortly after harvest. One method is by the Modified Central-Leader Sys- to take the freshly harvested nuts, tem, California Agri. Ext. Leaflet 2471. Copies available from University of that have a high water content to California, Berkeley, Calif. 94720. 1975. begin with, mix them with slightly Free. damp or nearly dry peat moss, and Brison, F. R., Pecan Culture, Capital refrigerate in closed plastic bags. Printing Co., Austin, Tex. 79787. 1974. Because so many selected varieties $10.50.

290 Subtropical Fruit Choice Wide— From Avocado to Tamarind by Robert ]. Knight, Jr., and Julian W. Sauls

Subtropical fruits number over a what grows well in the area, should hundred and range from avocado and determine what you plant. citrus to soursop and tamarind. Thus Most tree fruits should be planted the information in this chapter has 12 to 20 feet apart and away from to be general rather than specific and the house, walks, drives, and power you should seek more detailed ad- lines. Those tropical fruits listed as vice from your county Extension small trees or shrubs at the end of office. Nurserymen can be most help- the chapter can be planted somewhat ful too, as can experienced gardeners, closer. Where there is significant garden clubs, or other specialized danger of cold damage, plant sub- groups such as the rare fruit orga- tropical fruits in the warmest part nizations active in Florida and Cali- of the yard, which generally is the fornia. south side of the house. Fortunately, cultural requirements Most failures in growing fruit trees for most subtropical fruits do not at home can be attributed to poor differ from those of other shrubs, transplanting or poor care. Commer- trees or vines grown for fruit, orna- cial fruit growers routinely transplant ment, shade or other specialized use. fruit trees with almost no failures. In fact the outstanding ornamental Good preparation of the planting value of most fruit crops fits them hole is essential. Dig the hole only admirably for a dual role. as deep as and about a foot wider Because they come from many than needed to accommodate the root parts of the world with varied en- system. Regardless of your soil type, vironmental conditions, subtropical it would probably benefit from the fruit crops differ in the degree of addition of liberal amounts of or- cold they can withstand and in soil ganic matter such as rotted manure, and moisture requirements. Some are compost or peat. adapted to warm-temperate condi- For bare-root plants, prune off tions, and others are tropical plants dead or damaged roots. Make a cone which will tolerate brief cold spells of soil in the center of the hole and and thus survive winters in the warm- set the plant on it, carefully spread- est parts of the continental United ing the roots out in the hole. For States. container-grov^m plants, remove the When you select fruits to plant container and set the plant in the around your home, choose those hole. known to grow well in your locality. In either case, set the plant at the Otherwise you may go to a lot of same depth it was growing in the trouble to grow a plant that may nursery or container. prove disappointing despite your best Fill the hole three-fourths full of efforts. Your own personal prefer- soil. Then fill with water to settle ences, tempered by knowledge of soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. After the water drains Robert }. Knight, Jr., is Research Hor- through, finish filling the hole with ticulturist, Agricultual Research Service, soil, then water again. A ring of soil Miami, Fla. Julian W. Sauls is Extension a few inches high around the plant- Horticulturist, University of Florida, ing hole can be used to form a water- Gainesville. ing basin during the first year.

291 At planting, bare-root fruit trees fertilize sparingly and frequently un- should be pruned to balance the top til they mature and begin to produce with the reduced root system, which fruit. Using 10-10-10 as an example, requires removing about a third of young trees should receive about a the top. Most people are reluctant to pound of fertilizer per year of tree prune this heavily, but it's for the age, that is, 1 pound in the first year, good of the tree. If you're unsure 2 in the second, and so on. Total fer- about doing the job right, have the tilizer for the year should be divided nursery where you bought the tree into several applications so young do it for you. Container-grown plants trees receive some fertilizer every 2 are not usually pruned since they to 3 months. have an intact root system. Mature, bearing trees can be fertilized at double that rate, or 2 Training pounds per year of tree age. Thus, a Initial training of the fruit tree is 10-year-old tree would receive 20 done at planting to assure that the pounds per year, which would be tree takes the desired shape. For split into 3 applications—early spring, example, the growing tips of branches early summer and early fall. Fertilizer are pruned off to force branching. can be spread on the ground under Even so, most subtropical fruit trees the tree and then watered in. are not trained appreciably, but sim- Lime may be needed in some cases ply allowed to develop naturally. to raise the soil pH so it is suitable Mature trees are pruned to remove for optimum tree growth. However, dead or damaged wood, or to elim- liming should be based on a soil test inate limbs that may interfere with and recommendation from the county traffic in the yard. Such pruning can Extension agent. be done at any time of year. Occasionally, some fruit trees may Pruning cuts should be clean and need certain micro-elements, particu- close to the trunk to avoid leaving larly in very sandy soils or alkaline stubs which enable wood-rotting or- soils. Micro-elements are included in ganisms to enter the tree. Protection some fertilizers and are also available with pruning paint is recommended in nutritional sprays which are ap- if the cut is larger than an inch or so plied separately as foliar (leaf) sprays. in diameter. In all cases follow recommendations Subtropical fruit trees are not in of your county agent. such prominence that they require "special" fertilizers as yet. You can- Mulches not run down to the garden center Mulches around fruit trees help in and pick up a bag of "Kiwi Special" weed control and water conservation. or "Atemoya and Cherimoya Food". They also reduce lawn mower dam- Fortunately, subtropical fruits will age to tree trunks since you don't grow just as well on a complete, need to mow close to the trees. balanced garden fertilizer such as In some cases, organic mulches can 6-8-8, 10-10-10, or 12-12-12. How- lead to fertilizer deficiencies as the ever, if your area has alkaline soils micro-organisms that decompose or soils known to lack specific mi- them rob nutrients the tree could use. cronutrients such as iron, manganese They also contribute to increased or zinc, these may need to be sup- cold damage by inhibiting radiation plied. of ground heat to the tree. In other Newly planted trees should not cases, organic mulches increase the have fertilizer until they resume ac- incidence of diseases such as foot rot tive growth after transplanting. Then, and root rot. For these reasons, we

292 recommend clean cultivation instead of soil around the trunk of a young of mulches for citrus, avocado, ly- fruit tree will keep the rootstock and chee and some other fruits. trunk alive even if the top should Mulches from your yard could in- freeze. Pull the bank down in spring clude leaves and grass clippings. Or after cold danger is past. you can obtain sav^dust, w^ood chips, Small trees can be covered with pine bark, gravel and other mulches blankets, paper or plastic to prevent from local nurseries. freezing. Lawn sprinklers have been A lot of gardeners don't understand turned on trees, but too much water about w^atering plants. This is one can cause problems for the root sys- reason why so many fruit trees die tem and ice can cause limb breakage. shortly after transplanting. Too little In some cases, a frame covered with water causes the tiny root hairs to clear polyethylene can be built die, and the leaves then wilt for lack around the tree to form a mini-green- of water. On the other hand, too house. Some slow-burning heating much water forces air from the soil, materials are available and work again causing the root hairs to die quite well; check with your county for lack of oxygen, and the leaves Extension agent or nurseryman. will wilt. For best results, water fruit Most subtropical fruits have enough trees infrequently but thoroughly. insect and disease problems to make Frequent, shallow waterings cause growing them troublesome at times. shallow rooting. A shallow-rooted You need to learn the potential pest fruit tree is subject to drought and problems and how to control them. poor growth. Consequently, when To do this requires a little effort on you water, water long and water well. your part in order to be able to recog- Apply water only as fast as the soil nize the damage before it becomes can absorb it and keep watering until serious, identify the insect or disease the soil is wet at least a foot down. responsible, and take effective reme- Newly transplanted trees need a dial action before the damage pro- good soaking every 2 to 4 days until gresses too far to control. they are well established. Mature trees need water every 7 to 12 days, de- Containers pending on the climate and soil type. Many subtropical fruits can be Since sandy soils don't hold much grown in containers in areas where water, they require watering about freezes occur each year. The size and once a week, while clay soils will go mobility of the containers allows the several days longer before drying out. plants to be moved indoors during Fruit trees growing in the lawn winter months. Thus, the plants are area will compete with the lawn for treated pretty much as houseplants fertilizer and water. In such situa- with regard to water, fertilizer, hu- tions pay particular attention to needs midity, light, and pest control. of both tree and lawn. The tree will As with houseplants, water con- compete much more aggressively than tainer plants infrequently but thor- the grass. The grass will soon begin oughly. Take care to acclimate the to thin out and may disappear com- plants to the different conditions pletely once the tree begins to create when they are moved outdoors in heavy shade. spring or indoors in fall. Plants Cold protection often is required going outdoors should be moved to a for many subtropical fruits. Young shady spot for a couple of weeks be- trees are more susceptible to cold fore being exposed to full sunlight. than large, mature trees, but also Reverse this process when moving easier to protect. Banking a mound them indoors in fall.

293 When plants are indoors, put them that prefers a Mediterranean climate, in areas receiving the most natural very dry in summer with rains during light possible. Keep them away from winter. Trees may be male or female, so more than one should be planted to heaters, doors and heating ducts. Be- ensure fruiting. The brown, leathery cause of lower humidity indoors, you pods are rich in sugar and furnish a need to increase the humidity around chocolate substitute. the plants, by misting or other means. Cattley guava (Psidium cattieianum). Growing plants in containers or St. Shrub or small tree with beautiful patio tubs will reduce plant size due mottled trunk and glossy dark green to the reduced volume of soil in leaves. The small, round fruit, bright which they're growing. Even so, the red or yellow-colored, is subacid in plant may soon grow too large to flavor and may be eaten fresh or made into jellies or jams. Plants grow readily bring indoors. When this happens, from seed and are normally so pro- prune back the plant severely. pagated. Following is information about Feijoa [Feijoa seJJowiana). Wt. Shrub. some fruits that can be grown in Compact, cold-resistant and most attrac- many parts of the Southern and tive, selected varieties such as Coolidge Southwestern States. The letters Wt fruit well without cross-pollination, but (Warm-temperate), St (Subtropical) seedlings may not do so. Flowers are and T (Tropical) are intended to give edible. Fruit can be eaten fresh, and an approximation of temperature re- makes a firm jelly. Fig (Ficus carica). Wt. Small tree. quirements of each species. However, Adapted to a wide range of climates, other factors, such as amount of rain- fig will not tolerate nematodes. Where fall and the time of year that rain these are a problem, heavy mulching comes, will also determine whether and occasional application of an ap- a particular fruit can be grown in proved nematicide, according to pre- your area. scribed rules, will help. Lemon, Brown Avocado (Persea americana). St. T. Turkey, and Celeste varieties are recom- Shade tree with rough dark bark suit- mended. able for growing bromeliads and or- Guava [Psidium quajava). T. Small chids. More than one variety should be tree. Somewhat weedy unless pruned to planted together for cross-pollination. shape it, the guava can be attractive, Plant locally adapted varieties. Will not particularly when in bloom. Fruit of tolerate heavy, poorly drained soils. some seedlings and selected varieties is Banana (Musa acuminata, Musa hy- excellent for jelly, while that of vari- brids). T. Rootstock may survive eties such as Ruby x Supreme and In- light freezes. Giant, treelike herb, dian Red is good to eat out-of-hand. planted for ornament where cold pre- Fruit flies are a problem where abun- cludes fruiting. Many varieties have dant. been introduced but the most widely Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauJifJora). St. grown are Cavendish (a commercial Shrubbery tree. Grows slowly but where crop), Apple (sometimes called Lady- well established produces abundant finger), and Orinoco (also called Horse crops of black, grapelike fruit excellent banana and good for cooking). The to eat fresh or use in jellies or wines. starchy cooking banana called Plantain Kiwi, Yangtao [Actinidia chinensis). is very tender to cold. Wt. Vine. Not successful in warmer Carambola [Averrhoa carambola). T. parts of Florida, this deciduous species Tree varying from small to large. Char- is sensitive to nematode damage. acteristic 5-angled fruit of yellow or Flowers of named varieties (females, deep orange color varies from sour to for example Hayward) must be pol- sweet and is pleasantly aromatic. Plant linated in order to fruit, so a pollinator grafted varieties (Golden Star, Mih Tao). should grow nearby. Because of its ex- Cross-pollination aids fruit set. cellent quality this fruit should be Carob [Ceratonia siliqua). Wt. Small planted wherever it can be grown well. tree with attractive dark green leaves Longan [Dimocarpus ¡ongan) is a ly-

294 chee relative that bears clusters of at- light it will eventually flower, then pro- tractive, smooth, golden browrn, sv^eet- duce a fruit of fine quality provided flavored fruit that is less tart than lychee conditions are warm enough. fruit. The tree is less demanding as to soil Pomegranate (Púnica granatum). Wt. and moisture than lychee, and makes a Small tree that tolerates extremes of shade tree of stately proportions. Ko- heat and alkaline soils, but thrives un- hala, from Hawaii, bears large fruit of der a wide range of conditions. Needs good quality. full sun for best performance. Wonder- Loquat [Eriobotrya japónica]. Wt. ful and Sweet are the varieties best Small tree. The dark green, deeply known for their fruit quality. Other ribbed leaves of this tree combined varieties are grown primarily as orna- with its tendency to produce fragrant mentals. creamy-white flowers over a period of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica). T. months make the loquat a universally Large tree related to the carob, with valued ornamental. The excellent fruit very acid fruit in pods. Pulp of the quality of grafted varieties such as tamarind, an essential ingredient of Wolfe, Gold Nugget (Thaïes), and Cham- many chutney recipes, also is used to pagne make these worth the effort make a refreshing ade-like drink. Where needed to find them. Fruit is excellent the climate is warm enough for it, this eaten fresh, but may also be made into tree is easy to grow. pie, jam, and jelly. Lychee [Litchi chínensis). T. Tree. Annonaceous Fruits Somewhat finicky, demanding slightly Atemoya (Annona cherimola x A. acid, well-drained soil, with abundant squamosa). T. Moderate-sized tree, a moisture and no salts in soil or water, hybrid of the cherimoya and the sugar- this tree covered with its bright red apple, that combines the excellent fruit fruit is a sight to remember where it quality of the cherimoya with the fit- grows well. Long popular in Southeast ness for low elevations of the sugar- Asia, the fruit has many American de- apple. Flowers abundantly in warm votees. It may be eaten fresh or dried weather, but may need to be hand- like raisins. The most dependably pro- pollinated to assure fruit set. Desirable ductive varieties are Sweetcliff and varieties are Kaller (African Pride) and Mauritius. Bradley. Others are under test. Mango [Mangifera indica). T. Tree. Of Cherimoya (A. cherimola). St. Small the many existing varieties, take the tree adapted to high elevations in tro- time to select one that appeals to you: pical South America, producing a large Carrie, Irwin, Glenn, Keitt, and Tommy green fruit with a sweet, delicately Atkins are outstanding. Blooming trees aromatic pulp that surrounds many can cause allergic reactions; do not smooth dark seeds. Does not grow well plant near bedroom windows or air in southern Florida but is more success- conditioner intake. The mango is one ful in California where it withstands of the world's most popular fruits. temperatures as low as 25° F. Soursop or guanábana (A. muricata). Passion fruits [Passiflora edulis, pur- T. Small tree, very sensitive to sudden ple, and P. eduiis f. flavicarpa, yellow). cold spells, that bears a large, rough St. T. Vines are ornamental. The purple- fruit with a refreshing acid flavor that fruited form is sensitive to nematodes is excellent in drinks and sherbets. and soil-borne fungus disease, but with- Should be planted in a sheltered loca- stands more cold than the yellow- tion. fruited form, which is disease-resistant. Sugar-apple (A. squamosa). T. Small Self-pollinating types should be planted tree that bears a soft-pulped, many- where possible, otherwise fruit production may be sparse. seeded fruit similar to the cherimoya but without that fruit's fine aroma. Pineapple (Ananas comosus). T. Pe- Grows well at sea level in southern rennial herb. This bromeliad makes an Florida and other areas of similar cli- attractive house plant where outdoor mate. temperatures are too low for it. The plant can be moved to a porch or patio Cactus Fruits during warm weather. Given enough Indian fig [Opuntia ficus-indica). Wt.

295 Large treelike cactus with smooth flat able acid fruit in areas too cold for the joints and few spines. Yellow flowers lime itself. Eustis fruits well in the open in spring are followed by large red or as well as in containers.) yellow fruit. Bristles can be irritating; Orange (C. sinense). St. Tree of mod- handle fruit with care. Prefers a dry erate size, probably the most popular climate and does not thrive in humid of all citrus fruits, available in a num- situations. ber of varieties that ripen at various seasons. Hamlin is one of the earliest, Citrus ripening in November, followed by Pine- Calamodin [Citrus blancoi). Wt. St. apple and Washington Navel, which Small tree of great ornamental value ripen from December to February, and that grows and fruits well in small then by Valencia, which ripens in April containers. The fruits resemble small or later and can be "stored on the tree" oranges but are acid and not good to into the summer months. eat out-of-hand. Flavor is excellent for Tángelo (C. reticulata x C. paradisi]. drinks and marmalades. St. Tree, hybrid between tangerine and Grapefruit [Citrus paradisi). St. Me- grapefruit, bearing fruit which combines dium to large-size tree, excellent for characters from both parents. Vigorous shade and for growing orchids and and cold-resistant. Several varieties are hanging plants, providing up to 300 available. Minneola and Orlando need pounds of excellent breakfast or juice to be planted near other citrus trees for fruit per year. Varieties include Duncan cross-pollination. The Temple tangor (white, seedy pulp, excellent flavor). (C. sinensis x C. paradisi) bears a sweet, Marsh (white, seedless) and Ruby (pink juicy fruit similar to tangelos. pulp, seedless). Tangerine (C. reticulata). St. Tree of Kumquat (FortuneJJa japónica). Wt. attractive growth habit, fairly resistant Shrub or small tree, very cold-tolerant, to cold, whose beauty is enhanced by extremely attractive when in fruit. Na- the waxy, deep orange-colored fruit in gami is the most common variety, with season. Dancy ripens before Christmas, oblong fruit, deep orange in color hav- as does Clementine, which can be ing a thick edible skin and an acid "stored on the tree" in good condition pulp. Adapted to candy making or use for months. Closely related are the cold- in marmalades. hardy and early dwarf Owari Satsuma, Lemon [Citrus ¡imon). T. Small tree which ripens from October to Christ- that remains in active growth all year mas, and the Kara, Honey and Kimow and thus is less cold-resistant than the mandarins. tangerine or even the orange. Of irreg- ular growth habit, the lemon must be Persimmons pruned from time to time to promote Black-sapote (Diospyros digyna). T. A an attractive shape. Eureka, Lisbon and tropical Mexican and Central American Villa Franca all bear similar fruit, of persimmon that grows well in southern acceptable commercial quality; Eureka Florida. The dark brown pulp is rich in makes a smaller tree than the others. vitamin C, and also a source of calcium Novelties are Meyer with a less acid and protein. It was important in the diet fruit, and Ponderosa, which bears very of Central America before Columbus. large, mild-flavored lemons. Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki). Lime (C. latifolia]. T. Small tree that Wt. Small tree, attractive even when bears large, juicy green fruit useful in out of fruit with its large, hairy leaves; drinks, pies, and as a condiment. The highly ornamental when the bright most disease-resistant and dependably orange-colored fruit is ripening. Trees productive variety is the seedless- grafted on D. Jotus or the native Ameri- fruited cultivar known as Tahiti, Per- can D. virginiana are available. Fuyu sian, or Bearss. Less resistant to disease bears fruit that is non-astringent even and cold, and bearing smaller seedy before fully ripe. Fruit of Hachiya and fruit of a delectable flavor, is the Key Tane Nashi is astringent until fully ripe, or Mexican lime, C. auranti/oiia. (A hy- but then delectable. In dry climates, fruit brid between the Key lime and the may be sun-dried to make a fine-flavored Kumquat, the Limequat produces a valu- product.

296