Author: Yarstions

Also called black sapote, chocolate persimmon (Diospyros digyna) gets its name not only from the rich, brown color of its fruit pulp, but the taste, frequently described as comparable to chocolate pudding. Native to Mexico, Central and South America, chocolate persimmon trees belong to the ebony family. Even suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, the plant may be hard to find commercially. Growth Habit Black or chocolate persimmon grows to approximately 30 feet tall in cultivation, as long as they’re pruned regularly. Left to its own devices, the tree can top 80 feet. An evergreen with attractive, heavily furrowed black bark, chocolate persimmon trees have an erect growth habit with an oval or oval canopy. The tree is dioecious — male trees bear no fruit. Some trees have female or both female and male flowers, allowing them to set fruit. Varieties include…

Lemon trees are a part of the citrus genus of plants, and are prized by home gardeners because of their lush green leaf and juicy, flavorful fruit. Two common varieties found in home gardens are the eureka orange tree (Citrus limon ‘Eureka’) along with also the Meyer orange tree (Citrus limon ‘Meyer’). While both make ideal plants for any Mediterranean landscape, they vary in many ways. Origins The Meyer lemon tree is indigenous to China, but was brought to North America over a century ago, and is thought to be a cross between a lemon tree along with some form of tangerine or orange tree. Eureka lemon trees originated in California from seeds that came from Sicily in the late 1850s. Classification Eureka lemon trees have been classed as true lemons, along with Lisbon lemon trees. Meyer lemon trees, on the other hand, aren’t classified as accurate lemons because they’re…

When planting more than 1 fruit tree, separation is a significant consideration for garden design and fruiting potential of the tree. The type of fruit, the rootstock on which the tree grows and the amount of available space in your garden will all affect the choice of just how far apart to plant your own trees. Apple and Pear Trees Apple and pear trees have been popular fruit trees for your backyard garden. They are typically grown on rootstocks as grafted trees rather than from seeds. These rootstocks impact the minimal spacing between trees more than the variety of apple or pear that grows on it. Dwarf or semi-dwarfing rootstocks are best for the backyard unless only 1 tree is to be planted. Total size trees may require up to 18 feet of spacing between trees, however semi-dwarfing apple rootstocks such as the M.7 and MM.106 can be planted 10…