Southern California is famous for the sunny weather and spectacular Pacific coastline. Just north of the Mexican boundary, San Diego, is known for surfing areas and huge Balboa Park, using its world-famous zoo and museums. Over the bay lies resort city Coronado. Up the shore is fine art in the Getty Center, Los Angeles, home to Hollywood studios, Griffith Park as well as the high end shops of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
During the previous couple of years, there continues to be a great upsurge in house gardeners ’ interest in growing their particular food, resulting in an embracing of permaculture principles, creation of chicken coops, dwelling orchards, and much more. But for those people who really don’t have space for a complete mini-farm, it will be likely to grow one or a couple of fruit-producing harvests in a tiny space. We’ve demonstrated customers the best way to grow citrus right on their veranda!
Citrus
Citrus is among the very simply and extensively grown crops in Southern California. The truth is, nearly all of America’s citrus grown for fresh eating is made in either Arizona, California or Texas. Citrus prosper with almost no water and adore our glowing sunshine, balmy winters. There are numerous varieties to select from, also! Citrus come in regular, semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties.
It's safe to put citrus any season. Plant in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny place and give an excellent, deep watering two times weekly to support root development.
Avocado
Avocado trees could be treated like citrus. They enjoy exactly the same damp, well-drained ground, a complete-sun location in the garden and infrequent, deep waterings. Avocado trees can grow rather big, between 25′ and 30′ for a lot of varieties, therefore it is required to offer sufficient space. We do take one dwarf avocado, called ‘Holiday,’ whose fruit resembles a Hass and remains under 15′ tall.
Fig
Fig trees do well in our Mediterranean climate that is warm. They want little fertilization, and flourish on an extensive selection of grounds to clay. Great for growing and container culture in little spaces.
Persimmon
All these are outstanding, average-sized trees for the exotic fruit enthusiast.
The characteristics of this tree is:
- Tolerates many types of soils, but good drainage is a must
- Rarely bothered by pests or diseases
- Makes a good, smaller shade tree
- Vivid orange, yellow, red fall foliage
- No pollinizer required, but another Japanese persimmon nearby will increase production
- Nonastringent (can be eaten hard; for best flavor let soften a bit after picking)
- Firm-fleshed fruit, size of flattened baseball
- Late fall harvests
- Very low chilling requirement—200 hours
Apples
Request your nurseryman for low-chill varieties like Dorsett and Anna Golden, which produce big, ample fruit, occasionally two times a year within Southern California and will grow quickly. Apple trees can manage full sunlight but need evenly moist soil and regular waterings to flourish in our climate that is warm
The characteristics of this tree is:
- Provide well-drained soil
- California’s favorite apple
- Sweet, very crisp, flavorful fruit
- Fruit keeps well
- Ripens late: mid-September
- No pollinizer required (self-fruitful)
- Excellent pollinizer for other apples
- Low chill requirement—500 hours or less (not a good choice on the coast)
Blueberries
Like apples, blueberries in many cases are considered as really being a cool-weather plant. Additionally like apples, to growing them, the trick will be to decide low-chill varieties. Try to find Southern highbush cultivars like ‘Misty.’ and ‘Sunshine Blue’ Blueberries make the ideal option to get a container harvest, also. Bear in mind that blueberries just like a bright, well-watered place and must have an acidic ground to execute nicely. Get an acid putting mixture intended for azaleas, camellias, etc. to use when putting your blueberries.
Blackberries
Give your blackberries a reasonable level of plain water and also tons of sunshine. In winter months, it is possible to cut back them to the earth for an entirely brand new, vigorous plant in the springtime.
Peach ‘Mid-Pride’
The characteristics of this tree is:
- Provide good drainage, well-amended soil
- Best free-stone for Southern California and Bay Area
- Exceptional flavor and dessert quality
- Mid-season harvests (Late June-July)
- No pollinizer required (self-fruitful)
- Very low chill requirement—250 hours (good for all areas)
Plum ‘Santa Rosa’
The characteristics of this tree is:
- Can be grown in a wide range of soils, but good drainage is a must
- Consistent, moderate water
- Small, 15-foot tree
- Most popular California plum
- Jucy, tangy, flavorful
- Redish-purple skin; flesh is amber tinged red
- Ripens in late June
- No pollinizer required (self-fruitful)
- Low chilling requirement—300 hours (good for all areas except warmest coastal gardens)
Apricot ‘Goldkist’
The characteristics of this tree is:
- Small, 15-foot tree is excellent for backyards
- Provide regular water, well-drained soil
- Freestone, with very good quality
- Heavy bearing
- Early harvests in May and June
- No pollonizer required (self-fruitful)
- Low chilling requirement—300 hours (good for all areas except warmest coastal gardens
