We are lucky to live in Visalia, California, because it’s the perfect location to grow some of the best citrus and stone fruit trees in the country. Our warm climate, long growing season, and fertile soil, make the San Joaquin Valley an ideal spot to plant fruit trees that thrive under the California sun. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, planting and caring for citrus and stone fruit trees can be a fun and rewarding experience. At Luis’ Nursery, we have a fantastic selection of fruit trees that will flourish in your garden and provide you with bountiful harvests for years to come. We wanted to share with you a few things that you need to know about planting, caring for, and selecting the best citrus and stone fruit trees for your home.
Choosing the Right Trees for Visalia
Citrus Trees: Citrus trees love the warm, sunny climate of Visalia, and they’re relatively easy to grow with the right care. Varieties like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines are well-suited to our region. If you’re looking for a standout variety, the Washington Navel orange, Meyer lemon (a sweeter, more compact variety), and Ruby Red grapefruit are great choices. These citrus trees are not only productive but also resistant to common pests and diseases, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. You can often find a wide selection of healthy citrus trees at Luis’ Nursery, with knowledgeable staff to help you select the right one for your garden.
Stone Fruit Trees: Stone fruit trees, including peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, and cherries, are also excellent options for Visalia’s climate. Varieties like the Babcock peach, Santa Rosa plum, and Tilton apricot thrive in the warm summers and cool winters of our area. Stone fruit trees require a chilling period during the winter months, so the cooler nights in Visalia provide the perfect environment for these trees to bloom in the spring and produce juicy, sweet fruits. At Luis’ Nursery we carry many of these varieties, making it easy to find the right tree for your space and taste preferences.
Planting Your Trees
When planting your citrus and stone fruit trees, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Both types of trees need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive. Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the tree’s container. Gently loosen the roots before planting, and avoid burying the trunk of the tree to prevent rot. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots, but make sure the soil is well-drained to avoid root rot.
Caring for Your Trees
Watering: Regular watering is key to the health of your fruit trees. Citrus trees need deep watering but are sensitive to overwatering. Water them thoroughly once a week during the warmer months, and reduce the frequency during the cooler winter months. Stone fruit trees require more water during the growing season, especially when the fruit is developing, but always ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilizing: Both citrus and stone fruit trees benefit from regular fertilization. For citrus trees, use a balanced fertilizer with micronutrients specifically formulated for them. Stone fruit trees, on the other hand, benefit from a high-nitrogen fertilizer early in the growing season to encourage strong growth.
Pruning: Prune your trees to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the tree. Citrus trees don’t require much pruning, but it’s important to maintain an open canopy for air circulation. Stone fruit trees, however, benefit from more regular pruning to remove suckers and promote fruit production.
With the right care, citrus and stone fruit trees can become the crown jewels of your garden, providing you with delicious fruits season after season. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, Luis’ Nursery is a great place to find the perfect fruit trees for your space. From selecting the right variety to getting expert advice on planting and care, we have everything you need to make your garden bloom. Now is the time to start planning and planting your fruit tree garden! Soon you will be able to enjoy the rewards of homegrown, fresh fruit for years to come!
