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About Nick McCann
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I am knowledgable about most all southern fruit varieties....but limited on northern

Experience
8 years as a accredited Master Gardner in Florida

Organizations
Master Gardner association of Charlotte County Florida

Education/Credentials
above

   

You are here:  Experts > Style > Landscaping > Fruit

Questions Answered By Expert  Nick McCann 
In Category  Fruit

SubjectDate Asked

indoor fruit trees8/29/2008
  Q: I have just moved to Oxford MS and would love to have a meyer lemon or blood orange fruit tree ...
  A: Mari, there are numerous pit falls, the biggest would be pollination, they need to be pollinated by ...
Terrace Diamond Dwarf Peach8/25/2008
  Q: Nick. Bought a Dwarf Peach in Container from Garden center just in April with loads of buds. The ...
  A: your conservatory may be a tough place to grow these, many fruits require cross pollination by ...
paw paw trees8/16/2008
  Q: how long does it take before a paw paw tree matures and blooms ours is about 3 years old and its ...
  A: Paw Paw fruit should have been evident the year after planting, they are not self compatable so ...
Meyer lemon from pot to ground8/13/2008
  Q: We have a dwarf Meyer lemon in a 5-gallon nursery pot with quite a bit of fruit on it. OurCan we ...
  A: Go right ahead and plant it in the ground, but make sure you do it correctly and don't upset the ...
Fig Tree not bearing fruit8/11/2008
  Q: Purchased a mature fig tree last year, planted it, and it produced figs. wraped it for the winter, ...
  A: Many fruit trees bear heavy one year and less or sometimes not at all the following; the main factor ...
Black fruit on lemon tree8/10/2008
  Q: I have a lemon tree, about 18 inches in height. It flowers regularly and fruit forms. However, the ...
  A: ok....the bees need to get exposure to your little tree,,,it isn't getting properly pollinated, ...
Black fruit on lemon tree8/10/2008
  Q: I have a lemon tree, about 18 inches in height. It flowers regularly and fruit forms. However, the ...
  A: ...Laura, anther extremely important issue when talking about pollination is,,you need another ...
fruit trees8/10/2008
  Q: Do you need more than one tree to have it bear fruit? For instance, to get Bing cherries, do I have ...
  A: Rainer is a cherry recomended for cross pollination with Bings; many fruit trees need cross ...
Fig TREE DESEASES8/4/2008
  Q: my fig leaves are turning Brown, could this be Rust fungus
  A: yes! the bane of fig growers, rust fungus is a serious problem with fig growers and defoliates the ...
banana tree8/1/2008
  Q: Why are my flowers and the small beginning of the banana falling off the tree. They get black rings ...
  A: these are the male flowers and attached fruit, they will always fall off, this is perfectly normal; ...
Blueberry plants7/30/2008
  Q: In the spring I planted 6 blueberry plants. A mix of Jersey, Elliott, and Duke. At planting, I place ...
  A: ...it sounds like a nutrient problem Neta, let me explain, when a plant is wanting for nutrients, ...
Blueberry plants7/30/2008
  Q: In the spring I planted 6 blueberry plants. A mix of Jersey, Elliott, and Duke. At planting, I place ...
  A: you didn't mention if they were in containers or in the ground; they should be in the ground, in an ...
pollination7/19/2008
  Q: I would like to know if a peach tree and an orange tree can pollinate and make a new fruit. I have ...
  A: no Peaches and Oranges do not pollinate each other, so if you have a Peach, it is from a Peach tree, ...
dwarf banana plant7/19/2008
  Q: I have been growing a dwarf banana plant in my home in Wisconsin for almost 3 years . It is about 8 ...
  A: it is highly doubtful that a Banana grown inside in Wisconsin will ever set fruit (no matter what it ...
banana trees7/16/2008
  Q: I just moved into a house with many banana trees around the pool. They just started to bear fruit a ...
  A: I would need to see the break to determine whether it was the weight of the bunch combined with a ...
Strawberry plant7/15/2008
  Q: 3 months back I purchased a small strawberry plant (Quinalt variety). There were many healthy green ...
  A: Nina, it sounds like everything is being done by the book, but back off the watering a little bit, ...
Tangelo spotted bark7/14/2008
  Q: My tangelo tree seems to be declining and has spots of a lighter color on the trunk. It also ...
  A: the light spotted areas you are seeing on the bark is Lichen, which is an innocuous fungus, and is ...
best fruit trees7/12/2008
  Q: which fruit trees grow best in zone 10 (Cape Coral,Fl.) Lemon species & all others.. ...
  A: ..a plethora of varieties will prosper in a zone 10; all citrus, you name it and it will do fine ...
fruit tree desease7/11/2008
  Q: My Pamelo leaves have a wormy line on the leaves and the leave become yellow and then dropped. The ...
  A: Ok, the wormy lines on the leaves are Leaf Miner, a minor problem that really is nothing to worry ...
citrus pollination7/11/2008
  Q: Nick, I am planting a number of citrus trees on my two acres in Escondido CA (north inland San ...
  A: as long as trees are within a quarter mile of each other, pollination isn't a problem; but you have ...
Florida Mango won't ripen on tree7/9/2008
  Q: A wonderful friend of mine has two mango trees here in south Florida and last year both trees were ...
  A: Patience is the key for the unripe Mangoes, they will ripen up! the first stage is coloring, then ...
strawberry plant- redleaves, and one red stalk7/8/2008
  Q: ca again. Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I was wondering what size container would ...
  A: )...your variety is an everbearer and would do nicely in a terra cotta container specifically ...
lemon tree7/6/2008
  Q: I live in no.calif. zone 9. I have 3 meyer lemon trees. always get tons of lemons. This year none. ...
  A: ok, from what you depict, its a pollination problem; the bees are in trouble, their numbers are ...
my red banana looks like it is dying.7/5/2008
  Q: I have had red bananas for a while and this time I had a new one planted and it fruited. The bunch ...
  A: ok time for banana 101...when a plant produces a bunch, and it is cut off (as your husband did.) ...
Do I need to have more than 1 mandarin tree in order for it to fruit?7/5/2008
  Q: When I bought my mandarin orange tree and planted it at home it fruited beautifully quickly. I then ...
  A: ..same Latisha from the banana question?....you may have pruned it when buds were forming for the ...
peach seed7/5/2008
  Q: .we have a peach tree outside, and ate some of them, and i was wondering how to take the seed from ...
  A: it can be done but you will be old and grey before it gives you peaches...lol....really, it will ...
Lemon Tree7/4/2008
  Q: We have a fruit tree that has one trunk of large leaves, thorns, and large green fruit that look ...
  A: You need to cut the sour orange back to soil level and completely eradicate it at that point, you ...
Lemon Tree7/4/2008
  Q: We have a fruit tree that has one trunk of large leaves, thorns, and large green fruit that look ...
  A: when you purchase a Citrus tree from a nursery or whomever (home depot etc.) it is a grafted tree, ...
Ruby Red6/30/2008
  Q: I have a Ruby Red grape fruit tree. It is about 15' tall and wide. The last two years it has gotten ...
  A: when small insects suck the juices of plants (your Grapefruit for instance) they secrete a sticky, ...
Granny Smith Apple Trees and Peach Trees6/29/2008
  Q: I have 3 year old fruit trees that have fruit for the first time. What do I do to take care of ...
  A: aside from the fact that they have been cared for properly up to this point, ie: fertilizing, ...
Naval Orange Tree6/29/2008
  Q: I have an Orange Tree in my back yard, I am having a severe Problem with the leafs falling and then ...
  A: Ok Darlene I will try to help you from here, but you can also contact your local Cooperative ...
replanting "babies" of dwarf banana plant6/28/2008
  Q: do i need to root them in water or just plant strait to soil?
  A: when you cut them from the mother, they should be established enough that they have roots of their ...
cherry tree6/27/2008
  Q: Last year I planted 2 sweet cherry trees. I had a few blossoms and some cherries were forming. Now ...
  A: ok then its not pollination so I am not concerned so much about the cherries dropping for that ...
Raspberries disappearing6/26/2008
  Q: I live in central New York where black and red raspberries are very common. The blacks are ...
  A: it is definitely a problem isolated to that particular area, and the comment about the runoff of ...
Tomatoe flowers to fruit6/23/2008
  Q: I was wondering if there is an approximate time from which the yellow flower appear on my plants to ...
  A: Hey Sal, you are being a tad impatient, but its understandable, nothing is quite like a fresh home ...
apricot trees6/20/2008
  Q: For the past 3 years, my apricot trees, which are loaded with fruit in the spring, all fall to the ...
  A: This is a common phenomenon with many fruit trees, the most common reason is too much fruit forming, ...
pomengranates6/19/2008
  Q: I would like more information on the root system. You say it is a root ball. Does it go deeply? Or ...
  A: it will get upwards of 15-20feet, so the root system is going to be somewhat extensive; I wouldn't ...
Fruit trees6/17/2008
  Q: Nick, I live in Southern Utah (dry climate) and I want to plant a peach tree and a cherry tree in ...
  A: give them each their own turf, I would make certain they each have a 10x10 foot area and yes the ...
watermelons6/17/2008
  Q: I live in southern Alabama and I am trying to grow watermelons, I pruchased them from my local ...
  A: Be patient, if there are buds, then the male flowers will develop first then the female; you should ...
strawberries6/17/2008
  Q: Nick, My question is about strawberries...I hope you can help! About 2 months ago I bought a ...
  A: Keep your strawberry evenly moist throughout, do not let it dry out or be overly wet; every other ...
watermelons6/16/2008
  Q: I live in southern Alabama and I am trying to grow watermelons, I pruchased them from my local ...
  A: are you getting any flowers developing? let me know, that will be the first indication; you will ...
grapefruit trees6/15/2008
  Q: how deep or wide is the root system of grapefruit trees. how long does to harvest edible fruits from ...
  A: Boy Joan, don't hold back! LOL..ok, lets begin grapefruit 101.. Grafted trees assure you of a true ...
Kwanzan cherry tree6/14/2008
  Q: as a follow-up to the drooping leaves. How long does transplant shock last? We planted our tree on ...
  A: it could very well be too much, and the roots are decaying from sitting in water, check the ground ...
Sweet Cherry Tree6/12/2008
  Q: I recently planted a Sweet Cherry Tree ( I live in Toronto,Ontario). The leaves are all dropping, ...
  A: I would have advised against adding anything, especially manure and definitely not if it was fresh! ...
apple tree6/8/2008
  Q: Nick, I have an apple tree, which has a sucker growing from its roots. I just noticed that the ...
  A: Jess, get a sharp saw and cut away the connection to the parent tree, then carefully (with a ...
Birds & or Squirrels eating my new grape vines6/7/2008
  Q: How can I protect my newly planted grape vines from being eaten up by birds & squirrels (I'm ...
  A: its probably rabbits, (or deer), definitely not birds or squirrels; that said, the only protection ...
apple tree6/3/2008
  Q: Nick, I have an apple tree, which has a sucker growing from its roots. I just noticed that the ...
  A: yes you can excise it from the oldtimer, but I would wait for it to develop a good root system, so ...
lemon trees5/31/2008
  Q: Our tree is about 4 yrs old. Two years ago we had beautiful lemons. Last year after a very hard ...
  A: let me know how much you are watering it, Citrus need to be irrigated when its real dry, but they ...
Peach Tree5/30/2008
  Q: I live in Southwest Florida. Can we grow a Peach Tree from the Pit? How long does it take to spout ...
  A: you can, but you won't realize any fruit, because it is most assuredly a "Georgia" variety; if you ...
orange tree5/28/2008
  Q: I live in a wooded north orlando area.Lots of pines and oaks.When I moved here last year the orange ...
  A: all sounds normal, it will take the whole year to get the fruit to the size for picking, in the mean ...
papaya tree5/25/2008
  Q: I planted 3 papaya trees together, not realizing they would grow so fast and tall. They're all ...
  A: Jan, they are very difficult to transplant when that big, but so easy to grow from seed, that I ...
Avacado - fruit??5/23/2008
  Q: I own a Little Cado, grafted, in the ground 5 years. When I bought it, the tags said it was self ...
  A: I have a friend down here in Florida who has a beutiful Avocado that for years did nothing (it did ...
Orange Tree Looses so much fruit5/23/2008
  Q: I have a dwarf orange tree, and it produced fantastic oranges, however (particurlarly this year), ...
  A: no birds don't normally bother newly developed oranges, I am thinking it has to do more with your ...
orange trees5/22/2008
  Q: I have 2 small 2 year old orange trees. One is a Tangelo and the other is a Navel. I read one of ...
  A: you are very welcome, Citrus can develop real serious root problems from too much irrigation; their ...
Banana Tree5/21/2008
  Q: My grandson lives in Panama City, FL. I am gifting his family with a dwarf banana tree, but I live ...
  A: alas, I have tried them all, and albeit they will struggle along and not die, they most assuredly ...
Eureka Lemon tree5/21/2008
  Q: I have a Eureka Lemon that was about 2 feet tall two years ago and now it is over 6 feet high. The ...
  A: usually when a true to form lemon develops a thick skin its due to irregular irrigation; lemons are ...
orange trees5/21/2008
  Q: I have 2 small 2 year old orange trees. One is a Tangelo and the other is a Navel. I read one of ...
  A: Temple, Nova and Sunburst are the pollinators for your Tangelo, but thats not real important right ...
Blueberries5/21/2008
  Q: I have six or seven blueberry bushes that are growing in a raised bed of rich, loamy compost & peat ...
  A: Blueberries definitely need an acidic soil, and do not like their feet wet, they will react ...
Banana Tree5/21/2008
  Q: My grandson lives in Panama City, FL. I am gifting his family with a dwarf banana tree, but I live ...
  A: there are several varieties that are toted as being good for containers; the plain truth of the ...
GrapeFruit5/19/2008
  Q: One day i thought that it might be interesting to grow a citrus tree, so i palnted a garpe friut ...
  A: well, the bad news is it probably won't be a grapefruit, the reason being, is it was most assuredly ...
Papaya & Loquat trees5/19/2008
  Q: I just bought 2 tropical trees (Papaya & Loquat), as these are my favorite fruits! I live in ...
  A: go to your local grocery store and get one of the larger "Mexican Reds" (its the biggest ones they ...
Planting various fruit trees5/18/2008
  Q: we live in Cairo Egypt. We have been told to plant them while they are young, meaning we saw the ...
  A: you have quite a variety of trees with different growth patterns and fruiting habits; in general ...
Papaya & Loquat trees5/18/2008
  Q: I just bought 2 tropical trees (Papaya & Loquat), as these are my favorite fruits! I live in ...
  A: not these two varieties, they are not suitable for a container (especially the Loquat); their root ...
Peach trees5/18/2008
  Q: A week ago I received 2 young peach trees in the mail. They are not very big (2 feet tall). I ...
  A: this often happens with mail order plants (especially trees), they go into transplant shock and lose ...
Peach tree borers5/15/2008
  Q: My 3yr old peach tree has borers! I have dug up the slimy soil just under the tree and have killed ...
  A: Bayer puts out a soil drench that is systemic, and would kill the borers, however it isn't for a ...
Berries5/15/2008
  Q: I would like to know if you could tell me if Blackberries & Blueberries can be planted next to one ...
  A: The problem is that Blackberries are very aggressive growers and would soon overtake and smother the ...
Drooping leaves on Cherry tree.5/13/2008
  Q: We live in Zone 7. Last month (April) we planted a Tartanian (sp) Cherry Tree. It doesn't seem to ...
  A: don't be confused, this is a somewhat complicated subject "pollination"; here is why, when a fruit ...
Drooping leaves on Cherry tree.5/12/2008
  Q: We live in Zone 7. Last month (April) we planted a Tartanian (sp) Cherry Tree. It doesn't seem to ...
  A: Sandie, first of all, it is a sweet cherry variety and unless they came up with a new self ...
lemon tree in container5/12/2008
  Q: We have a dwarf lemon tree(myers I think) that was doing wonderfully in the 5 gallon container from ...
  A: when you transplanted it did you makes sure you planted it at the same exact level as it was in the ...
mango trees5/10/2008
  Q: Can a mango tree successfully grow in central California (the valley)? how long do they take to bare ...
  A: (Carrie is also a variety of Mango:)) If you are located in the Central Valley, you may be able to ...
orange tree5/9/2008
  Q: we have an orange tree that about 2 or 3 years old ... it seems to be turning yellow and some ...
  A: is it getting proper irrigation ?(being in the dry season, as we are here in Florida), it sounds ...
papaya fruit drop5/8/2008
  Q: - Did I cause that? much thanks Geo
  A: I am just south of you in Port Charlotte, and what has happened to your Papaya is a common ...
satsuma5/3/2008
  Q: My trees have not bloomed this year. This is the first year they have done this. Do they have a ...
  A: Citrus have many problems that we as growers can compensate for, blooming however is beyond our ...
my capsicum plant doesnt look healthy.....help5/3/2008
  Q: I am sahar from india. I have bought a capsicum plant two months back its about 2.5 ft tall and has ...
  A: I thinking your problem is the clay container, they dry out extremely fast, and the curling leaves ...
Orange tree4/30/2008
  Q: I have inherited an orange when when I bought my house. The first couple of years the fruit bore a ...
  A: Nazreen, from what you have described, the Citrus is showing signs of lack of care; Citrus need a ...
mango tree4/30/2008
  Q: I planted a mango tree about 7 years ago and this is the first year there is fruit and plenty of it. ...
  A: its perfectly normal for any fruit tree to shed excess fruit; we would all love our fruit trees to ...
grape vines4/27/2008
  Q: I have a wild vine on the edge of my wood-line.I have heard that there are male and female grape ...
  A: its not the vines themselves that are male, female, or hermaphroditic (both), its the flowers that ...
trimming citrus trees4/27/2008
  Q: We have one pink grapefruit tree and three tangelo trees. They are all budding right now with tiny ...
  A: no problem, it will continue to go through its sequence, its just that the buds your son trimmed off ...
eureka lemon tree in large container4/27/2008
  Q: The eureka lemon tree we have is in a large container. We have had this tree for several years-it ...
  A: your assumption is probably correct, not only is more then likely pot bound (several years in the ...
Florida Navel Orange Tree4/26/2008
  Q: We recently cut down a navel orange tree that had been in our yard when we moved in 9 years ago. It ...
  A: ok, first of all, the new citrus is probably from the rootstock, which is more then likely "sour ...
bananas4/21/2008
  Q: How do you get bananas from a banana tree? I have a adult tree but it never has fruit. ANSWER: Hi ...
  A: ok, I'm going to assume its a dwarf cavandish (the most common variety grow in florida), that said, ...
apple tree4/20/2008
  Q: I want to plant a pink lady apple tree in panama city florida. I was wondering if you knew if we had ...
  A: its a great apple from I have researched, and it will grow allegedly in zones as high as 9, you are ...
White flecks4/16/2008
  Q: I have a smal orange tree that I dug up and repotted last year. It seems to be growing fine and has ...
  A: Mack, it sounds like either aphids or scale insects; spray it down with a horticultural oil (home ...
Grapefruit bush and Orange tree4/15/2008
  Q: We bought some young grapefruit and orange trees. One of each type..about 4 feet... This was two ...
  A: yes, they are very young, and it is natural for Citrus to shed many of its immature fruit before ...
mango tree4/11/2008
  Q: I have 2 mango trees that were planted approx. 6 years ago. One tree has taken off and is about 12 ...
  A: nothing you have done, its mother nature; Mangos like dry conditions through the winter for optimum ...
Orange Tree4/10/2008
  Q: Something is eating the small budding oranges, I sprayed tree a couple of times---I see no insects ...
  A: If it is in fact birds, then a decoy will help, but it could also be night feeding slugs, they are ...
Soil and container4/3/2008
  Q: I just ordered 2 condo mango and 4 citrus trees all 2 to 3 years old and for container growing ...
  A: yes it can be confusing sometimes when you listen to all the different opinions out there; for what ...
Key Lime blossom problem3/30/2008
  Q: We live in the panhandle of Florida. We have 6 citrus trees--Persian Lime, Valencia Orange, Key ...
  A: its not a pollination problem because the other varieties cross pollinate it just fine; I can only ...
Grapevine Wilt3/27/2008
  Q: In January of '07 I planted a nursery-bought grapevine (I don't remember what kind) that produced ...
  A: What I think may of occurred is the mole disrupted the roots by dislodging the secondary finer roots ...
Meyer Lime3/27/2008
  Q: If I prune to shape can I get a new plant from what I cut? I did not know if root harmon would help. ...
  A: but it is going to be many, many years before you realize any fruit from this seedling. Just cut the ...
Satsuma tree fungus3/27/2008
  Q: My satsuma trees are about 2 years old. This season, the leaves have become very dull, almost ...
  A: It should be fertilized with a specific "Citrus fertilizer" (Home Depot) because all the minor ...
Grapevine Wilt3/27/2008
  Q: In January of '07 I planted a nursery-bought grapevine (I don't remember what kind) that produced ...
  A: don't be sorry, rambling is the only way to get all the info out,; I don't see any evidence of above ...
Grapevine Wilt3/27/2008
  Q: In January of '07 I planted a nursery-bought grapevine (I don't remember what kind) that produced ...
  A: this vine has spread and grown real well and now has turned sour on you; go to the main stem coming ...
15 gallon or 24in box meyer lemon tree3/25/2008
  Q: we have 2 outdoor 36inch square, 25 inch high concrete containers which I want to plant meyer lemon ...
  A: I have given this some serious thought since we last conversed, and I really have reservations ...
15 gallon or 24in box meyer lemon tree3/25/2008
  Q: we have 2 outdoor 36inch square, 25 inch high concrete containers which I want to plant meyer lemon ...
  A: either will be fine, albeit they would fare better in the ground, but they will grow in the ...
orange tree3/25/2008
  Q: valencia orange dying. stripping bark and dead branches. tell me about it. Thanks.
  A: Carl, the most likely culprit is too much irrigation, Citrus (especially young ones) can be ...
CITRUS TREES3/24/2008
  Q: DO ORANGE TREES AND LEMON TREES NEED TO BE PLANTED CLOSE TOGETHER I WAS TOLD THEY .BUT I HAVE ALSO ...
  A: Depending on the type of Citrus, pollination needs differ dramatically, some need certain types ...
Grapefruit3/23/2008
  Q: I have moved to Brazil from the UK and am really missing Grapefruit(they just dont sell it!!) So I ...
  A: first you can't just grow one from a seed, because most citrus are grafted onto a rootstock called ...
Bluberries3/23/2008
  Q: Nick, I just got blueberry plants about a week ago and they were doing fine. Now lately parts of the ...
  A: it sounds like too much water Adam, blueberries do not like wet leaves and need a light potting ...
Satsuma tree fungus3/22/2008
  Q: My satsuma trees are about 2 years old. This season, the leaves have become very dull, almost ...
  A: Citrus are effected by numerous problems if not attended to; insects, fungal problems etc. They need ...
transplanting citrus trees3/22/2008
  Q: What do they mean "shave the fiber roots" when transplanting a citrus tree from a container to the ...
  A: I never heard of that expression, however, when transplanting your Citrus, simply loosen the root ...
apple tree3/20/2008
  Q: I bought a one year old whip and planted it in the fall. The rodents got to it and gnawed it down to ...
  A: Hey Jesse, if it still has bark on it then it may regenerate growth, but if they stripped the bark ...
citrus in noirth Florida3/18/2008
  Q: What citrus trees can be grown in North Florida (St Augustine/Jacksonville areas)?
  A: Hey Nick! rather then list them, go to "Mckenzie Farms" on your search engine, they are a Citrus ...
Unsweetened orenges3/14/2008
  Q: I have a large orange tree which produces tons of sour oranges. Is there anything I can do to bring ...
  A: when a desirable variety of citrus is grown, it is usually grafted onto a root stock that is ...
mango and orient pear trees3/13/2008
  Q: Last year, I bought a mango tree in August and an orient pear tree in December from Lowes. Both are ...
  A: The Mango seems to be alright, but I would return the pear, for it is definitely diseased, and Lowes ...
Black stuff on Citrus Trees3/11/2008
  Q: I have several orange trees, a grapefruit tree, a mango tree and two lemon trees. They all have ...
  A: ok, the black stuff is called "sooty mold", its actually an innocuous fungus that in itself does no ...
banana3/8/2008
  Q: so glad i found you. i need to know how aggressive the root system is for banana. my planting space ...
  A: not a problem, bananas have a root system that is like a big potato with fiber type roots extending ...
sugar apple tree3/7/2008
  Q: I live in central Florida. Last September I planted a sugar apple tree about 3 feet high. Soon after ...
  A: it sounds like too much moisture in the soil where you planted it, if not, then definitely something ...
Mystery Tree3/7/2008
  Q: My husband and I just moved into a townhouse in Phoenix, Arizona and were pleasantly surprised to ...
  A: it sounds like a "Calamondin" which is a small orange (actually the size of a walnut) that is used ...
sweet cherry pollinators3/2/2008
  Q: I just purchased a Sweet September cherry tree and have a Black Tartarian cherry tree that is @ 15 ...
  A: I researched it because I am not familiar with "sweet September"; Black Tartarian will pollinate ...
Tangelo Tree (not sure of variety)3/1/2008
  Q: We have a tangelo tree that has been in a pot for several years and produced limited fruit. We want ...
  A: first of all I hope you have a good pollinator within a quarter mile, Tangelos need certain other ...
valencia orange (seedless)3/1/2008
  Q: i have a tree in my back yard and its about three or four years old but it never bears much fruit. ...
  A: ....you definitely need to get pollen from one tree to another for fruit production, otherwise they ...
key lime tree3/1/2008
  Q: i have a key lime tree that is a couple years old, it is still in a 1 gallon pot. the plant looks ...
  A: Hey Scott, thanks for the question! you need to change it out of that small container, thats most ...
valencia orange (seedless)2/29/2008
  Q: i have a tree in my back yard and its about three or four years old but it never bears much fruit. ...
  A: it sounds like its not getting pollination, are there any other citrus trees within a quarter mile? ...
Papaya2/27/2008
  Q: Our Papaya tree has grown tall and filled with fruit quite rapidly.We have 2 fairly large papayas, 7 ...
  A: on a scale of 1-10, 1 being easiest, and 10 being most difficult to grow, Papaya is an easy ...
Fruit Cocktail Tree2/26/2008
  Q: We just moved from NC in July to Mesa Az. We have a tree in our backyard that, at first, produced ...
  A: ok, what you have is three separate varieties grafted onto one rootstock; the lemons and limes will ...
orange seed soil2/26/2008
  Q: i would like to grow an orange seed that i got out of a blood orange. i dont expect it to be the ...
  A: The best soil is a light potting mix (borderline on a sandy mix), but keep in mind that this blood ...
orange trees2/26/2008
  Q: I recently planted 2 citrus trees (Honeybell Tangelo and Rhode Red Valencia). Will the Valencia ...
  A: ) I stand corrected on the Minneola, another exact will not do, another "mandarin" will, but your ...
Orange Tree2/25/2008
  Q: Putting a stem cutting from an orange tree or a new orange tree in water will it grow roots to ...
  A: no its not that simple, you can air layer a branch while still attached to the parent plan, ...
Viable dwarf citrus in Northeast Florida (Jacksonville)2/25/2008
  Q: I am interested in what types of dwarf citrus would be viable in the Jacksonville area. I am hoping ...
  A: rule of thumb is if you can escape a hard freeze, you have numerous choices, (Mandarins, Navel, ...
small navel orange tree2/22/2008
  Q: I have a small navel orange tree in my back yard in Mesa, Arizona. It is approximately. 8 years old, ...
  A: ...no, thats old school, the University of Florida has done some detailed research on the pros and ...
small navel orange tree2/21/2008
  Q: I have a small navel orange tree in my back yard in Mesa, Arizona. It is approximately. 8 years old, ...
  A: it undoubtedly a grafted tree, and when that fence broke it down to ground level, the rootstock ...
self-fertile apple tree (4 way)2/20/2008
  Q: I want to plant a "self-fertile" apple tree. I don't have much space in the yard, so it has to be ...
  A: nice to hear from you, ok, its 4 grafted varieties onto one rootstock, and they do it down here in ...
Paw Paw2/19/2008
  Q: I live in S.E.Quennsland Australia and am having problems with new fruit falling off the tree when ...
  A: .....ok, its a very young tree and I wouldn't expect it to bear anything to maturity at that age ...
Meyer Lime2/19/2008
  Q: Can i prune my tree? It seems to be spreading a lot, but is under 5 feet tall. I would like it a ...
  A: Citrus doesn't really require pruning, that said, it can be from an aesthetic standpoint however; ...
Meyer Lemon2/15/2008
  Q: My lemon is several years old; repotted last spring; last few years it gets covered in blooms and ...
  A: They do need to be pollinated by a different tree; the bees collect pollen from one tree and when ...
lime and orange tree2/15/2008
  Q: I have a lime tree and an orange tree.The lime tree produces all summer long when outside.It does ...
  A: the sad part is they only fruit once (occasionally twice) a year, and it is usually in spring for ...
Meyer Lemon2/15/2008
  Q: My lemon is several years old; repotted last spring; last few years it gets covered in blooms and ...
  A: it needs to be pollinated by another citrus, is there any other citrus within the area?? the reason ...
naval orange tree2/14/2008
  Q: I bought a naval orange tree two years ago from our local Wal-Mart store. It was about 2ft. high ...
  A: the black stuff is called "sooty mold" its an innocuous fungus that is attracted to the secretions ...
Meyer Lemon Tree2/13/2008
  Q: I bought this lemon tree about 3 years ago from Home Depot. The first year it stayed in the pot but ...
  A: I'm flabbergasted to say the least, the reason being, Lemons are almost care free, they are very ...
banana tree2/11/2008
  Q: i have about ten banana trees growing together. I need to remove some of the trees. Is it okay to ...
  A: you need to get a picture of what you are dealing with first; the underground root system is like a ...
Apple tree2/3/2008
  Q: I have a lovely little apple tree that has 3 different apple grafted onto it. I get fruit every ...
  A: you must be careful about this, the graft is onto a rootstock that is chosen for its resilience not ...
Sour Tangrlos2/1/2008
  Q: My father-in-law has a mature tangelo tree and the fruit is so sour we can't eat it. Is it the ...
  A: Larry, I'm pretty sure the tree is no longer a Tangelo; let me explain what I believe happened. The ...
citrus1/30/2008
  Q: Does planting lemons limes and oranges together make the a difference? Will my oranges turn sour or ...
  A: no, they will cross pollinate in most cases, and the fruit will be true to form; keep in mind that ...
Scarlett Navel orange1/29/2008
  Q: and ate what the vendor called a "Scarlett Orange" It was very sweet and juicy and had a color ...
  A: the reason I opted out of this one is I am as baffled as you, to the variety, but I have a ...
orange trees1/29/2008
  Q: What type of fertilizer should I use on an orange tree that is producing large amounts of unsweet ...
  A: the problem isn't in the fertilizer, its the species of orange tree; I'm almost certain the variety ...
orange tree disease1/28/2008
  Q: we have a mature orange tree in our yard but it has many little plant growths on it that look kind ...
  A: what you have is more then likely an innocuous fungus called "Lichen"; it is harmless and not the ...
orange trees1/20/2008
  Q: i was wondering if i plant orange seeds from orange would they grow in my backyard i stay in Florida ...
  A: ok, you can't just plant any orange seed and expect it to be what you just ate; reason being, most ...
orange, grapefruit and pummelo care1/19/2008
  Q: Last October,I planted 1 Naval orange, 1 ruby grapefruit and 1 pummelo tree and have not fertilized ...
  A: the time for administering isn't real important, the main thing is that it has constant protection, ...
fruit1/18/2008
  Q: how fast do apples and oranges usually rot under normal conditions??
  A: depends largely on how hot and humid it is, they will stay fresh much longer in a refrigerator; ...
orange, grapefruit and pummelo care1/17/2008
  Q: Last October,I planted 1 Naval orange, 1 ruby grapefruit and 1 pummelo tree and have not fertilized ...
  A: I'm in Port Charlotte, they need to be fertilized in April with a well balanced Citrus fertilizer ...
sour oranges1/12/2008
  Q: I have a tree in my backyard. It was there when we moved in. It has grown oranges and they are just ...
  A: grafting is something you must learn by watching it being done, I would suggest contacting your ...
potted orange tree1/10/2008
  Q: My son started an orange tree 15 yrs. ago in a soup can at daycare. It is now about 10 ft. tall with ...
  A: if your son started this from seed, then you probably have a variety called "sour orange"; sour ...
potted citrus trees1/4/2008
  Q: A few questions...I have a potted Satsuma (very large pot, tree about 12 years old, relocated and ...
  A: Yes, what you did was stress it by uprooting it, (you didn't mention if it ever set fruit) usually ...
potted citrus trees1/4/2008
  Q: A few questions...I have a potted Satsuma (very large pot, tree about 12 years old, relocated and ...
  A: OK let me take a breath and begin, lol...first of all, the leave shed when you brough the Meyer in ...
Orange tree1/3/2008
  Q: I have a mature orange tree that is producing a large amount of beautiful oranges. Last year the ...
  A: definitely sounds like a tangerine, often citrus will have good years and bad years; but a uniform ...
Care for Banana Trees1/1/2008
  Q: I have 5 very large very mature banana trees on the back and west side of my house. I transplanted ...
  A: No problem Steve, picture a huge potato under the ground, in the same manner in which a potato puts ...
Care for Banana Trees1/1/2008
  Q: I have 5 very large very mature banana trees on the back and west side of my house. I transplanted ...
  A: Hey Steve, glad to help out! Bananas will continue to grow "until" they bear fruit, they then will ...
Naval Orange Tree12/30/2007
  Q: I purchase a house with a mature naval orange tree. I know nothing about caring for the tree. I ...
  A: ok, here is citrus 101....by the book you should be spraying for insects once a month with a ...
watermelon12/30/2007
  Q: some of my melons are going black and dying.They are small about 2" long. They seemed to be alright ...
  A: often melons, cucs etc. when first forming will shed some of their crop; many other veggies and ...
cherries12/21/2007
  Q: Hey nick just wanting to know how to grow cherries if you do know please give he some tips also ...
  A: same to you! cherries need to chill in the ground before they will emerge, so usually they are ...
rockmelons12/20/2007
  Q: Now i've only grown Rockmelons once but i'am growing them again and there growing fine and all yet i ...
  A: Albeit I have never grown "rock" melons, I do know the problems many people have with melons in ...
nova tangelo tree12/10/2007
  Q: I live in Northwest Florida and I have recently planted a nova tangelo tree. If I planted it in May ...
  A: no you need another Tangelo, or have another one in the neighborhood, they are the only citrus that ...
papapya12/7/2007
  Q: my papaya has no fruits, but many flowers why???
  A: Papayas develop into either a male or a female, you can't determine which until they flower; if the ...
mature naval orange tree in venice, fl12/4/2007
  Q: I have been fertilizing 3 times a year with recommended citrus fertilizer for the past 3 year and ...
  A: Hey Pete, I'm just south of you in Port Charlotte! Navels can be pithy and dry (a condition called ...
Trimming my lime bush12/3/2007
  Q: I live in Northwest Florida and planted a lime bush several months ago. It is getting a little out ...
  A: Hey Steve, now isn't really the best time to trim it, but not for the reasons you cited, but because ...
Orange House Plant12/1/2007
  Q: I've had Ms. Orange for two years and bloomed all year with 1.5" size bright orange fruit inside the ...
  A: Hey Frank, ok, sounds like a typical shock reaction, nothing to be too concerned about as long as ...
key lime tree11/29/2007
  Q: we live in fort myers florida and have a 6 year old key lime tree about 10-12 ft high with same ...
  A: Hey don, I'm up here in Port Charlotte, my key lime is loaded with fruit right now, so I will wait ...
Naval orange tree11/28/2007
  Q: My father-in-law recently planted a naval orange tree. It now has four oranges on it. What's a ...
  A: Navels are funny in that they do not have to be "orange" to be ripe; size is what I go by, when they ...
Lime trees11/24/2007
  Q: I started a lime tree from a seed. Right now it is about 30 inches tall. It has been indoors ...
  A: there is a chance albeit a very small one that it may give you a few small limes; the problem is ...
Indoor lemon and lime trees11/19/2007
  Q: A friend left her husband and the continent...on her last day here , asked if I could take her ...
  A: ok. lets begin by realizing that the move from the old environment is a stressful situation; did you ...
trimming11/11/2007
  Q: when is the rite or best time to trim a mango tree in south Florida
  A: .you can trim them anytime and to your specifications; Mangos are one of the trees that need to be ...
Meyer lemon tree11/9/2007
  Q: I recently received a dwarf meyer lemon tree as a gift from my sister. It has started to produce ...
  A: there are several culprits that could be responsible; night catepillas, slugs, or if they are ...
papaya tree11/8/2007
  Q: I live in the Caribbean and have tried to grow papaya trees for three years now. I have at times ...
  A: Sandra, I grow Papayas here in South Florida, and once in awhile I have had the same thing happen, ...
Lemon Tree11/8/2007
  Q: We planted a lemon tree this past spring (late). There are 3 medium to large lemons and they are ...
  A: the cold will actually speed up the color turning process, but if it is turning even a little now, ...
fruits fall off11/3/2007
  Q: My Filipino lemon tree has a lot of blooms thsi summer and I took it inside now that the weather is ...
  A: without knowing its history its tough but usually premature fruit drop is caused by some type of ...
Fruit tree in central florida11/1/2007
  Q: I am in Windermere, Florida and would like to know whether the following fruit trees are good for ...
  A: yes and no...yes they will grow well during our rainy season, but will suffer during our winter and ...
banana trees10/28/2007
  Q: why do the flowers fall off before it produces bananas and do you have to pollinate them ANSWER: ...
  A: The banana plant forms flowers simultaneous with the fruit; the flowers fall off as soon as the pod ...
Key Lime Tree10/28/2007
  Q: I live in Powder Springs, Atlanta, Ga. and I need to know if I can keep a small Key Lemon Tree ...
  A: I think you probably have a key "lime" tree (I never heard of a key lemon), but the same would hold ...
fertilizer for Naval orange tree10/27/2007
  Q: We have planted a naval orange tree around 4 ft tall and it has 8 oranges on it. What kind of ...
  A: good advice from whoever told you that; for the first 3 years you should remove all but about 3 ...
lemons splitting open10/26/2007
  Q: my lemon tree is in a large pot, it's looking healthy, has many yellow lemons - small, golfball size ...
  A: when citrus splits its almost always erratic watering that is the cause; many people who are told ...
banana fruit10/23/2007
  Q: My question is when do I know to cut the fruit off the tree?
  A: Hey Cliff, the bunch will take up to 3 months to "plump out"...they will actually swell and the ...
My mango tree won't grow.10/20/2007
  Q: I live in southwest Florida and I have a 4 year old mango tree that was started from seed and has ...
  A: Mangoes do not like miracle grow, or much water for that matter; they get what they need from an ...
Apricot trees10/19/2007
  Q: We have an apricot tree that seems to be dead, yet sucker growth formed at the base, can we count ...
  A: suckers never amount to anything, if the tree seems kaput, then it probably is, suckers will ...
Mago trimming branches10/16/2007
  Q: I have a two year old duarf mango tree about five ft. high. If, when, and how should I trim it? ...
  A: Mangos can be pruned at any age, but normally I wouldn't unless it was a standard and getting too ...
orange house plant10/13/2007
  Q: The leaves have curled and I was wandering if I should cut some of the roots. The tree is about 40 ...
  A: I think she may have become rootbound and is stressing, thats usually a sign (curling leaves) that ...
Apricot, prevent Suckers, from growing10/11/2007
  Q: Are there environmental conditions that might inhibit sucker shoots from growing out of the ...
  A: there is no direct correlation between the development of suckers on any fruit tree and excess ...
raspberries10/11/2007
  Q: Im growing raspberries in containers (whiskey barrels). I started with one, and over the years new ...
  A: I've never experienced that! but I know there are fruits out there that will sometimes propagate ...
banana tree bearing fruit10/10/2007
  Q: Hey Nick, bought a banana tree as a baby at a nursery don't remember the type but don't think its ...
  A: J., ok, first of all, kudos to you for getting a banana to fruit in Indiana! now, the first row that ...
lemons falling off before they are ripe10/8/2007
  Q: we live in LA and have a lemon tree. For the first couple years the lemons ripened and fell off. ...
  A: Tom, without seeing the trees i will attempt to speculate; usually a tree will shed fruit ...
Lemon-Lime tree in Houston??10/2/2007
  Q: I purchased a house almost 3 years ago. In my backyard, I thought I had a lime tree/bush. People ...
  A: ...lol...sry I'm laughing,but what you have is a medley citrus tree, its both! and they mature at ...
grapefruit from seed.10/1/2007
  Q: I have two grapefruit trees that were started from seed about 12 years ago. I planted them in the ...
  A: Grapefruit will turn yellow on the tree when it is ripe, at that point it is ready; the only citrus ...
THORNS ON NEW GROWTH9/25/2007
  Q: I live in San Antoino Texas and have a 4ft navel and orange tree(2 YEARS OLD), each tree has about ...
  A: Bill, Navels do not have thorns, what may be happening (and without seeing it, I can't be sure) is ...
Mango trimming9/25/2007
  Q: I would like to know how to prune or trim a mango tree and when is the best time of year to do it? ...
  A: I'm in Southwest florida so I don't know of anyone over there; Mangos can be pruned without any fear ...
citrus trees9/24/2007
  Q: We just planted 2 grapefruit, and orange and a lemon tree. We are in Phoenix, AZ. How fast do they ...
  A: it all depends on several factors when you will see fruit and how fast they grow; first of all, the ...
grapefruit tree9/20/2007
  Q: I have grown 2 grapefruit trees from seed. They are both around 5-5 1/2 feet tall. They are 2 years ...
  A: I wish I could give you good news, however, here's the skinny, Grapefruit trees are tropical by ...
yellow leaves on Banana Tree9/20/2007
  Q: A freind gave us a 6ft tall banana tree about a week ago and the leaves are starting to turn yellow. ...
  A: Bananas are the pigs of the plant kingdom, they will utilize anything they can get to the max! the ...
yellow leaves on Banana Tree9/19/2007
  Q: A freind gave us a 6ft tall banana tree about a week ago and the leaves are starting to turn yellow. ...
  A: Randy, bananas are prone to that when first planted, the existing leaves usually droop or turn ...
Care of a Banana Tree9/15/2007
  Q: Me and my family recently moved to Hawaii and our home here came with a well established yard that ...
  A: Hawaii! nice! ok heres the speel, Bananas do indeed only produce one bunch, the bunch will remain on ...
Orange tree9/14/2007
  Q: Our orange tree had a major tree branch split, is there anyway to save the tree, and the fruit? ...
  A: now we have a serious problem, if the main trunk is damaged, then you will need to remove the branch ...
pomegranate9/14/2007
  Q: Someone asked last month if you could grow pomegranates in Richmond Virginia. I have one now ...
  A: they can be grown if protected from the cold, (as evidence by your growing one between houses) the ...
meyr lemon tree9/1/2007
  Q: I have a meyer lemon tree that I planted in a pot in 2001. For the last couple of years, I get fruit ...
  A: ok, I need to disseminate the info you sent, follow-up with how big the container is you have the ...
Bugs on Indoor Banana Plant8/31/2007
  Q: I recently repotted my Dwarf Cavendish. I have had it for about 2 months now, and it is close to 3 ...
  A: Ok, therein lies the problem Mark, Bananas need a very humid growing atmosphere to prosper; the dry ...
peach tree8/23/2007
  Q: We have a peach tree which my husband inadvertently sprayed with vegetation killer near the bottom. ...
  A: what kind of vegetation killer did he use, if it is a general herbicide like round up, then it ...
Cherries from a cherry tree8/16/2007
  Q: We have had a cherry growing for about five years but no cherries. I think we need to plant a ...
  A: ok, remember the convolution? well now the plot thickens, if it a sour cherry, then the problem is ...
Citrus trees - Fruit production8/16/2007
  Q: I am new to the Phoenix, AZ area and have three, mature citrus trees in my back yard (orange, lemon ...
  A: Lisa, lemons will produce a bumper crop, but not oranges or grapefruits; when the lemons turn they ...
Pomegranate8/16/2007
  Q: Is it possible to grow any tropical type fruits outdoors in Richmond, Virginia (USDA Zone 7)? I am ...
  A: Mulch heavily during the cold nights and days, and pull it back if you get a warm spell, also you ...
Pomegranate8/15/2007
  Q: Is it possible to grow any tropical type fruits outdoors in Richmond, Virginia (USDA Zone 7)? I am ...
  A: ok, zone 7 is kind of cold for most tropical fruits, but the Pomegranates will grow there with ...
navel orange tree8/15/2007
  Q: My orange tree has been in the ground for 3-4 years, and was about 3-4 years old when I planted it. ...
  A: Janet, what you are describing is inconsistent watering, they split when they get irregular ...
fruit tree?8/12/2007
  Q: We just moved in a house in central Florida. We have a tree in the back yard that we think is citrus ...
  A: what you are describing is a Calamondin; its in the citrus family and is used in jelly and cake ...
Banana Tree8/11/2007
  Q: We have had a banana tree for about 3 years. It is growing great it is about 10 ft tall or more and ...
  A: Jeannie, I live in charlotte county, and I have to take precautions about 3-4 times a year to ...
lemon tree8/10/2007
  Q: Please tell me im not crazy.. i swear i had a lemon tree and i have witnesses but now its oranges ...
  A: You aren't crazy, sour orange trees have thorns like lemon trees and are used for rootstock for ...
Turkey Wing Fig Trees8/1/2007
  Q: I just bought two of these at the Ozark Mt. Folk Center in Mt. View, Ark. I live in southeastern ...
  A: Figs like a evenly moist (not wet) soil base, administer a well balanced granular fertilizer about 3 ...
stone fruits7/28/2007
  Q: my peach and nectarine trees are full of fruit, but often there are little brown holes or strange ...
  A: Jo, I really would need to see the markings, some are caused by insects, some are fungi, and others ...
avocado trees7/22/2007
  Q: I saw a landscaping show that mentioned a 3-in-1 avocado tree, that I believe was a miniature. Have ...
  A: Pam, this is common in many fruit trees, they attempt to get multiple varieties on a single trunk; ...
Jalapenos7/20/2007
  Q: I have a jalapeno plant that has gotten about 2 feet tall or so and flowers all the time. It is not ...
  A: Peppers are self pollinating, and if it is producing flowers without any peppers, its either getting ...
banana tree7/18/2007
  Q: what to do with the rotting smell of garbage from this tree?
  A: Carol, what you smell probably is decaying leaf matter; either you can get down and dirty and clean ...
Okama Cherry Tree7/16/2007
  Q: I have a cherry tree that was planted in my yard 4 months ago (Mar 07) with a trunk about 2.5" in ...
  A: It sounds like the rootball hasn't pushed out of its original medium; I would seriously think about ...
santa rosa plums7/16/2007
  Q: my tree lost a branch with lots of unripe plums. How do I ripen them.
  A: Kate, the truth of the matter is, they will ripen color wise, but they won't ripen taste wise; its ...
Okama Cherry Tree7/16/2007
  Q: I have a cherry tree that was planted in my yard 4 months ago (Mar 07) with a trunk about 2.5" in ...
  A: Lisa, when it was planted, was it planted at the same level that it came out of the nursery pot? I ...
raspberries7/12/2007
  Q: I have diagnosed my raspberries as having powdery mildew and fruit worm larve. Is it harmful to eat ...
  A: no its not harmful to eat fruit/vegetables from a plant that is effected by powdery mildew, its just ...
Raspberry plant7/11/2007
  Q: Please don't think I'm cruel, but can you tell me how to kill off a Raspberry bush, as it is ...
  A: believe me I don't think you are cruel, raspberries are only one of the many invasive plants that ...
cantalope7/11/2007
  Q: I have some beautiful cantalope growing on vines and on the ground. Then there developes a small ...
  A: There's nothing you can do about the fruit that is already invested, but spray sevin on the leaves, ...
CHERRIES SEEDS7/10/2007
  Q: IF I GROW CHERRIES FROM THE CHERRY THAT I GOT FROM THE STORE, WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR IS THE BEST TIME ...
  A: from what I was able to research, the only seeds available are varieties that are not considered the ...
CHERRIES SEEDS7/9/2007
  Q: IF I GROW CHERRIES FROM THE CHERRY THAT I GOT FROM THE STORE, WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR IS THE BEST TIME ...
  A: ok, first of all you need to know that the seed you plant may not materialize as the cherry you ate; ...
lime tree7/6/2007
  Q: We live in Hawaii and have a Mayer Lime tree it has a white fuzzy like spots on the back of its ...
  A: John, it sounds like aphids, and if you are noticing them, its a bad infestation; you need to apply ...
cherry seeds7/2/2007
  Q: I planted several cherry seeds from cherries purchased at a local market about 2 weeks ago. I live ...
  A: good news and bad news Mike, first the good, yes! you can grow a cherry tree from your seed, but it ...
tomato fruit7/1/2007
  Q: I was wondering how can you tell when your tomato flowers are pollinated. I am wondering because I ...
  A: you sure they are female flowers? its normal for the male flowers to fall off; if it is in fact the ...
Grapefruit problem7/1/2007
  Q: I have a small grapefruit tree about three years old. Just two months ago or so it started growing ...
  A: Vic, when a citrus is stressed in any way, ie: not enough sun, insect damage, nutritionally deprived ...
tomato fruit6/27/2007
  Q: I was wondering how can you tell when your tomato flowers are pollinated. I am wondering because I ...
  A: Hey chris, the way you describe it sounds like you have a specialty variety, what kind is it? ...
banana Trees6/26/2007
  Q: I have a banana tree that we put in the ground a few years ago by our pool,it huge and has a lot of ...
  A: Bananas are my forte! Ok, you didn't mention what type they were, but here goes; first purchase a ...
cherry tree6/26/2007
  Q: I have a question about my cherry tree that I planted a month ago. I'm not sure what the variety is ...
  A: If it were my tree Steve, I would just uproot it and return it to the nursery "as is", so that they ...
cherry tree6/25/2007
  Q: I have a question about my cherry tree that I planted a month ago. I'm not sure what the variety is ...
  A: Steve, I would go back to the nursery where you bought it, I'm really surprised they even sold it to ...
Lemon Tree & Pomengrantes6/25/2007
  Q: I live in Phoenix AZ. and have a Lemon Tree and a Pomengrante bush about 3 years old and are both ...
  A: Be patient Mark, I know thats not what you want to hear, but its a fact of nature; as long as the ...
Fruit Tree Maintance6/19/2007
  Q: Nick. We just planted a whole bunch of fruit trees in the yard in NJ. The problem is that, every ...
  A: Sarah, I need to know how old the trees are, how far apart they were planted, how they were planted ...
grapes6/15/2007
  Q: Why are rose bushes planted on the ends of rows of grapes? I have seen this several times ...
  A: why do miners take canaries into the caves? for the same reason as roses are grown near grapes; ...
Meyer lemon with curling leaves6/13/2007
  Q: Hmmm, we want to do right by the poor thing. What do you think....repot in as big a pot as we can ...
  A: I would definitely put it in the planter box, because of the open bottom; the roots do need room to ...
watermelons in Texas6/11/2007
  Q: meaning it's in various large containers (otherwise the dogs would have a garden...)- beans, ...
  A: I too grow vegetables in containers, the reasons are many ie: you can move them during the winter ...
Meyer lemon w/curling leaves6/10/2007
  Q: We planted the Meyer in a pot on the recommendation of a nursery worker - she said citris trees ...
  A: the symptoms you mention are definitely lack of hydration (curling leaves); and possibly stress of ...
Meyer lemon tree w/ curling leaves6/9/2007
  Q: We just transplanted a newly purchased 15 gallon Meyer lemon tree into a new clay pot, SoCal, sunny ...
  A: ok, I don't recommend a Meyer in a container, but if you want to go that route then you must provide ...
Apple trees and Cherry trees6/9/2007
  Q: Do ants help or hinder the blossoms on apple and cherry trees? My cherry tree blossoms but no ...
  A: David, when you see ants, its usually a sign that you have an aphid problem, aphids give off a ...
Lemon tree5/30/2007
  Q: my 4 foot 3 year old tree had plenty blossom on it this spring that turned into fruit but one by one ...
  A: Jim, a citrus will only maintain the amount of fruit it can bring to maturity; its a young tree and ...
disease of plum tree5/29/2007
  Q: My victoria plum tree seems to have some type of blight, the leaves curl in from the sides and look ...
  A: Brian, I'm inclined to think its a fungal disease; spray the entire tree; leaves, stems, trunk etc. ...
How to grow a Grapefruit tree from seed.5/28/2007
  Q: The other day wile drinking my fresh squeezed grapefruit juice I almost swallowed a seed that ...
  A: Konrad, a grafted tree is when they take a desirable variety that may not be the most resilient, and ...
What kind of Fruit tree is this?5/28/2007
  Q: I asked you this question earlier but I just recently got some more information about it. I have a ...
  A: Jean, I could only speculate, and the guru here (university of Florida) couldn't advise either; I ...
How to grow a Grapefruit tree from seed.5/28/2007
  Q: The other day wile drinking my fresh squeezed grapefruit juice I almost swallowed a seed that ...
  A: Konrad, The fact that it sprouted is interesting, however, the environment required to actually grow ...
Pecan Trees5/23/2007
  Q: I have pecan trees that are appx 85 yrs old. All has been well til this season. Problem: The leaf ...
  A: Linda, very common occurrence, the marble knots are called "galls", the insects will move on, many ...
Apricot Tree Suckers5/22/2007
  Q: We're in Southern California. We have an apricot tree in our small back yard. It sends out shallow ...
  A: You should be able to excise the roots without damaging the tree; cut them out (the ones with ...
torn lemon tree leaves5/19/2007
  Q: A month ago I bought a very young Eureka Lemon tree, it was only about 2 or 3 feet high at most. No ...
  A: Carolyn, without actually being able to see the damage, I'll give it a shot (I may need you to ...
bananas5/11/2007
  Q: how much water and fertilzer do bananas need?
  A: John, the old adage that its impossible to overfertilize a banana is about as true a statement as ...
Raspberries5/8/2007
  Q: I am trying to grow raspberries in California. I have several plants. They have been in the ground ...
  A: Kate, I will be the first to admit that raspberries are not my forte; that said, they are ...
Grape Seed Propagation/Germination4/29/2007
  Q: Can grape bushes be developed by seed? If so what procedure does it need to take!
  A: Dee, the answer is yes, however the procedure is somewhat different from what you would normally do ...
Strawberries, no leaves4/29/2007
  Q: I have several strawberry plants. Nearly all are growing well with newly grown leaves, plenty of ...
  A: Peter, if the fruit looks healthy (no signs of fungus) don't be concerned about the lack of leaves, ...
Pecan Tree Problems4/24/2007
  Q: My one year old pecan tree had new leaf growth but within a a couple of days, all the leaves ...
  A: Michele, that is a sign of stress, usually prolonged drought, or in some cases something getting ...
banana trees4/23/2007
  Q: CAN BANANA TREES BE GROWN FOR FRUIT IN A GREENHOUSE? IF SO WHERE CAN THEY BE PURCHASED? ARE THERE ...
  A: Jeremy, you can grow them in a greenhouse, but only if you can duplicate the conditions required to ...
dwarf apple trees4/23/2007
  Q: I'M LOOKING FOR AN APPLE TREE WITH THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: -EVERBEARING OR LONG FRUITING ...
  A: Jeremy, I don't know of any apple tree that is everbearing, (it needs a dormant period to fruit) or ...
ornamental apple trees4/17/2007
  Q: My ornamental apple tree does not bare edible fruit,just tiny apples that don't taste good at all, ...
  A: Susan, I'm not familiar with the variety, however, like any fruit bearing tree, to prevent it ...
Oranges4/15/2007
  Q: I have an orange tree, about 8-10 yrs old, that produces few sweet oranges. The sweeter fruits have ...
  A: I would be inclined to think from your question, (not knowing what type of citrus it is) that it is ...
Identify Berry type4/2/2007
  Q: I recently moved into a house in Towson MD. There is a berry of some type growing along the fence ...
  A: I really do need to see it because it could be one of several varieties; have you inquired with the ...
Thorny lemon tree4/2/2007
  Q: Can you help me with information on my lemon tree which has over the past 2 years has developed into ...
  A: Mark, what happened to you tree is, when it was torn apart by a storm, the new growth came from the ...
Damaged Banana Plant3/28/2007
  Q: A rabbit ate the side of the stem of my banana plant (I only bought it a month ago!). Now the leaves ...
  A: Mary, The pseudostem (trunk) is what I think you are talking about when you say the side; if so and ...
proper way to prune apple trees3/25/2007
  Q: Never having grown fruit trees, I plan to try a dwarf apple tree. Is it true that the proper way to ...
  A: Ray, the tree will naturally shed most of it growth in the first couple of years anyway; it will ...
fertilizer3/25/2007
  Q: I have a hard time of finding 12-5-9 & 4-4-8 for my Mango & Logan fruit trees. According to my ...
  A: sysfo, you don't have to be exact with the macro nutrient numbers; as long as they are close; the ...
proper way to prune apple trees3/24/2007
  Q: Never having grown fruit trees, I plan to try a dwarf apple tree. Is it true that the proper way to ...
  A: Ray, pruning apples or pears or apricots etc..are all the same; you want to keep it symmetrical, and ...
blueberries3/20/2007
  Q: Is it possible to grow blueberries from seed in Miami Florida? Thank you. Beatrice Costello
  A: Bea, first of all, you need to make sure that the blueberries you have are southern type; there are ...
oranges are not sweet3/20/2007
  Q: We just moved to Fl. the oranges on our tree are not sweet. At first I thought they were lemons, ...
  A: Bridgett,, The tree you have is called a "sour orange" and it is indeed sour! there isn't anything ...
lemon trees3/15/2007
  Q: i live in fresno, ca and should have flowers on my lemon tree by now but dont. i noticed the leaves ...
  A: Robert, a cold snap will often cause defoliation of a citrus; if not then its definitely from some ...
Tomato Help3/13/2007
  Q: I was wondering if you could give some advice on my tomato plants. The leaves seem to be dieing ...
  A: Daniel, when purchasing tomatoes its always a good idea to get plants or seeds that are resistant to ...
grapevines3/10/2007
  Q: How often should you water grapevines
  A: if they are established then once a week is sufficient (unless its unusually dry); if new plantings, ...
watermelons3/9/2007
  Q: my watermelons start growing then thay split so i was wondering was the reason was.. ...
  A: Alvin, fruit splitting (whether it be watermelons or citrus or several other fruits) is a symptom of ...
berries3/5/2007
  Q: Nick, I am from Ohio. I have Heritage red raspberries. What is the best way to fertilize and when ...
  A: Lil,,heritage are often called everbearing, because they give two fruitings, one in autumn and ...
Berries3/5/2007
  Q: Nick,My question is about pruning blueberries.I am in Ohio when and how is the best way? I have 5 ...
  A: Blueberries are a much more complicated fruit then raspberries; they require acidic soil (below 5.5) ...
apple crop small2/24/2007
  Q: I live west central Scotland, a7yr old apple tree is healthy looking yet the fruit only grows to ...
  A: Brian, inferior sized fruit in any fruit tree is usually a symptom of lack of nutrients, especially ...
lime plant2/23/2007
  Q: I am going to purchase a lime plant and wanted to know what type of soil you suggest to plant it in. ...
  A: Josh, if you are planting it in a large pot, then I suggest you use a quality potting mixture, ie. ...
pruning a sweet cherry2/19/2007
  Q: I was outside today, enjoying what seems to be an early spring and was hoping to do some pruning. ...
  A: Paul, its very difficult to explain "scaffolding pruning" (which is the proper technique for cherry ...
dormant spray2/17/2007
  Q: The package directions say: mix 8 tbl spoons of lime sulphur and 4 tbl spoons of miscible oil in 3 ...
  A: Paul, apply to the bark and stems, thats where overwintering insects and eggs would be located, and ...
grapes1/31/2007
  Q: Someone gave me some grape cutting and how do i plant them ?Do i start them in water or what? they ...
  A: Norma, the reason they are cut on both ends is to let you know which cut was made closest to the ...
Chili plants1/24/2007
  Q: Can you give me any tips on growing Chili pepper plants. Last year I bought two and they both ...
  A: Chili peppers (like any of the hot pepper varieties) require direct sun and moderate water; the ...
citrus houseplant1/14/2007
  Q: I have a small citrus plant that I have been growing for about 3 years. My house is rather cool in ...
  A: Ken, ok. without seeing the plant its difficult, but from what you have said I'm thinking that you ...
Fall Lemons1/13/2007
  Q: I just moved to this home in the summer and the lemons were finishing up, them in early fall another ...
  A: Barb, It depends on the species, but most lemons fall off before they become overipe, this is ...

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