Citrus Fruits

Host Paul James visits the University of California in sunny Riverside for a tasting tour of succulent citrus.

gby1404_lushdecopantree

Unlike bananas, peaches and plums, citrus fruits stop producing sugars the day they are picked. So the longer they hang on the tree the sweeter they are.

Unlike bananas, peaches and plums, citrus fruits stop producing sugars the day they are picked. So the longer they hang on the tree the sweeter they are.

Gardening by the Yard host Paul James tastes his way through the citrus groves of the University of California in Riverside with his guide, Otilla Bier, citrus field director. The citrus collection at the university has over 900 varieties with new ones added every year.

gby1404_nordmannkumquat

Nordmann seedless ‘Nagami’ kumquat

Nordmann seedless ‘Nagami’ kumquat

The first taste test is the Nordmann seedless 'Nagami' kumquat, a tantalizing blend of sweet and tart, all the more tempting because it's not yet available in stores. Kumquats are in the same family as oranges but belong to the genus Fortunella and are hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

gby1404_usdaeighty-eight-two

This mandarin was developed by the USDA and is currently known only as USDA eighty-eight-two.

This mandarin was developed by the USDA and is currently known only as USDA eighty-eight-two.

Next Paul tastes a mandarin that also has not yet been released. It was developed by the USDA and is currently known as USDA 88-2. "Deliciously sweet," pronounces Paul. And then to compare, he samples another mandarin known as 'Yosemite Gold', developed in Riverside. It’s mostly seedless, easy to peel and also delicious, according to Paul.

gby1404_myrtleleafcitrus

The ‘Myrtle Leaf’ citrus is grown for its form and abundance of colorful fruit.

The ‘Myrtle Leaf’ citrus is grown for its form and abundance of colorful fruit.

"This tree doesn't even look like citrus to me," comments Paul at the next stop on the tour. "It looks like a small ornamental tree you might find in a landscape." Otilla identifies it as a 'Myrtle Leaf' citrus. "It's grown for its form and abundance of colorful fruit," she says.

How does it taste? "Quite pleasant" is the verdict according to Paul.

gby1404_decopanfruitneck

The ‘Dekopan’ is a new U.S. variety of citrus that has a unique flavor and features a "neck."

The ‘Dekopan’ is a new U.S. variety of citrus that has a unique flavor and features a "neck."

Then there's the 'Dekopan', a very new variety of citrus in the United States that features a "neck." And the taste? "It's the most uniquely flavored of all the fruits I've tasted today," states Paul. In Japan just one of these popular fruits can go for up to nine dollars!

gby1404_cucaracara

The pink-fleshed ‘Cara Cara’ was just discovered growing in Venezuela.

The pink-fleshed ‘Cara Cara’ was just discovered growing in Venezuela.

Last on the citrus-tasting circuit, the pink-fleshed 'Cara Cara'. It's a naval orange just discovered growing in Venezuela. Its pink flesh comes from lycopene, a potent antioxident found in tomatoes.

Growing Citrus in Containers

So how do you grow your own citrus if you don't live in zones 9 or 10? Containers! Even in cold northern climates you can grow many varieties of citrus in suitable containers.

gby1404_treeintopot

Be sure your container is about twice the width of the root ball to allow the roots to spread out without having to repot. Also make sure your container has a hole in the bottom as citrus requires excellent drainage to thrive. Place mesh screen over the drainage hole and fill the pot half full with a potting mix that contains perlite for drainage, peat moss and a lot of sand for weight, because fruit-laden citrus trees get top heavy. Add a handful of slow-release fertilizer that's low in nitrogen but high in phosphorus to promote good fruit formation; if you garden organically, kelp or fish emulsion works well.

Place your tree in the prepared container and fill the remaining space with more potting mix.

gby1404_firmtreeinpot

Firm the soil so the tree is stable. Be careful not to plant the tree too deep: the easiest way to kill a tree is to plant it too deeply. Place ornamental pebbles on top of the soil if you like, to keep the soil from splashing when the tree is watered.

Next Up

Grow an Olive Tree

Grow an olive tree indoors and let it take summer vacations outdoors. If your climate is warm, you can even plant it in your garden.

How to Plant and Grow Chinese Evergreen

Caring for Chinese evergreens is easy, and these pretty houseplants brighten rooms with low light, or even no natural light, with their leaves of pink, green, creamy white and red.

Lavender Trees

Set your sights on growing a lavender tree or topiary.

How to Grow and Care for Calibrachoas

Whether you call them million bells or baby petunias, easy-to-grow calibrachoas may be small, but they pack a big punch of color in the garden.

21 Plants to Add Instant Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home

Before you plant that "For Sale" sign in your yard, plant shrubs and flowers to boost your curb appeal.

How to Stop Tomato Blossom End Rot

Got an ugly black spot on the bottom of your tomatoes? Never fear. It's a common problem that's easier to fix than you might think. HGTV expert Gayla Trail, of YouGrowGirl.com, offers advice.

How to Grow Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Easy-to-grow ponytail palm needs very little care. Use this leafy beauty, also called elephant foot plant, as a houseplant or in a sunny landscape.

How to Grow Jalapeños

Why do we love the fiery burn of a fresh jalapeño? Because these spicy chili peppers taste so good and are easy to grow.

Do Plant Seeds Go Bad?

Will last year’s flower and veggie seeds grow? Learn what you need to know about seed package dates, germination tests and seed storage.

How to Grow Cucumbers in a Pot

Growing cool, crunchy cucumbers in a container is easy if you know the steps. These basics will make them a success.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.