By Scott Sroufe
Normally, if one were to choose a “produce” of the month, it is usually narrowed down to one choice. That allows that one produce item to be in the spotlight and have a time to shine. I thought about it a long time, and I just could not do it. I could not pick just one! So, our January Produce of the Month is Citrus.
Citrus season is now in full swing! Harvest may have begun for most of our Texas citrus a few months ago, but now is the time to find the best of the bunch when it comes to our state fruit, the Ruby Red Grapefruit. January is typically the time that you will find that flavor and production of the Ruby Red is at its peak.
While the Rio Grande Valley is synonymous with Ruby Reds, different types of citrus can be grown throughout the state, according to Dr. Mani Skaria with US Citrus in Hargill, TX. One can easily find varieties of citrus that can be grown throughout the Lone Star State. Not only are there several varieties to choose, but there are also different options to grow depending on your location.
A favorite among home growers is the Miho Satsuma Mandarin. It’s got an easy to peel skin and is one of the sweetest varieties. Another option might be the Meyer Lemon or Mexican Lime. Feeling adventurous? Why not try a Kumquat? Or, if you are not in the extreme northern part of the state and want an ornamental option you could go for a Calamondin. This mandarin and kumquat hybrid does not do too well in extreme cold or windy conditions, but it will flower and have the aroma of oranges while in bloom.
Throughout most of the state, home citrus gardening will be best accomplished in containers. Those containers can be outdoors or on patios most of the year. When the temperatures begin to fall, the containers should be brought indoors, at least to the garage where temps will remain above freezing. While indoors, most will survive with a grow light and watering as little as once per week.
For more detailed information on varieties and care, check out the blogs by Dr. Skaria and his staff at US Citrus. You can find these resources at www.uscitrus.com.
Scott Sroufe is the Coordinator for Horticulture Marketing with the Texas Department of Agriculture, Sid Miller, Commissioner.
