Selecting citrus varieties for the home grove
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ARCADIAN PHOTO BY AL SMOKE
Joshua Citrus, 4135 SE C.R. 760, in DeSoto County does not sell citrus trees, but it is an excellent place to sample and purchase fresh citrus fruit.
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ARCADIAN PHOTO BY AL SMOKE
Grapefruit are named for the way the fruits hang in large clusters. Home grown frit may have some blemishes from insects and diseases, but usually it does not affect fruit quality.
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ARCADIAN PHOTO BY AL SMOKE
Navel oranges and other citrus are ready when they yield to slight pressure. In our area navels dont achieve full color and also dont usually develop the large navel that gives the fruit its name.
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ARCADIAN PHOTO BY AL SMOKE
Pick and squeeze your own citrus for fresh juice. Blend varieties for unique flavor. If you find grapefruit juice too tart, add just a dash of grenadine syrup for a splash of color and sweetness.
By KAREN SMOKE
When we moved to Florida over 30 years ago, a home citrus grove was number one on our project list.
Dooryard citrus was once more widespread, but problems with diseases turned many people off of growing their own fruit. Is it worthwhile to plant your own citrus? It is if you make use of the fruit. Choose fruits your family will enjoy. Do you want fruit for fresh eating? Choose tangerines, navel oranges and grapefruit. Do you want fruit for juicing? Choose early and late season oranges for an extended harvest.
