I just ordered low-chill fruit trees for Florida!

[thespinningcottage]

I just wanted to say that I'm so excited, I ordered low-chill varieties of nectarine, peach, plum and fig! After trying to keep sub-tropical fruit varieties alive in this frozen tundra that used to be Florida, I'm ready for a new mind-set. Even if things return to "normal" and warm up in future winters, we still get enough <45* weather to support these low-chill varieties. My mangoes and guavas haven't produced in 5 years because the bloom always freezes, even with covering them up and putting heat lights on them. So, maybe I'll get to start canning jams and jellies again!

 

[3goodeggs]

I was thinking the same thing! I mean if I have to suffer though northern temperatures I should get northern fruit!, because after all of the freezes, I sure am not going to get any southern fruit.
Where did you order from?

 

[thespinningcottage]

Go for it! Bay Laurel Nursery, in California - 805-466-3406. They have a beautiful website. Lots of trees are sold out because apparently it's past season for fruit trees. I ordered:
Arctic Star and Desert Dawn nectarines, Mid-Pride and Babcock Peaches, Santa Rosa plums, and Conadria figs. They all require 300 or less hours of 45* or below temps from November to February - easy for us, now. I thought the prices were reasonable and the person (Marsha) who spoke with me on the phone was extremely helpful and friendly, not at all pushy which I appreciate. I can't stand the excitement!

 

[3goodeggs]

I feel like we have had 300 DAYS of 45 and below. Will spring ever come? I have johnny jump ups coming up in my garden thicker than weeds, so there is some hope that it is on it's way!

Thanks for the information. I will look at their site. I bet they are getting sold out. Which is great! I want nurseries to do well!

Enjoy your new orchard! It feels good planting a young tree doesn't it? Promise in a pot.

 

[thespinningcottage]

Yes, it's very exciting! If you order, let me know so we can compare notes (and you can give me advice)!

 

[halo]

Im checking them out too. I lost my citrus this winter, and Im just not going to try them again.

 

[thespinningcottage]

Quote:
I also checked out their reputation on the Dave's Garden site. They have a spotless reputation for product quality and customer service! We feel like you do - it has been a losing battle. I want something that I don't have to stress over when the temps drop. I'm tired of paying high prices for fruit in the stores, even our farm stands are outrageous!! Down in the Keys we had Key Lime, mango, carambola (star fruit), and all the avocados you wanted up in Homestead. I'm kind of slow and it has taken me a long time to realize that I don't HAVE to keep trying to grow these varieties just because I'm still in Florida. Imagine hoping for below 45* so your peaches and plums will get the chill they need!! I'm there!

 

[flgardengirl]

Congrats. I am tired of this cold too. My figs do well here. I grew 3 large papaya trees this year that had tons of fruit but they didn't make it before frost. I am growing some dwarf varieties of papayas now in pots that are self fertile so then I can move the pots into the greenhouse if I need to. I need to get some more stuff like apples and peaches etc.

 

[halo]

Thespinningcottage, when are you going to plant them? Is it too early to order now and plant them now?

I have to yank up 4 orange and lemon trees, young ones, I planted 2 years ago. They are dead as a doornail. Ill have to check the varieties you are getting. I love planting stuff, I just seem to have a nack for killing stuff too.

 

[thespinningcottage]

Hi Halo,
The baylaurelnursery.com site has lots of info about "backyard orchard culture" and how/when to prune for a smaller sized tree. Here's a link with good advice on when to plant - basically, now!!

http://www.ehow.com/how_16021_plant-bare-root.html
Isn't this fun!