![]() ![]() Fruits retain their peak quality for about two weeks, after which they may become puffy, rough in appearance and lose flavor and juice content. Owari is the most popular variety, and is generally available at retail outlets. It is self-fruitful, has excellent cold hardiness and ripens its fruit well ahead of any freeze problems (September to November). The satsuma is distinctly different from the mandarin. It will withstand colder temperatures, produce more consistent crops over a longer period of time and requires less cold protection than other types of sweet citrus. The highest degree of success and greatest satisfaction in growing citrus in Georgia will be realized with the satsuma. ![]() Unlike other types of citrus, cross-pollination is required for optimum fruiting of a number of tangerine varieties and hybrids. For example Dancy is called a tangerine in Florida and a mandarin in California. The terms mandarin and tangerine are used interchangeably for a number of loose-skinned fruits, depending upon where they are grown. Within this group are the mandarins, satsumas, tangerines and tangerine hybrids. They are sometimes referred to as the kid-glove (easily peeled) fruits. This citrus class includes a large group of loose-skinned, deeply-colored, highly-flavored fruits. However, some are better adapted to South Georgia conditions than others. All of these citrus types develop into attractive, medium- to large-size trees. The three general classes of citrus that produce sweet fruits are mandarins, sweet oranges and grapefruit. Selecting Varieties Sweet Types of Citrus Currently the main commercial areas are on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Florida. But freezes in the two decades following World War II mostly eliminated these plantings. By the early 1940s the hardy satsuma had again made a comeback, with some 12,000 acres growing in the Gulf states of Louisiana, Alabama and northern Florida. Plantings resumed until the freeze of 1916-17 struck, killing thousands of acres. Small satsuma plantings were developed in the Gulf states as early as the 1890s but were destroyed by the freezes of 1894. History indicates that citrus plants have been grown for many years in gardens near the Gulf of Mexico and even as far north as Charleston, South Carolina. ![]() Considerable time elapsed before citrus was introduced into Arizona (1707) and California (1769). Historical Background of Citrus in the U.S.Ĭitrus was first introduced into the continental United States by early Spanish explorers at Saint Augustine, Florida, in 1565. Citrus can be grown in lower Zone C, but extensive cold protection measures will be needed in some years. With adequate cold protection, cold hardy selections may be grown in Zone B with some success. The following brief history of citrus culture in the United States vividly illustrates the devastating effect of winter freezes.įigure 1. The most significant limiting factor to citrus culture in these areas is damage from severe winter temperature. Areas where citrus are best adapted within the state are shown in Figure 1. Cold-hardy varieties that receive recommended care may grow successfully in the coastal and extreme southern areas of the state (and to a lesser degree in more northern locations). Their natural beauty and ripe fruits make them attractive additions to the South Georgia home scene.
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