What type of fruits can you plant in the spring in San Diego?

With a warmer climate than most states, a lot of fruits can actually be grown in San Diego throughout the year. Please note, however, that the fruits listed in this article are those that should be planted in the spring time. Fruits can take longer to mature and be ready to harvest, but with proper care a fruit tree can last well past 10 years in your garden. There are many more fruits that can be grown beyond what's listed here... however, they would do better in other seasons and climates. This list of California-friendly fruits is only the beginning!

Apricots. Plant apricots in early spring so they'll be ripe by summer. These trees do not need other trees around them to be able to produce fruit since they are self-pollinating; however, they do produce better with other apricot trees around. Trees begin producing fruit after 3 to 4 years, in quantities of 3 to 4 bushels for standard tree and 1 to 2 for a dwarf tree. Apricot trees prefer full sun and soil that is not constantly moist. They are tolerant of most soil types. Place standard trees at at least 25 feet apart, and buried at least a foot into the ground. Peak harvesting seasons are July and August.

Cherries. Cherries grow in either bushes or trees, and both will flourish properly in the Californian climate. A standard cherry tree produces fruit on its fourth year in 30-40 quarts, while a dwarf size begins producing on its third year in 10 -15 quarts. Cherry trees prefer sun and soil that is less rocky, as well as a soil that drains properly. Plant cherry trees or bushes in early spring, otherwise wait until fall. Depending on the tree size and age you buy from a nursery you must plant it accordingly, so ask questions before purchasing. Standard cherry trees need 20 to 30 feet between one another, while dwarfs need 8 to 12 feet.

Grapefruits. These grow best in the late spring when days are starting to get warmer. Grapefruits require a rich soil that is moist with little to no rocks. Keep top soil dry to prevent mold. The grapefruit tree does not need much pruning early on in the growth stages. When harvesting grapefruits, cut the branch off with the fruit rather than tearing the fruit off the tree. This plant does not tolerate frost well at all, and you can lose a lot of fruit and foliage through this. Rio Red and Flame are the more popular grapefruit varieties that can be grown in one's garden.

Lemons. The lemon tree is the most sensitive of all the citrus trees, and should be protected from frost. Grow your lemon trees as either indoor or outdoor plants. An indoor tree will be 3 to 5 feet tall. Lemon trees prefer well drained and slightly more acidic soil, as well as full sun. Do not cover the entirety of the roots, but rather half since lemon trees prefer to sit more shallowly. Depending on the type of lemon tree, you can purchase as a either a seedling, a trimming, or a seed. Most gardeners find it easiest to grow a lemon tree from a cutting of another lemon tree.

Oranges. Washington or Valencia oranges are the best types to grow in California . Orange trees prefer full sun and well-draining soil with less rocks. They are not very tolerant of frost and require protection from weathers under 26 degrees. Avoid directly planting your orange tree into the lawn and instead create a ring of dirt to surround the tree. Choose from dwarf and standard sized trees for your garden. The dwarf sized orange trees can grow in large pots and tend to be less than 5 feet.

Helpful Sites:

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/fruit/

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/basics.html

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