In the Garden: Southern California Coastal & Inland Valleys
April, 2011 Regional Report  Share |  Oro Blanco grapefruit
blossoms and fruitset are plentiful in third year.  Late Spring
Tree Care  The weather from now through June is ideal for
planting citrus, avocados, and other tender trees such as kiwis,
kumquats, and pomegranates. In frost-free areas, also try
cherimoya, guava, mango, and passion fruit. For containers, be
sure to choose dwarf types. For the best citrus, choose trees
with many strong branches, a smooth graft union, and deep green
leaves.  Prune frost-damaged wood once the plant or tree has
completely leafed out and you can easily see just what wood is
truly dead. If you're in doubt, wait another month to avoid
pruning wood which was just late in leafing out. By mid-summer,
any remaining deadwood will be obvious.  Feed all trees heavily
but slowly for strong growth and good fruit production. Topdress
them with compost and organic fertilizers high in nitrogen (fish
emulsion, chicken manure, co