It is easy to love grapefruit: grapefruit trees make beautiful specimens for the home garden, with glossy, dark green leaves and colorful fruits that hang for an extended period of time. And grapefruits are a delicious and highly nutritious fruit. Larger than other citrus fruits, grapefruits may have yellow, pink, or reddish flesh. But there […]

Mistletoe conjures thoughts of Christmas and Christmas traditions, ancient folklore and legends, Druidic and pagan traditions, and romance. With focus year after year on mistletoe as an old holiday tradition and symbol, it may be surprising to learn that mistletoe occurs commonly in California. Broadleaf mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum ssp. macrophyllum or Phoradendron macrophyllum) is the […]

Learn how to harvest tangerines: avoid leaving behind valuable fruit through proper harvesting techniques and good cultural practices. Tangerines can be harvested by using hand pruners and cutting the stem close to where it meets the fruit. Compared to other types of citrus fruits, tangerines require more caution when harvesting. Their loose skin makes it […]

In Mediterranean climates such as California, lime trees are less commonly grown than other types of citrus. The regions in which limes can be successfully grown are fairly limited, as they are quite sensitive to cold temperatures. Limes are small trees in the Citrus genus and the family Rutaceae, with many of its numerous plant […]

You may know mistletoe as a holiday decoration or a romantic accomplice; but what you don’t know about mistletoe might result in the decline or even death of your landscape trees. Mistletoe has been a traditional and popular symbol of Christmas for centuries, but its use as a holiday symbol long predates Christianity. Exact origins […]

Regardless of species and variety, trunks of citrus trees are sensitive to sunburn and subject to injuries from mowers, weed-whackers and other gardening tools. Proper prevention can protect your citrus trees and extend their life span. Citrus bark and cambium are sensitive to sunburn, and sun protection for trunks and branches may be necessary during […]

Many regions in California, particularly in Southern California, are ideal for growing kumquats.  Kumquat trees are adapted to grow actively during hot summers, and are not damaged by cold winter temperatures. One healthy, productive kumquat tree is adequate for a family, and may produce hundreds or thousands of fruits during a year. To get started, […]

GardenZeus recommends against planting under orange trees for the following reasons: 1) healthy trees have a dense, evergreen canopy that blocks sunlight for any lower growing plants; 2) gardeners need access to trees for harvest and pruning; and 3) established citrus plants thrive in dry upper soil conditions. GardenZeus also recommends against using mulch, with […]

A holiday kiss under the mistletoe may be just the thing if you’re hoping for luck in love, a peaceful new year, or merely a second date, at least if you’re willing to rely on age-old folklore and legends. But be careful! If you want that kiss to be effective, make it happen under mistletoe, […]