A pleasant little self sufficiency

[GoodDaughter]

I have several potted citrus trees that are old enough to produce usable quantities of fruit. I have been picking satsumas for about 6 weeks, and have lemons that will be ready to pick in another week or so.

It is a little thing, having citrus enough for myself, at least this time of year. I generally don't buy citrus at the stores during the off season like spring and summer because it's expensive. Eat seasonally and all that stuff.

I have really been enjoying the satsumas. A while ago I thought one would be nice, so I went out in the chilly night with a hot cup of Earl Gray (no sugar) and picked one. Sat at my junky patio table and, cats in my lap, peeled the wonderful treat ever so slowly. Just the way it smelled would almost have been satisfying enough. Unfortunately, it was gone in about five bites. So I sipped some tea for a while, gazed at the stars, petted my little calico tigers, and then went and plucked another, and ate it too.

If I had room, I would have an orchard of them, but have to make do with potted trees instead. I would seriously recommend potted citrus to anyone with room to grow them. They will pay back their initial cost in just a couple of seasons of fruit.

There is a bit of satisfaction in knowing this is one more small thing I can provide for myself on my little homestead.

Now I need to redouble my efforts on other things.

[leasmom]

Good for you...it does feel good doesn't it. And the little things add up too!!!

[sissy]

Hi Gooddaughter,
What are satsumas? Never heard of them. Sissy

[GoodDaughter]

Satsumas are basically tangerines, although just a bit smaller. Loose-skinned, easy to peel, very sweet. I have three different varieties, and they are all just a tiny bit different; the Miho is the sweetest and smallest, the Louisiana Brown largest and a bit less sweet but still very, very good. They do quite well in pots, and can take temps down into the 20's before it damages the trees. They have just finished fruiting and already have tiny little buds coming on for next year's crop.

[Toad_Sticker]

sounds cool ,
I've wanted to do that for a couple years but this old farm house is dark.
TS

[GoodDaughter]

Actually, I learned something new last night while researching info on them.... if the tree does not get enough light or water severe enough to cause the tree to defoliate, or gets too cold or gets an insect infestation and the tree defoliates, they will not set buds/blossoms for the next years fruit, therefore no fruit. So I guess it's essential to provide high light, even watering, and good temps.

But I'm always envious of people up north who can grow so many kinds of apples and cherries. :-[

[sissy]

Gooddaughter,
thanks for the info. that is too cool
Sissy

[pinetreefarm]

Hi Good Daughter,

How long would it take in a solarium with the proper lighting, etc.?

Thanks,

Pine

[GoodDaughter]

Hi Pinetree...do you mean how long it would take to get a tree to fruit in a solarium? I don't really know, I've never grown one in a solarium. Where I am, they just stay in their pots outside in the yard. If we got an unusually cold winter I'd move them into the greenhouse.

I'm no expert with them at all, so these are just my observations based on my limited experience. When you see citrus trees at places like Wal Mart, Home Depot, Lowe's etc., they usually sell them this time of year and this is usually when a lot of varieties are starting to put on blossoms for next year's fruit. Some bloom a little later, into Jan., Feb., March etc. Generally if a tree is old enough to bloom, it is old enough to set fruit. If the tree is small it probably won't set a lot of fruit, or if it does the tree will shed excess fruit, often called 'June drop' or something like that. Most citrus are grafted, so I don't know how old the trees are when they sell them. (If you start one from seed, it can take 7 to 10 years to set fruit, and then from what I have researched, you only have a 50/50 chance of the fruit being of eating quality.) And obviously, the larger the tree gets, the more fruit it sets and produces. My satsumas and lemons are in 24" tall x 17" wide pots, in plain old Miracle Gro potting soil, and I feed with a citrus food. The trees themselves are about 3.5 ft. tall and about 2 to 3 feet wide. They should have room to grow in their pots a little bit yet.

I would think if you bought a citrus (they're SO expensive!! :o) it might set a few fruit right away, and then as it gets bigger will set more fruit. Like other fruit trees, they are definitely a long-term investment.

Hope that answers your question Pine. If not, let me know and I'll try again! :D