The citrus are turning!
A very exciting time here in Austin if you are a citrus tree owner. Most have waited basically all year to gather up your lemons, oranges and tangerines. The Meyer Lemons in particular look like yellow saucers that can be seen from far away. My personal favorite is the Meyer Lemon. If you have ever had a “home grown” Meyer Lemon, you know. It is completely different than the Meyer Lemons you buy in the grocery store. They are large and incredibly sweet on the inside.
Oranges and Tangerines
The oranges and tangerines will turn orange signaling they are ripe for the picking will not disappoint. Most all of the tangerines have a big thick easy to peel rind that makes it nice and easy to peel and enjoy. The tangerines tend to be a little cold hardier here in the Austin and Dripping Springs area, though we still recommend to leave them in containers. You just never know what our winters are going to be like. If they are in the ground, you can’t protect the roots. It is much easier if in a container to protect your citrus. This pretty much goes for all the citrus- per our recommendation- to leave in containers.
Limes
If you are a lime tree owner, you do not quite understand the waiting game many of us play with the other citrus. The thornless Mexican Limes produce fruit basically all year long, or so it seems. They have several rounds of fruit whereas the oranges and tangerines have one a year. The Mexican Limes are great option if you are a little more impatient when it comes to waiting for your fruit to ripen. Also, great if you like a little lime in your beer, water, tea or cocktail, they are delicious.
Meyer Lemon
The Meyer Lemon citrus are probably the most popular outside of the limes. They are fairly easy to grow and care for and are are a favorite with the chefs in town. They are much larger than the regular lemons and are very sweet. So sweet in fact, many like to eat them like an orange.
Whatever your preference, I encourage you to try a home grown / grow your own fruit. Compare it with what you can purchase at your local grocery store. To say there is a difference is putting it mildly.
Freeze Protection Tips
First of all we recommend to plant the citrus in containers and not in the ground. Our winters here in Austin are unpredictable and in order to ensure the longevity of your plant, keep it in a container. This way you can protect the entire plant in the freezing weather. You can bring them inside your home, garage or bring them up against the house. If you prefer, you can lay them down and cover in place. The important thing is to protect the roots as well as the plant itself from freezing temperatures. Use frost cloth, blankets, sheets, towels, as well as there are several commercially available products that you can get to cover your plants.
