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Juze
2017年05月23日
Juze
Learn how to grow papaya tree. Growing papaya is perfect for gardeners who like to grow easy to grow fruit trees. Papaya tree care is simple, it is low maintenance and productive. USDA Zones— 9 – 11 Difficulty— Easy Other Names— Banane de Prairie, Caricae Papayae Folium, Carica papaya, Carica peltata, Carica posoposa, Chirbhita, Erandachirbhita, Erand Karkati, Green Papaya, Mamaerie, Melonenbaumblaetter, Melon Tree, Papaw, Pawpaw, Papaya Fruit, Papayas, Papaye, Papaye Verte, Papayer, Papita.
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is native to the tropics of Mexico and Central America. This fruit for high nutritional value, great taste and medicinal properties. Papaya is mainly consumed as a fruit, but it is also used for making soft drinks, juices, pickles, jams, and curries. It produces latex that is extracted from the green fruit and stem, which contains an enzyme called papain that helps in digestion of proteins. Plant Characteristics Papaya is a herbaceous plant of relatively rapid growth and short life (not profitable to cultivate mature plants for longer than 3 years because the fruit yield gets low). It has a hollow, segmented and erect single stem and no branches. It presents a many large, lobed leaves. The plant height can reach up to several meters. The fruit has a wide variety of forms, its shape and size vary depending on the variety and type of flower. Pollination If you’re growing papaya you must know that papayas come in three sexes: Male, female and hermaphrodite (bisexual). Male papaya trees must be eliminated as they don’t produce fruits. Female papaya trees require male tree for pollination. In orchards and papaya plantations, generally, 1 male tree per 10 female trees is grown. Bisexual papaya trees are self-pollinating and don’t require male trees for pollination. Commercial growers plant them. You will need to plant either female or bisexual papaya tree. To learn how to identify male or female papaya, tree read this informative discussion on helpful gardener Our recommendation for you is to buy seeds from quality source so that you know what you’re buying and to get a self-fertile bisexual tree. Most of the hybrid varieties that are coming are either bisexual or female, it is better to buy them. If you’re sowing seeds obtained from the fruits, choose seeds from elongated fruits instead of rounded fruits. Elongated fruits have 66% probability of hermaphrodite (bisexual) seeds and 33% female seeds. Cross pollination from hand is required for pollination of female papaya trees. How to Grow Papaya in Pots Growing papaya in pots is not difficult, considering it is short living small tree. You can grow any papaya variety in pots but it is better to choose a dwarf variety.
Choosing a container Choose a large 15-20 gallon size container for growing papaya in pots, also, ensure there are enough drainage holes in the bottom before planting. A pot that is around 18-22 inches in diameter and 12-15 inches deep would be sufficient. Sow the seeds directly in the pot you wish to use for growing papaya tree as papayas don’t transplant well. All the other growing requirements are given below in the article. Growing Papaya from Seeds Seeds must be given treatment before sowing for germination. The first method is to simply wash the seeds to remove gelatinous coating before sowing. Another method is to immerse them in a container full of neutral water for the period of 4 days. Change the water twice in a day. After 2 days of soaking, separate the seeds that are floating on the surface from those that have settled down. Leave the seeds that are settled down for another day. After this time, the seeds that float up again must be removed. This way only the viable papaya seeds are left. On the last day when changing the water, add fungicides in it. After this process, keep the seeds on cotton cloth for 2 to 3 days, keeping up the seeds wet. Once the white dot in them can be observed they are ready for sowing. Proceed to sow the seeds directly on the ground or in the pot or seed tray but remember that papaya trees don’t transplant well and you’ll have a low success rate. Seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks. Optimum germination temperature is around 70 F (20 C). Planting Papaya Tree Once the seedlings germinate sow them directly in a spot as papayas have less success rate when transplanted. Prepare the ground well before planting. Make a hole in soil that is of the same depth as of rootball of the plant but twice wide. Apply slow release 16-48-0, 18-46-0 or balanced 15-15-15 fertilizer according to the product instruction at the base of the hole, fill it with a thin layer of soil to prevent the plant roots from coming in direct contact with the fertilizer. The base of each plant should be 1 cm above ground level, to prevent rot at the stem base. After transplanting, a fungicide can be applied to ensure greater protection especially if planting during the rainy season. How to Grow Papaya Tree in Cold Climate Papaya is a tropical fruit tree but if you are thinking to plant it in a temperate climate plant it in a large pot and try to overwinter it in a well-protected area, like a greenhouse. Another way is to start the seeds in fall, or in early spring indoors. Once the temperature soars up to plant the seedlings outside. The tree will grow until the frost comes and get killed but there is a possibility that you’ll get some juicy papayas. Requirements for Growing Papaya TreeTemperature It is also an important factor that determines if the plant will grow or not. Papaya is one of the easiest fruit trees you can grow the optimum temperature for growing papaya ranges between 68 – 86 F (20 to 30 C). Low temperatures lead to a slow growth of the plant and higher temperatures cause low production. However, papaya tree can bear cold temperature down to 32 F (0 C) for a short period of time. In extremely high tropical temperatures and in heat waves and droughts, flower buds fall and the plant suspends its growth. Location The papaya needs plenty of sun due to its high photosynthetic activity. It is impossible to grow it in the lack of sunlight. One more thing you need to keep in mind when choosing a location for growing papaya trees that they are not strongest and must not be planted in a too windy spot. Spacing Papaya trees must be spaced 8-10 feet apart from each other. Soil The main characteristics of soil for growing a papaya tree are following: Loose and moist.With good drainage.High organic matter content.A pH level around 5.5 to 7 (Neutral).Fertile and deep. The ideal growing medium must be loamy and have adequate content of organic matter with good moisture retention and efficient drainage. Soil depth is also an important factor for root development. The soil that is more than a meter deep is suitable. Compact soil must be avoided, also, clean the rocks or other debris that is limiting the development of roots till the following depth. Drainage is crucial in papaya cultivation. The proportion of sand, silt and clay determines the texture and soil structure. Sandy soils have better drainage than clay. But too sandy soils that are low in organic matter have reduced water retention capacity, which must be avoided. In clay-rich soils, water movement is slow and this can lead to root rot, slow development of plant and inhibit nutrition uptake. In very alkaline soils (above pH level 8.0) Zinc, iron, and other micro-element deficiency can occur. Excess water causes yellowing of young leaves, premature fall of flowers and contribute to root rot. Low moisture in the soil can lead to slow growth, accelerated aging and premature leaf and fruit drop. Good soil preparation practices are key to growing papaya, such as deep plowing and mixing organic matter. Watering Water is the main contributor of the plant (the plant is composed about 85% of water). In the process of germination, and first few months after planting, papaya needs a lot of water, so at this stage water regularly. In the dry season, to get the good results in production, watering must be increased again. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. As a rule of thumb, water papaya plant deeply when top 1 inch of soil dries out. Papaya Tree Care Papaya tree care is easy if you grow it in the warm conditions in full sun. Mulching Mulching papaya tree with organic matter helps in retaining moisture, which is essential. Fertilizer Papayas are heavy feeders. Apply plenty of manure or compost regularly near the base of your plant. You can also apply complete fertilizer 15-15-15, 0.1 kg or a similar mixture at intervals of two weeks during the first six months and 0.2 kg thereafter. Pruning No pruning is required. Pests and Diseases Pests that can attack it are fruit flies, mites, black vine weevil, aphids, leafhoppers, and whitefly. In diseases, it suffers from soil fungi, powdery mildew, fruit rot, papaya ringspot virus, and nematodes. Harvesting Papayas Papaya fruit set occurs 10-12 months after planting. The fruit is sensitive to sunburn and it must be separated from the tree carefully using plastic gloves or something similar, pick it lightly with a twist or use a short knife, leaving 0.5 cm stalk. Harvesting should be done according to the following maturity indices: 1. 0% Ripe: Completely green, but well developed. 2. 10-15% Ripe: Color change, one or two yellow stripes with 10-15% yellow surface shell surrounded by a bright green color. 3. 25% Ripe: 25% of the surface of the shell is yellow surrounded by the clear green color. 4. 75% Ripe: 75% of the surface is yellow. 5. 76-100% Ripe: The surface of the shell have yellow to orange color. Papaya is a fruit that after being cut continues its maturation without stopping. Papayas that are harvested for selling in the market are harvested green with two or three yellow stripes as fruits that reach 75 to 100% maturity are difficult to transport. Fruits must be harvested in the early hours of the day and must not be exposed to the sun.
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Juze
2017年05月22日
Juze
Learn how to grow grapes in pots. Growing grapes in containers is not very complicated though it requires slight care and maintenance. Check out below! USDA Zones— 3 – 10 Difficulty— Moderate Soil pH— Slightly acidic to neutral
Choosing a Pot For growing grapes in containers, choose a large and sturdy container that can support this vigorous vine. A 15-20 gallon pot that is at least 16-18 inches deep and 18-24 inches wide is sufficient. Start with a smaller sized pot and then repot the plant in a larger one. Choosing varieties The best option is to go to a garden center and ask for a variety that can grow well in pots and in your climate. There are many varieties of grapevine you can choose from. Choosing a variety that is resistant to diseases and can grow well in your zone is most essential. However, you can grow almost any variety in the container but growing a dwarf grape cultivar like ‘pixie’ can save you from the hassle of training a grape vine in a pot. Planting The best time to plant grapevine is spring or early summer, planting on this time helps the plant to grow all season without the exposure to frost. But if you live in a frost-free hot tropical climate the best time for planting grape vine is winters. Requirements for Growing Grapes in Pots
Position Choose a location that is sunny, warm and dry. If your spot receives shade in an afternoon the plant will still do well, but at least 6 hours of sunlight is required. Avoid keeping the plant in wet, shady and less windy spot with less or no air circulation as it promotes fungal diseases and grapevine requires good air circulation around it. Support and Training

Grapevine needs training and support to grow. When growing grapes in a pot, it is best to opt for a tall lightweight trellis, of wood or plastic. You can also DIY trellis for it. A grape vine grows long and requires support, it will be much better if you have an arbor or pergola like structure. Besides that, there are many other techniques to train the grape vine (See the picture above). Train the vine on a stake or something like a fan trellis. You can also support the vine on a stake with the help of “Umbrella Kniffen Training Method”. To learn more about this method, read this helpful article on pallensmith.com. Growing grapes in pots by the standard vine training method on a regular trellis is an easy and hassle free idea too. Soil Don’t use heavy garden soil when growing grapes in containers. Instead, use a light potting mix that is loose, rich in organic matter and most importantly drains well. Watering Water regularly and deeply to keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering. Soggy, damp soil can be detrimental to the plant. Fertilization Side dress the plant periodically with aged manure or compost. In the first year, you can fertilize the plant with a general purpose fertilizer in spring and summer. From the next year, start to fertilize the plant with the fertilizer that is low in nitrogen but high in potassium and phosphorus from the spring when flower buds appear. Growing Grapes in Tropics Grapes are actually temperate fruits but the best thing about them is they can be grown in both temperate and tropical regions. Temperate climate zones without very harsh summers or humidity are optimum for growing grapevines. However, the two tropical countries India and Brazil are one of the largest producers of grapes in the world. Other tropical countries like Yemen, Thailand, Peru and Tanzania also produces grapes but to a smaller extent. This means if you live in a tropical climate you can still grow grapevine. You’ll only need to find a right variety that grows successfully in your area. Still in tropics, areas with very high humidity or with heavy rainfall are less suitable for growing grapevine and if you’re living in an unfavorable climate like this, your plant will going to suffer from fungal diseases regularly and you’ll have to look after it more. Besides this, there is a possibility that fruits you’ll obtain will be of lesser quality and mild taste. Grape Vine Care in Pots Grape vine care in the pot is not so difficult if you follow the tips given below.
Pollination When growing grapes in containers you must know most grape varieties are self-fertile and produce fruits on their own. However, shaking the plant gently at the time of flowering results in better yield. Mulching Grapevine requires mulching when grown on the ground. You can also mulch in the pot with pine bark, compost or with pebbles (this way it will look great too) to prevent excessive water evaporation from the soil and to protect roots from temperature fluctuations. Overwintering In climates with harsh winters, you have to protect the plant. For this, you’ll need to remove the dormant grapevine from its support and start to keep it indoors in warm space. Also, reduce watering and avoid the application of any fertilizer during this period. Pruning During the first few months after planting until the end of the growing season, do not prune the plant and allow it to grow freely to let the plant establish well in a pot and allow it to develop a strong root system. Grapevine woods that are more than two years old do not produce fruits so you’ll have to remove all the old branches. Prune the growth in late winter to early spring during the dormancy so that only two buds will remain. Buds are little protrusions on the trunk. This heavy pruning may seem too much to do but in the spring and summer, each of these buds will grow into a new branch. Dedicate the first year for training the vine to follow your trellis or stack with pruning and tying. Due to the limited space of the container, try to keep only 1 or 2 branches growing from the main trunk. Also, prune away any runners that creep away from the trellis. The most important pruning will be one that you will perform in late winter when the plant shed its leaves, it is the one on which the fruiting depends. You will need to do the summer pruning too. Though it should have to be light and unobtrusive, just pinching and pruning. To learn and read more pruning grapevines check out this article on freeplants.com and this one on RHS. Growing grapevine as a tree is also possible. Check out this step by step article on eHow.
Diseases and Pests In diseases, fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew, especially in dry and warm weather are possible. In pests, keep an eye on common garden insects like aphids. Japanese beetles, moths, caterpillars can also be a problem. Harvesting Harvesting should be done when your grape plant is at least 2-3 years old. Generally, grapes ripen anytime between late August to late October. Exactly when it depends on the variety and the type of climate you’re growing them in. To find out whether your grapes are ready for harvesting or not is to taste them. If they taste sweet and nice, pick them. If they don’t, then leave them for a few more days. Once the grapes start to change their color they usually take anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks to become properly ripe (how long, depends on the variety and how good the climate is. For example, green grapes normally turn slightly translucent and their skins become yellow once they are ripe. Ripe grapes also feel soft to the touch. Eventually, taste is all that matters. If you like the taste, then pick them.
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Juze
2017年05月22日
Juze
Learn how to grow an apple tree in container in this article. Growing apple trees in pots require some care and maintenance that is given below.
How to Choose a Right Apple Tree Growing apple tree from seeds is a bad idea. Instead, buy a dwarf or semi-dwarf grafted tree from a nursery. For choosing a right apple tree for your home you need to know a few things. Apple trees are grown from grafting on a rootstock as this has so many benefits. If you are unaware about apple rootstock grafting you might like to read more on this on the official website of Ministry Of Agriculture Food And Rural Affairs (Ontario) and a very informative article of Cornell University. Basically, dwarf apple trees are those apple trees in which dwarf rootstocks are grafted to control their height, size and to improve fruit production and resistance against diseases and pests. When you go to a nursery or shop online, search for rootstock choices like M27, M26, Bud9, G16 or M9. Apple trees grown on these rootstocks are dwarf and don’t grow above 8 ft usually. You can also look for semi-dwarf trees it is also possible to grow them in containers. If you want to know more about rootstock choices read this educational article on Pennsylvania State University’s website. Buy Self Fertile Variety Apple trees require cross pollination you’ll need to buy two apple trees for pollination. If you’re going to plant only one plant, buy a self-pollinating variety. Consider Chilling Period too In order to set flowers, apple trees require an annual cycle of cold weather in winter, which is called chilling. A chilling period requirement of an apple tree is measured from the total number of hours it gets per year when the temperature remains below 45 F (7 C) but above the freezing point. Average chilling hour requirements for apple tree varieties are around 800-1000 hours. If you live in a mild winter climate where simply choose low apple cultivars and if you live in a harsh winter climate choose high chill apple varieties. This simple will improve the productivity of your apple tree growing in containers. Choosing a Pot Don’t start growing apple tree in a too large pot initially. A standard size pot (5-6 gallon) that is 12 inches deep and wide is great to start with. Gradually change the size of the container each year or when you identify that the plant is root bound. You’ll find out if the plant is rootbound or not when it’ll stop its vertical growth. You can upgrade your pot in sequence, choosing one size bigger pot than the previous one each time. Keep in mind, don’t plant the plant in a too big pot directly. Once your apple tree in a pot reaches desired height that you wanted, stop changing the pots. A 20-25 gallon pot would be sufficient as a final one. After that, you’ll have to do regular pruning and root trimming time to time to maintain it. Requirements for Growing Apple Trees in Pots
Position Like other fruit trees, apple tree loves to grow in sun. For your potted apple tree, choose a sunny location but less windy. In hot summer days (in warmer regions, USDA Zone 8-9) move the container to a place that is shaded from the afternoon sun. Also, keep in mind you maintain good air circulation around your apple tree. If you are growing it on your balcony or rooftop garden, don’t place it very closely near the walls. Temperature Growing apple tree requires cool winter and moderate summer. You can’t grow apple trees where the temperature remains the same or too hot. Apple tree can tolerate extremely low temperatures by going dormant in winter. Watering Growing apple trees in pots require regular watering. Generally, you should water more abundantly during the formation of flower buds and moderately all the other time, reduce watering in winter. Water deeply to promote the growth of healthy roots. In any case, avoid the chance of overwatering the plant. Commonly the apple trees growing in containers die due to root rot that occurs in waterlogged soil and excess watering. Also, avoid overhead watering as wetting the foliage favors the growth of powdery mildew. Soil Apples prefer deep, fertile and well-draining soil, avoid waterlogging soil. On the ground, sandy loam to sandy clay loam soil is preferred. For growing an apple tree in a container use a potting mix that is rich in organic matter with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-6.8). Apple Tree Care
Fertilizer Fertilize your apple tree with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer when the tree is young in every 2 weeks during the growing season. Apply any fruit fertilizer once the tree gets older. Start to reduce the feeding of fertilizers from late fall and stop fertilizing in winter. Repotting Repot the young apple tree in a year or so. Repot in one size bigger pot, after spreading roots from sides and bottom. Overwintering When growing apple trees in pots you must know that during hard frosts and too cold temperatures you’ll need to protect the roots of the plant. For this, wrap the container with bubble wrap. Pruning Dwarf Apple Tree Pruning is an essential part of apple tree care. But a dwarf apple tree requires less pruning than semi-dwarf or standard size tree. Pruning must be done to control the shape and size of your plant. Dead, damaged or diseased branches must be pruned time to time. Also, prune off the branches that are crossing each other or growing inside towards the main trunk. The best time for pruning is late winter and summer. Pollination Most of the apple tree varieties require cross pollination in order to fruit, which means you have to buy at least two apple trees. But the best way to avoid this is to buy a self-fertile variety. Picking Flowers and Fruit Thinning Dwarf apple trees start to produce flowers in 2-3 years. In the first flowering year remove all blooms to prevent the tree from setting fruits. This way you’ll allow the plant to direct its energy in growing. Fruit thinning allows the plant to grow better quality fruits. Wait for a few weeks after fruit setting and remove the fruits that are growing too closely. Pests and diseases Apple tree in a container, unfortunately, hit by the same pests and diseases that target it on the ground. Aphids, moths, apple blossom weevil, scab, powdery mildew, brown rot and a few more. However, the plants in a container, usually are close to home, usually in a limited space so it is easy to take care of them. Harvesting To know about harvesting apples, read this article.
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Juze
2017年05月22日
Juze
Learn how to grow watermelon in pots. Growing watermelon in containers allows this big, sweet and juicy fruit to grow in smallest of spaces.
Sweet and watery watermelons are without a doubt an iconic summer fruit due of their high water content and soft red flesh. Those supermarket melons can’t be like homegrown fresh and organic melons. You can even plant them in a small space like a balcony, it is possible by growing watermelon vertically in a pot. Propagation and Planting Watermelon in Pot Watermelon has long taproot and it doesn’t transplant well that’s why it is better to sow the seeds directly in a pot. Sow 3-4 seeds directly in a pot once the temperature starts to reach 65 F (19 C) and above in the spring. In tropics (USDA Zone 10-11), the best time to sow seeds is winter and early spring. The germination takes place within 6 to 10 days. Thin out and leave only one of the strongest seedlings per pot. Choosing a Pot Growing watermelon in containers is not much difficult though tricky. You need to understand the basics. As watermelon has long taproot choosing a deep pot is essential. A large pot or bucket that is at least 2 feet deep and half wide is required. Varieties To know everything about watermelon varieties, see this excellent guide at Washington State University site. Requirements for Growing Watermelon in Containers
Watermelons should be grown in a sunny position. If you’re growing it on a balcony or on a roof garden where space is tight, growing watermelon vertically on a trellis is a solution. Trellis should be minimum 4 feet tall and sturdy enough to carry the weight of melons. Temperature Watermelons are warm weather annuals but they can be planted in both tropical and temperate regions easily. It is possible to grow watermelons in temperature around 50-95 F (10-35 C). The optimum growing temperature is around 65-85 F (18-30 C). Soil Sandy and loamy soil is suitable for growing watermelons. Ideal soil pH is around 6 – 6.8. Avoid compact, clayey soils. Airy and well-drained substrate promotes the growth of the plant. Also, application of the well-rotted horse, rabbit or cow manure improves the texture of soil and provides nutrients constantly. Water Watermelon requires a lot of water. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet, the water must drain freely from the bottom. When growing watermelon in containers, you’ll need to water the plant every day and sometimes twice in a warm day. Once the fruits start to swell up and mature, reduce the watering. In that period, water carefully and moderately. Avoid overwatering and underwatering both to get the sweetest melons. Watermelon Plant Care
Fertilizer Start to fertilize the plant with a complete liquid fertilizer. Once, the plant starts to flower and appear to set fruits, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen. Consider liquid seaweed fertilizer. Pruning To get a healthy and more productive plant, only allow the main vine to grow. When the plant is young, remove side branches before they grow more. Also, remove those stems that are damaged and diseased. Pollination Watermelon vine produces both male and female flowers separately. However, pollinators (bees and butterflies) will pollinate them but to be sure you’ll need to hand-pollinate the flowers to make sure you get fruits. The first ripe fruits appear after approx. 40 days after pollination of flowers. Diseases and Pests Usually, you can easily care and look after the watermelon growing in a pot. Still, it is little prone to diseases when exposed to too hot-humid or too cold weather, or due to waterlogged soil. Common garden pests like aphids, cucumber beetles and those that affect the squashes and cucumbers can infect it. Harvesting
The harvesting period depends on the climate, season, and variety. Generally, it usually begins 80-90 days later after seed sowing and between 30 to 50 days after flowering. Flowering and fruit setting continue for several weeks until the weather remains favorable and you’ll get several harvests. Ripe fruit does not seem special. Smell and no change in color of the skin occurs. To see if the fruit is ripe, you should knock with fingers on the surface of the watermelon. If you hear a dead, hollow sound, this means that the fruit is already ripe. Another method is to check the tendril if it is fading and half dead then your watermelon is almost ripe. If it is faded, the fruit is ripe or overripe. Helpful TipsIn cool short summer climates, start the seeds indoors or in a greenhouse either directly in a container or in a biodegradable pot.Use a lot of organic matter for growing watermelons in containers as they are heavy feeders. Side dress your potted melon plant with manure or compost in every 3-4 weeks. Scrap and remove topsoil if there is no space in the container.Stress (change in temperature, pests or diseases, overwatering or lack of water) to the plant at the time when fruits are maturing, results in less flavorsome and sweet fruits.In a small space, growing melons vertically on a trellis is a great way to save space. Use netting, a bag or a stretchable cloth to create a hammock under the fruit to support it.The trick for getting best quality fruits is to don’t let the plant set so many fruits. 2-3 fruits at the same time for large fruit varieties and 4-5 fruits for the smaller one is sufficient.Do successive planting for regular harvests. Plant 2-4 plants and do the same after 2 weeks.
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Juze
2017年05月22日
Juze
Learn how to grow sugar apple tree in this complete article. Growing sugar apple is easy but getting high yield is moderately difficult. With the sugar apple tree care tips and requirements given below you can grow this sweetest and creamy tropical fruit in your yard.
USDA Zones— 9 – 11 Difficulty— Moderate Other Names— anón, anón de azucar, anona blanca, fruta do conde, cachiman, saramuyo, grenadilla, qishta, ishta, shta, seureuba, fruta-do-conde, fruta-pinha, fruta-de-conde, condessa, pinha, ata, anona, aajaa thee, plae teib, Zimtapfel, Gishta, γλυκόμηλο, kachiman, foreign lychee (番鬼荔枝), hvaðerþetta, (शरीफ़ा/सीताफल), sitaphala, seethappazham, sitaphal, sitappalam, sita phalamu, Sita’s fruit, srikaya, sweetsop, sweet-sop, matomoko, conicony, buah nona, hairico, pomme cannelle, aati, saripha, fasadabur, Sharifa (شريفا), atis, Anoda, Katu Atha, sakya, pinyin, sek-khia, sek-kia, matopetope, noi-na (น้อยหน่า), ekistaferi, mãng cầu ta, Khirmish (خرمش). The sugar apple (Annona squamosa) belongs to the Annonaceae family. Its exact place of origin is unknown. Although previously it was believed that it is a native of the India, but recently found historical and philological data makes this ambiguous and it is believed that it is of either Indian or Central American origin. The cultivation is most common in Brazil and India and there it is one of the most important fruit crops. In Australia and India, it is also known as custard apple. Sugar Apple Tree Information
It is a low-growing semi-deciduous tree or large shrub that grows between 3-7 m high, with spreading or open crown, formed by branches growing in the irregular form. Young shoots grow zigzag and are grayish-waxy, odorous when crushed. The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical and 5-11 cm long with 2-5 cm width. They are dark green on the top and light blue-green on the underside with smooth edges. The flowers are pendulous, axillary, hermaphrodite (bisexual) and usually solitary but can grow in groups of two to four. Sugar apple flowers are fragrant and have a green tint in outside and cream on the inside. These flowers are 1 to 1/2 inch long and have six petals. The fruits are oval shaped, from 5 to 12 cm in diameter of green-yellowish color. Externally the union of the carpels is lax. The pulp is white or yellowish between binding carpels with many seeds.  It is sweet, aromatic, buttery, edible, of pleasant and creamy flavor. The seeds are oblong, black and shiny, 1.25 cm in length. The seed kernels contain between 14 to 49% oil that is used as a substitute for peanut oil in the manufacture of soap. How to Grow Sugar Apple TreeGrowing Sugar Apple from Seeds Seed propagation is the traditional method through which the sugar apple tree is grown. It is the most used propagation method. However, this method has several disadvantages such as low germination rate, high genetic variability, late start of the harvest and the plants are taller and rather difficult to handle. Collect seeds from fully ripe fruit from a tree that has excellent production, great taste, and good health. The seeds quickly lose their viability (approximately 6 months) therefore, they should be planted as soon as possible. Seed should be planted horizontally, 2 – 3 cm deep at a distance of 1.5 cm in a good quality seed mix. Generally, the germination occurs within 30 days. Although, its germination rate is low and time is slow due to the tough seed coating. Also Read: Seed Germination Tips To speed up the germination and success rate, scarify the seeds with sandpaper. After scarification soak them in warm water for 24 hours. You can directly sow the seeds on the planting site or sow them in a small pot. The transplanting is done when seedlings have outgrown their existing pot. Buy a Grafted Tree The other type of propagation is vegetative propagation using grafts. This method is the most recommended because it ensures plants with the same genetic identity, with a better production, healthy tree and quality fruits. If possible, buy a grafted tree from a nursery. Planting Sugar Apple Tree Plants should be planted 4 x 4 or 5 x 5 m apart. The size of the planting hole depends on the size of the plant and its root ball, but generally, the planting hole should be twice wide and of the same depth of the root ball. How to Grow a Sugar Apple Tree in Pot
It is possible to grow sugar apple tree in a pot. It is similar to other tropical fruit trees like guava or pomegranate. Regular pruning will be required. Besides this, all the growing requirements, which are given below are similar to the sugar apple tree planted on the ground. Varieties The ‘Seedless Cuban’ is one of the most important cultivars. Its fruits are slightly malformed and medium-sized with traces of undeveloped seeds. The flavor is less attractive than normal fruit but it is more productive. Indian horticulturists recognized ten types of sugar apple cultivars, which are given below: ‘Red’ (A. squamosa var. Sangareddyiz)‘Red-speckled’CrimsonYellowWhite-stemmedMammothBalangarKakarlapahadWashingtonBarbadosBritish GuianaRequirements for Growing Sugar Apple TreeIdeal Climate and Temperature The most optimum temperature for growing sugar apple tree is around 50 F – 85 F (10 – 30 C). Despite being a tropical tree, sugar apple has some resistance to the cold. However, when the temperature falls below 32 F (0 C) emerging seedlings and young plants die. Mature trees show some frost tolerance to some degrees below the freezing point. Furthermore, the temperatures above or below optimum temperature affect pollination, can cause fruit or bud drop and reduce post-harvest life. Waterin The plant easily handles extended periods of drought. However, excessive drought can cause leaf and fruit drop. For optimum growth, it requires an annual rainfall between 750 and 1,200 mm. In rainy watering must be stopped. Generally, you should water a mature tree in every 12 to 15 days (more on this below). Also Read: How to Grow Pineapple Guava There must be adequate moisture in the soil to encourage vegetative growth and blooms that occur on the new branches. The tree should be watered in every 2 – 4 weeks during the period of low growth and every 3 to 5 days while it is flowering and setting fruits. The water stress must be prevented and soil must be kept moist at this time as the fruit is more sensitive than the leaves to lack of water. Soil It is undemanding when it comes to soil type. *Sitaphal cultivation (*common name in the Indian subcontinent) can be done in poor, stony soil of pH level 7-8.  Though it grows in a wide range of soils, from sandy, clay to loam, but the healthiest and the productive tree is grown in fertile, loose, deep and neutral or slightly alkaline soil that is not sandy with good drainage and aeration. Furthermore, the drainage is essential to prevent diseases. The growth is directly related to the content of organic matter in the soil. Humidity Relative humidity is one of the climatic factors that is highly responsible in the formation of flowers and pollination. Therefore, if you want to increase productivity, humidity should be maintained above 60% especially during the flowering period. Sugar Apple Tree Care
Fertilizer Application of complete fertilizer in the initial years of planting is recommended. Once the tree matures enough and able to set fruits the use of 3: 10: 10 fertilizer significantly increases the flowering, fruit setting, and harvest. As for organic fertilization, sugar apple responds well to the application of organic matter from its earliest period of growth. The application of organic fertilizer improves the texture of soil and its condition and facilitates root development. It is recommended to apply 60 to 80 kg of aged manure or compost annually. Pollination One of the main problems affecting the yield and fruit quality of sugar apple tree is its low rate of pollination of flowers and the consequent production of fruit. Sugar apple has complete flowers (bisexual), however, the male and female flower parts are functional at different times of the day (called *protandry, a condition in which an organism begins life as a male or female and changes the sex later). Sugar apple flowers first open during the day as a female flower. If female flower isn’t pollinated, early in the next morning the flowers open wider and shed pollen (male stage). It is recommended to attract pollinating insects or hand pollinate the flowers for best yield. To find out how to hand pollinate flowers, read this. This cycle is shortened when temperatures are high and lengthened when they are low. Pruning Sugar Apple Tree Pruning must be done only in the spring if you are in a cold climate. Sugar apple trees tend to form many branches, so pruning is recommended to train the tree into required shape and regulating a number of main branches. Maintenance pruning serves to preserve the balance of the tree structure by removing suckers or shoots and branches that are growing in the wrong direction or directed towards the ground. Likewise, you should do a sanitary pruning after each harvest, a sanitary pruning is the removal of branches and fruits that are damaged or have pest or disease problem. Renewal pruning is done after around 10 years when the tree has gone old and have less vigor and production. In renewal pruning, the tree must be trimmed strongly but in several stages so that it will start its growth once again. Wind Protection Like all the other softwood trees, the sugar apple is susceptible to wind damage. Breakage and tearing of branches is possible. Plus, the sugar apple fruits get easily damaged due to rubbing of branches. Furthermore, the strong, dry winds accelerate the drying of stigma, thus reduced pollination. Therefore, it should be planted in a location that is sheltered from the wind. Weed management Growing sugar apple tree requires weed management. It causes the biggest drawbacks during young stages. The control can be manual, mechanical, or inert, with the use of herbicides or by doing a combination of methods. You can also do mulching to stop weeds. The best way is to weed regularly and prevent the growth of other plants near the base of the tree. Also Read: Effective Weeding Tips Sugar Apple Pests and DiseasesPest Management The sugar apple is very vulnerable to pests, this reduces its production. Usually, the pests and insects infest the fruits and cause destruction. Best practice is to protect the fruits using fruit covers. Plastic bag, paper or polyethylene can be used to wrap the fruits since the initial stage of development. The bags must cover the fruit throughout their development but must be open at the base and have micro perforations to allow gaseous water leakage because the excess moisture causes fruit rot. Chemical control measures are difficult so it is better to prevent the pests by keeping the tree healthy also remember the use of insecticides destroys the friendly insects and pollinators. Some of the most common and major pests you need to look for are the moths, aphids, mealybugs and scales. Disease Management Among the most common diseases are anthracnose and leaf spot. These diseases occur with severity in times of rain, high and stable temperature and relative humidity. Harvesting Sugar Apples The sugar apple tree begins to produce fruits at the age of 3-4 years and declines after 12-15 years. An average adult tree produces between 100-180 fruits a year. The decision of the optimal harvest time is something critical. In addition, all fruits do not ripen at the same time and the time of the collection varies depending on the variety and conditions of weather where they are grown. Visual methods based on the discoloration of the skin and shape of the fruit are the most commonly used today to decide when to harvest. Another indication of ripening is the change in color of seeds, which pass from light brown color to almost black at ripened stage. These criteria are generally unreliable to indicate proper maturity and fruits are sometimes harvested before ripening. That’s why commercial producers use chemicals to ripen the fruit post harvest. Fruits must be harvested by cutting the stem using a pruning shears. Also, it should be harvested in the morning. The sugar apple fruit is very delicate and should be harvested with extra care. Sugar Apple Uses The fruits are consumed mainly fresh, as they have a rich creamy, sweet flavor. They are very delicious, nutritious, rich in sugar, protein, and phosphorus, with a highly digestible pulp. They are also used in desserts and in the recipes of juices, sorbets, desserts, wine and ice cream.
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Juze
2017年05月22日
Juze
Guava tree care and growing is easy. With the information given in this article, you can understand how to grow guava tree in a pot. It will delight you with its sweetly scented flowers, delicious fruits, and beautiful tropical appearance. USDA Hardiness Zones— 9 – 11, *can be grown in colder zones in pot Difficulty— Easy Other Names— Psidium guajava, Amrood, Amrut Phala, Araçá-Goiaba, Araçá-Guaçú, Banjiro, Brazilian Guava, Brazilian Red Guava, Common Guava, Fan Shi Liu, Feuille de Goyavier, Goiaba, Goiabeiro, Goyabe, Goyave, Goyave Jaune, Goyave Rouge, Goyavier, Goyavier du Brésil, Guaiaba, Guaiava, Guajava, Guava Leaf, Guava Leaves, Guava Peel, Guava Pulp, Guava Seed, Guava Seed Protein, Guavas, Guave, Guavenbaum, Guayaba, Guayabo, Guayave, Koejawel, Lemon Guava, Pépin de Goyave, Psidium, Psidium guajava, Pulpe de Goyave, Red Guava, Yellow Guava, Bihi
Guava Tree Information Guava tree is a small tropical tree that grows 5-6 meters high on average, but if properly pruning it does not exceed the height of 3 m. It is a tough plant that can also be grown in containers. Guava tree stems are tender when they are angled. The leaves are born in pairs, pale green, leathery and elongated, ending in the sharp tip with a length ranging between 10 and 20 cm and 8 cm wide. The flowers are borne at the base of the leaves, about 1-3 per node, in the younger branches with a great number of stamens and one pistil. Fruit shape, size, the color of flesh and skin usually depends on the variety. Maturity is observed when the shell reaches a yellowish-green, yellow, pink or pale color. Also read: How to make Guava Bonsai Best Guava Varieties Over 100 varieties of guavas are identified in the world, different from each other by their flavor and appearance. Most of them can be grown in containers but we are listing some of the best. Guava Ruby SupremeLucknow 49Psidium Guajava Nana (Dwarf Guava)Tikal GuavaRed Malaysian (Also grown for ornamental purposes)PatriciaIndonesian SeedlessIndonesian WhiteSafedaGuava Tree PropagationGrowing Guava from Cuttings Guava is propagated from cuttings and seeds. Growing guava from cuttings require specific temperature and humidity, this method is suitable in warm climates. Growing Guava from Seeds Guava seeds are propagated easily with high germination rate. The main thing is that they must be fresh and obtained from the quality source. You can also use seed fresh seeds collected from the fruit but it is better to buy seeds from a seed store or online. If you are using seeds obtained from guava fruit. Firstly, rinse them in soft water, which is not very cold then wrap the seeds in a cloth and dry them for a couple of hours. Then pour them in a cup of warm water and soak the seeds for 3-4 hours. Prepare a pot filled with seed starting mix, and sprinkle seeds in it. Now put the pot on a warm, well-lit spot, like a windowsill. To speed up germination, you can install a small plastic or cellophane over the top of a pot. Guava tree grown from seeds take 3-4 years to mature and start to form fruits. From cuttings, it grows more quickly. However, our recommendation for you is to buy a grafted guava tree. Most of the grafted trees start to bear fruit in the same year and remain healthy.Planting Guava Tree
Choosing a pot Guava tree grows large (around 30 feet) but in pots, it can be reduced to 2-3 m. Choose a pot that is at least 3 gallon (10 inches) to provide the plant a sufficient space to grow roots. *It is best to choose a clay pot with sufficient drainage holes in the bottom. Also Read: How to Grow Pineapple Guava Requirements for Growing Guava Tree in a PotLocation Guava loves the sunny and warm exposure. It is a tropical plant but very much adaptable to temperate climates with moderate winter, when grown on the ground. If you are growing guava in a container in tropics you can choose a location that receives shade in the afternoon and at least six hours of sun daily. In colder zones, place the plant in a spot that receives full sun for healthy growth and more fruiting. Soil For growing guava in pots choose a quality potting mix or make your own substrate using equal parts compost, sand, and soil. Growing guava is possible in a variety of soil types. It is one of the plants that tolerates different soil types easily. It can be grown in heavy clay-rich or very sandy soil with pH ranging from 4.5 (acidic) to 9.4 (alkaline), but a loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and neutral to slightly acidic in pH is optimum. When growing guava in a pot choose a self-pollinating variety. Temperature range The optimum temperature for germination of guavas falls in the range of 68 to 82 F (20 to 28 C). In winters, the temperature must not fall below 27 F (-3 C) for young guava trees. Mature guava tree (at least 3 years old) can bear temperature down to 20 F (-6 C). Remember, guavas are not frost tolerant, especially young plants, so if in a climate where the temperature falls below the range given here then it is better to keep the plant indoors until the temperature rises up. Watering When the plant is young or forming flowers water it regularly and deeply to keep the soil slightly moist. Evenly moist soil at the time of fruiting helps in developing more juicy and sweet fruits. In winter reduce the watering. One of the most interesting facts about guava trees is that they are drought tolerant and once established they can survive only on rainfall and bear long periods of drought. Still, it better to keep the soil slightly moist. Guava Tree CareGuava tree care is simple and easy and with a few basic information, you can grow a healthy plant.Pruning Pruning guava is essential to keep guava tree growing in a pot in desired shape and size to develop a strong structure, healthy plant and increased fruiting. Dry, dead, damaged or diseased branches can be pruned anytime. The crowns grow naturally and well-branched and do not need regular cutting. Best is to cut back too long, unbranched shoots and branches that are crossing each other and blocking the penetration of sun rays after the harvest or at the beginning of growing season. Fruit Thinning Whenever the first time your guava tree blooms to form fruits it is better to deadhead the flowers, never allowing the fruits to set (do this if your plant is weak). Allow no more than 4 fruits per branch. Also, thin out the fruits if they are developing on a small and weak branch. Repotting Repot the plant in one size bigger than the previous one. Never plant a plant in a too big pot directly, albeit change the pot time to time once the plant has outgrown the current one. Fertilizer Guava responds well to the monthly fertilizing. When the tree is young and is not bearing fruits, fertilize your potted guava tree with 6:6:6:2 [N P K Mg] to speed up the growth of the plant. When the tree starts to bear fruits change the composition to 8:3:9:2 [N P K Mg]. Guava tree is also susceptible to iron deficiency (symptoms includes yellowing of the leaves in between the dark green veins). It can be corrected or prevented by periodic application chelated iron. Mulching Do mulching with organic matter so that the plant retains moisture. Mulching also helps in insulating the root of guava tree in winter. Pests and Diseases Guava tree care from pests and diseases is not much required when grown in a pot. This fruit tree is very tough but you should keep an eye on common garden pests. Mealy bugs, guava scale, white flies, fruit flies and thrips can affect it. In diseases, guava plant suffers from rust, which occurs in too warm weather and high humidity.Besides this, anthracnose and leaf spot can be a problem too, both of these occurs in wet humid weather and spread through splashed water. By proper irrigation, you can easily prevent this. Harvesting Guavas Most of the guava tree varieties are self-pollinating and fruit ripens year round in tropics (except summer). Guava fruits usually mature in 3 to 4 months after flowering. In India, generally, the main crop arrives in winter and after the summer in the rainy season. Winter crop is more flavorsome and sweet. Uses Guava fruits taste better when picked earlier than they fully mature. Fruits are highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C and can be eaten raw, its seeds are edible too. Ripened fruits can be used to make guava ice-cream, juice, jam, chutney, sauce or desserts. A Few Guava Tree Care TipsDo not abruptly change the location of your potted guava tree otherwise the plant may lose leaves (partially).To get a bushy plant, it is necessary to pinch the growing tip regularly.It is advisable to suspend the fertilizer during the winters. In tropics, you can continue it.
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Juze
2017年05月22日
Juze
Learn how to make a guava bonsai step by step in this guava tree information article. Guava tree becomes an excellent bonsai and doesn’t require too much care or maintenance.
Difficultly— Easy Styles— Informal Upright, Formal Upright, Slanting, Semi-cascade, Broom Requirements to Make a Guava BonsaiLocation The guava is a tropical plant and therefore, it should be placed outdoors on a location that is sunny. If you live in a temperate region keep your guava bonsai indoors in winter. Must Read: How to Grow Lemon Tree in a Pot Soil
Use good quality bonsai soil mix composed of one-fourth part each of Akadama, Demolin Clay, Pumice, and Humus. Watering Guava tree bonsai has moderate watering needs. The soil should never dry out completely otherwise the fine roots will die. Provide regular and deep watering when the tree is actively growing but reduce watering in winter. In fall, the tree must be monitored more closely and must be watered only if the soil dries out or leaves starts to wilt. Also Read: How to Water Container Plants Pruning The typical habit of this tree is to grow lots of branches and twigs, which should be pinched and pruned regularly to keep guava bonsai in the desired shape. Also, remove suckers as soon as you notice them. Wiring Another method to influence the shape of a guava bonsai is wiring. Its branches are rigid when matured and extremely easy to break. That’s why it is best to wire it when branches are young, using a copper wire. Wiring is best done in winter months and after the defoliation. Must Read: Baobab Bonsai Bonsai Guava Tree Care InformationFertilizer Guava bonsai needs fertilizer during the growing season from spring to fall (autumn) using an organic balanced liquid fertilizer. Fertilizing should be suspended in winter or when the tree is not growing or if it is recently repotted. Repotting To prevent the tree from being pot-bound, regular repotting is crucial. The guava tree should be repotted in every 2 years in the spring. When repotting, pruned the roots so that the plant can fit in the pot. This also stimulates a better root system. Prune up to 1/4 root mass. Overwintering In colder zones, it should be brought indoors since the Guava is a tropical plant. The temperature should be around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. At the temperature below 50 degree Fahrenheit the tree starts to loose leaves. It must be ensured that tree is overwintered in particularly the brightest spot possible, away from cold drafts. Pests and Diseases Prevention The best protection against diseases is a careful maintenance and regular inspection of guava tree bonsai. Although, guava is a tough plant but it can be attacked by common pests that are easily repelled by the use of organic pesticides.
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Juze
2017年05月22日
Juze
Learn how to grow pomegranate tree in pot. If you’ve grown citrus in pot, growing pomegranates in containers can not be difficult for you. Moreover, pomegranate is more cold hardy and easy to grow. *Pomegranate is one of the nicest fruit trees and perhaps the easiest to grow in pots because it has shallow root system when compared to other fruit trees.
Pomegranate tree if grown under optimal conditions, live up to 200 years. It is native to Middle East (Iran) and South Asia. It is a shrub or small tree that might grow up to 6 m (20 ft) but usually reduced to 2 m. USDA Hardiness Zones — 9b – 11, *can be grown below zone 9 in containers Difficulty — Easy Soil pH — Neutral Other Names — Punic apple, Granatapfel, Granada, Grenade, Melograno, Melagrana, Anardana, Anar, Dadima, Fruit du, Pomme Grenade, Punica granatum, Roma, Shi Liu Gen Pi and Shi Liu Pi. Appearance The exotic container plant is adorned with five to eight centimeters long lance shaped leaves that are shiny and bronze in color from the bud, which later turn green. Pomegranate flowers are delicate, bell-shaped and show up in the wild bright red. Its flowers are up to 3 centimeters wide. Ornamental varieties can have flowers in pink, cream, and even white. In addition to the decorative foliage and flowers, it is mainly the fruits that make the pomegranate tree so desirable. They have the size of apples and a yellow-brown to reddish-brown shell. The juicy, red pulp inside the fruit enveloping the countless seeds that tastes aromatic and sweet. Dwarf Pomegranate VarietiesFruiting Varieties‘Nana’ – The most interesting variety among the pomegranates trees is the dwarf variety ‘Nana’. It grows compact, floriferous and is considered robust and cold hardy, it grows in USDA Zones 7 to 11. As a container plant it grows up to only about 1 m tall, forms orange to garnet red flowers that produce small fruits with viable seeds.‘Provence’ – When most of the pomegranate varieties are not much cold hardy, provence is one you can look at. It can tolerate temperature down to 5 F (-15 C) and can be grown in cold climate.‘State fair’ – State fair is manageable variety for containers. It grows up to 1 . 5 m tall and grown in USDA Zones 7 to 11.Ornamental Varieties‘Flore Pleno’ – It is fruitless variety of pomegranate, the name translates as “double flower”. In summer, it produces countless beautiful orange-red flowers.Punica granatum ‘Madame Legrelle’ – A well-known ornamental variety. Special thing about this variety of pomegranate is its extraordinary, dense double flowers that come in shiny orange to salmon colors with white border. Pomegranate is a manageable plant, you can also try large varieties. Propagation and Growing Pomegranates in Containers Pomegranate plants can be propagated by cuttings or by seeds in spring to summer when temperature remains in range of 68 F (20 C) but it is better to buy a 2 – 3 year old plant from nursery or online. This way you don’t have to wait long for fruits. Propagation by seeds Buy as ripe pomegranate as possible. Separate and clean seeds from the pulp by rubbing them from paper towel, let them dry up for a few days before sowing. Plant the seeds no more than ¼ inches deep in light seed-starting mix. Place the pots in a bright location, optionally inside a plastic bag or greenhouse that maintains a temperature around 68 F (20 C). Always keep the soil moist. Seeds will germinate within 1 – 6 weeks depending more on the variety and climate. Propagation by cuttings Take several 8 to 10 inch-long cuttings. Plant the cutting in a well drained potting mix. It roots easily and quickly at ambient temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and high humidity. *If you’re living in tropics, growing pomegranates is extremely easy for you, you can grow pomegranate in any season except peak summer. All other growing requirements given below are similar. Choosing a pot Pot should be appropriate to the size of plant, increase the pot size by repotting as your plant grow. Also care about to have sufficient holes in the base of pot you’re using for proper drainage. Requirements for Growing Pomegranates in Pots
If you’ve grown citrus in pot, growing pomegranates in pot can not be difficult for you. Moreover, pomegranate is more cold hardy and easy to grow. It requires a lot of water and fertilizer. It is also frost sensitive but after all of this care it rewards you with iron rich, fresh juicy fruits. Location Choose a sunniest location to keep your pomegranate plant happy and healthy. The more sun it will receive, the more it will fruit. However, it also thrives in partial shade but it makes the plant to bloom and fruit lesser. It is also possible to cultivate pomegranate tree near a windowsill if it receives full sun. Soil Soil should be loamy, rich in organic content, loose and permeable. Watering In the growing period its water requirement is medium to high. Therefore, it should be watered regularly and deeply. Soil must be kept moist but not wet or waterlogged. In the winter watering should be reduced. Pomegranate Tree CareFertilizer During the growing season pomegranate tree is fertilized regularly, fertilize after every two week using half strength liquid 8-8-8 fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pomegranate tree in pot often becomes zinc deficient, which is indicated by yellowing leaves. To overcome this, you can spray diluted zinc solution on foliage. Application of compost or manure is also beneficial. Take care not to over fertilize it as it can cause the tree to produce lots of foliage and comparatively less flowers. Overwintering Pomegranate Overwintering pomegranate is similar to citrus. It is a deciduous tree that worships sun. Most of its species are sensitive to frost. But to low temperatures, the plant has developed a protective mechanism. It sheds its leaves and become dormant below freezing temperature. There are only a few pomegranate tree varieties that survive really freezing temperatures with more than -10 C without damage. If the pomegranate is cultivated in a pot in a cold climate below USDA Zone 9, it is important to prune it in the fall. Best place to keep pomegranate plant in winter is the garage or basement that remains warm. Temperature while keeping it indoors should not fall below 37 F (3 C). However, the optimum low temperature for most of the pomegranate varieties is 7 C (45 F). If you’re able to keep your pomegranate tree in temperature around 55 F  (15 C) indoors and allow it to take at least 4 hours of sunlight, it will not shed its leaves and go dormant. During the period of dormancy the pomegranate hardly needs fertilizer or water. However, the plant in winter should not dry out completely. In spring, bring back the plant to a warm and bright place so that it’ll gradually acclimate the climate. A window that is oriented to South is good. Just when the plant show the first sign of growth and forms a few fully developed leaves, you can again start to fertilize it and give more water. Once the temperature comes in range of 7 C (45 F) place it outside. Pruning Pruning is necessary to give and maintain desired shape of your pomegranate tree and encourage flowering and fruiting. Pruning it best done after all danger of frost has passed when the tree is about to start growing. Prune off weak, dead and undesirable branches to direct tree’s energy to right part and shorten long branches to encourage flowering. Repotting Repot your pomegranate tree when it becomes slightly root bound. Right time to repot is when there are no flowers or fruits on the plant, especially when it start its growth in the beginning of growing season. Diseases, pests and other problems
Pomegranate tree is not very vulnerable when it comes to pests and diseases. It is mostly attacked by fruitflies, whiteflies and pomegranate butterflies. Fruit crack is one problem that is common in all pomegranate varieties. It occurs due to fluctuation or lack of moisture in substrate at the time of fruiting. Harvesting If pomegranate is grown from seeds fruits will begin to form in third year. Generally the fruit will ripen in three to six months after the appearance of flowers.
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Juze
2017年05月22日
Juze
Learn how to grow dragon fruit, it’s one of the most strange looking subtropical fruit you’d like to grow in your garden. Growing dragon fruit is fairly easy both outdoors or in the pot.
USDA Zones— 9 to 11 Propagation Method — Seeds, vegetative propagation Difficulty — Moderate Soil pH — 6 to 7 Other names — Indonesia buah naga, Khmer sror kaa neak, Thai kaeo mangkon, nanettika fruit, Kaktus madu, Long guo, Cereus triangularis, Thanh long, Strawberry Pear, Cactus fruit, Night blooming Cereus, Belle of the Night, Jesus in the Cradle. Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or pitaya, belongs to the cactus family. Its flowers are unique and one among the largest in the world. It has a diameter of 25 cm and is about 30 cm long. One more feature of its bloom is: it only opens for one night and exudes inviting fruity fragrance. Growing Regions Dragon fruit is native to Central America and grown throughout the subtropical and tropical part of China, Israel, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Nicaragua. How to Plant and Grow Dragon Fruit Dragon fruit plant is actually a climbing cactus and needs support to climb on, usually as the plant becomes mature it forms aerial roots from the branches and find something to climb. So, it’s best if you’re growing dragonfruit, find something to support your plant. Dragon fruit is a sub tropical plant, it loves heat and sun but it’s better to plant it in a spot that remains dry and receives only partial sun. If you’re living in more temperate climate or if you’re an urban gardener and don’t have much space, grow dragon fruit in pot, it’s fairly easy to grow and adapts itself well in containers. In pot you can move and overwinter it to save from frost as pitaya plant can survive only short period of freezing temperature (below 28 F is detrimental) and frost. PropagationGrowing Dragon Fruit from Seed With a knife, divide dragon fruit in half and scoop out the black seeds from the pulp. Wash the pulp off the seeds. Put these seeds on a moist paper towel and leave them overnight. Fill the germinating tray or small pot with well draining but poor starting mix. You can make it yourself by mixing one part peat and one part perlite. Sprinkle the seed on soil surface and cover that with a thin layer of growing medium that barely covers the seeds. Thoroughly moisten the soil using sprayer and cover the pot with plastic wrap. Keep the soil moist until seeds germinate, which will take around 15 to 30 days. After the seeds germinate, uncover the plastic and transplant them to bigger pots when necessary. Growing Dragon Fruit from Cuttings To learn how to propagate dragon fruit from cuttings, read this. Soil
For growing dragonfruit, well draining soil that is sandy is better. A mixture of sand in garden soil would be appropriate. It is forgiving to poor soil. Water Since the dragon fruit is a cactus, water it moderately with care like you do with other succulents. Water only when soil dries out completely. Fertilizer for Growing Dragonfruit Fertilize dragon fruit with balanced fertilizer every month when the plant is active in its growing season. Stop fertilizing in winter if growing in colder climate. Application of aged manure or compost can also be done time to time. Dragon Fruit Pollination Many dragon fruit varieties are self pollinating but there are some that requires cross pollination. If your dragon fruit is unable to do self pollination, you’ll need to grow two or more dragon fruit plants closely for cross pollination. As dragon fruit flowers are nocturnal, its pollination depends on moths and bats. For assurance, you can also do self pollination at night. Harvest Harvest dragon fruit when its skin color changes from bright green to red or pink. Its fruit is oval to ovate in shape and 10 to 15 cm long and forms 30 to 50 days after flowering. Pericarp of dragon fruit is rough and scaly and is usually pink in color. However, there are also red, or yellow dragon fruits depending on the variety. The flesh is located in the interior is white and contains black seeds. Pests and Diseases
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