Plant Profile: Apples

Apple:

            General info: Apple trees (Malus pumila) are the most popular and widely grown fruit tree in America. Most apple trees require cross-pollination with another variety. On average, apple trees will grow to 10-15’ tall and 5-10’ wide.

           

            Landscape uses: Specimen or shade tree

           

            Ornamental qualities: Showy pinkish-white blossoms in spring; interesting tree form

           

            Planting: Plant in full sun. Early morning sun is important to help dry the leaves and reduce the chance of disease. Well-drained soil is necessary. If necessary, cut off any broken or mutilated roots, otherwise keep root pruning to a minimum. Plant the same depth as grown in the nursery. When the hole is half filled, firm the soil with your feet before filling the rest of the way. Pack the soil firmly. Do not leave a depression around the tree. Water well after planting to help eliminate air pockets.

           

            Pruning: Apples need to be pruned into a vase shaped tree with an open center to promote good air circulation and to let sunlight in. This helps reduce the chance for disease, and makes it easier to harvest the fruit. Pruning should be done during mid-February.

First remove dead, diseased, broken, and low hanging limbs. Do not allow the tree to form a dominant central leader. Prune out any crossing braches growing back towards the center, and any vigorous, upright shoots that developed from the inside of the main branches. You can think of the tree being pruned to look like your hand with your palm facing up, cupped, and fingers spread. Pruning may also be done in the summer after fruit harvest.

            Approximately 4 weeks after bloom, thin out the apples so there is about 6” between each fruit. Removal of excess fruit is necessary to ensure proper ripening and to reduce limb breakage.

           

            Fertilizing/Watering: Fertilize in spring and summer. Keep fertilizer at least 6” from the trunk and do not dump large amounts in small areas. (Root burn may occur.)

Varieties:

            Anna: Low chill requirement. Light greenish-yellow skin with slight red blush. Large size fruit. Sweet, slightly tart, crisp, creamy white flesh. Stores well. Needs pollinator.

           

            Dorsett: Golden apple tree. Yellow skin with an orange-red blush. Medium to large fruit. Firm, smooth, crisp flesh with a sweet and tart flavor. Needs pollinator.

            Ein Shemer: Large, Golden Delicious type. Crisp, tart flavor. Good quality flesh. Very productive. Needs pollinator.

Plant Profile: Jujube

Jujube:

            General info: Originating in China, the jujube (Zizyphus jujube, also called Chinese date) is a round to oblong fruit the size of a plum. It has thin, edible, brownish-red skin and sweet, white flesh. The immature fruit ripens from a green color, to yellow with mahogany colored spots, then to completely brown-red. When the skin is brownish-green, the fruit tastes like a sugary sweet apple. Many people like to eat jujubes when they are in the spotted stage because the texture is crisp. Dehydrated fruit taste similar to dates. Jujubes are high in vitamin C. The plant grows into a graceful, ornamental tree 20-40’ tall with naturally drooping branches.

            Landscape uses: Specimen plant or hedge.

            Ornamental qualities: Glossy green leaves in summer; white clusters of blossoms

            Planting: Can be grown in many types of soil, from clay to sandy. Poor soil is tolerated as long as it’s well-drained. Of course, the tree will grow faster in good soil. Plant in full sun.

            Pruning: Pruning is usually unnecessary, except for cutting off thorny root suckers.

            Fertilizing/Watering: Drought tolerant once established. Supplemental watering may be needed during dry conditions for best growth. Self-fertile, but produces more fruit when cross-pollinated. Minimal fertilizer is needed. (Fertilize during the spring.)

Varieties:

           

            Sugar Cane: Very sweet fruit, ripens in late summer to fall.

Plant Profile: Pomegranate

Pomegranate:

           

            General info: Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are native to Persia. They are popular for their strong anti-oxidant properties, and rich, tart flavor. Pomegranates are naturally dense, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub. Usually grows to 10-12’. The branches are slender and thorny. Colorful, orange-red flowers appear in spring and summer. Pomegranates are extremely heat tolerant.

            Landscape uses: Small specimen tree; container tree

            Ornamental qualities: Showy, scarlet flowers; glossy, green leaves; brightly colored fruit

            Planting: Prefers well drained soil and good air circulation. Plant in at least 6 hours of full sun to ensure good fruit quality and color.

            Pruning: Pomegranates can be pruned into either single trunk or multi-trunk trees. Single-trunk trees should have a single trunk to about 12-18”, then split into 5-6 major branches. Multi-trunk trees have 3-6 of the strongest branches as the trunks. Remove unneeded growth and suckers regularly. Major pruning should be done in winter.

            Fertilizing/Watering: Drought tolerant once established. Supplemental irrigation is needed during periods of drought. Fertilize in spring and mid-summer.

Varieties:

            Giant Russian: Vase-shaped, large, bright fruit. Tolerates southern heat and humidity.

           

            Angel Red: Matures in September. Vivid red color. Highest juice content per fruit. Seeds are soft enough to be edible. Bears heavily.

Plant Profile: Plum

'Santa Rosa' plum in early spring

Plum:

            General info: Plums (Prunus) are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. They put on a beautiful display of blooms in the spring. Plums are an excellent source of Vitamin A & C, as well as other nutrients. They can grow to about 15-20’ tall, but can be kept under 10” with proper pruning.

            Planting: Plant in full sun and well drained soil. Early morning sun is important to help dry the leaves and reduce the chance of disease. If necessary, cut off any broken or mutilated roots, otherwise keep root pruning to a minimum. Plant the same depth as grown in the nursery. When the hole is half filled, firm the soil with your feet before filling the rest of the way. Pack the soil firmly. Do not leave a depression around the tree. Water well after planting to help eliminate air pockets.

            Landscape uses: Small specimen or shade tree

            Ornamental qualities: Fragrant white blossoms in spring; fruit

            Pruning: Plums need to be pruned into a vase shaped tree with an open center to promote good air circulation and to let sunlight in. This helps reduce the chance for disease, and makes it easier to harvest the fruit. Pruning should be done during mid-February.

First remove dead, diseased, broken, and low hanging limbs. Do not allow the tree to form a dominant central leader. Prune out any crossing braches growing back towards the center, and any vigorous, upright shoots that developed from the inside of the main branches. You can think of the tree being pruned to look like your hand with your palm facing up, cupped, and fingers spread. Pruning may also be done in the summer after fruit harvest.

            Approximately 4 weeks after bloom, thin out the plums so there is about 6” between each fruit. Removal of excess fruit is necessary to ensure proper ripening and to reduce limb breakage.

           

            Fertilizing/Watering: Fertilize in spring and again in summer. Do not let fertilizer accumulate around the trunk.

Varieties:

            Methley: A southern favorite. Deep red-purplish skin. Amber with red streaked flesh. Medium to large. High quality. Mild, sweet, distinctive flavor.

            Santa Rosa: Most important commercial & home orchard variety. Large, oval shape. Purplish-red skin, purplish flesh. Firm, rich, sweet-tart flavor. Somewhat self-fertile, but does better with pollinator.