Florida Gardening: Muscadine Grapes For Wine, Growing Citrus

Q & A about growing Muscadine grapes for wine making in northeast Florida and growing citrus.

Muscadine Grapes
Growing Muscadine Grapes in Northeast Florida

GARDEN TALK

EDITOR’S NOTE: Environmental Horticulture Agent III, Rebecca Jordi, addresses questions about landscaping and gardening in northeast Florida. She is the Extension Director in Nassau County, Florida and also a University of Florida faculty member.

________

QUESTION: I bought some expensive Merlot grape vines and was told I could grow them here. However, they are just sitting in the ground and not growing at all. I was hoping they would spread quickly and cover my arbor. LG

JORDI: There are always exceptions to what we recommend growing here and what might actually survive. However, there are some limitations based on the plant varieties, soil types and overall climate conditions which restrict what we really should try to grow here.

We easily grow Muscadine grapes. Some of the Muscadine grapes are grown for their fresh fruit and others for their ability to make wine. Unfortunately, we really cannot grow the type of grapes used for fine wine making similar to those grown in Europe or California. Merlot, for example, prefers mild climates with long, hot, dry growing seasons and moderate winter temperatures. While we often have mild winters, we seldom have the hot, dry growing seasons. We are far too humid and often too wet for these grapes to do well. In addition, some of the Merlot grapes prefer cool, deep sandy loam – we have warm, sandy soils. The soil needs to hold moisture but cannot be wet.

You could easily cover your arbor using a Muscadine or even a wild grape variety. Here’s link to a University of Florida publication on Muscadine grapes to better inform you about your potential choices.

QUESTION: This year, some of my navel oranges had dry areas in the fruit. What causes this and how can I prevent it? JD

JORDI: It is always disappointing to cut open citrus and find the flesh is dry or pulpy. Navel oranges are not the only citrus to have this problem; any citrus can show the same signs. We do suspect this can occur on older trees which have not been tended, fertilized or pruned properly.

This is especially true when the root stock foliage has been allowed to overgrow the scion or fruiting part of the tree. It is important to keep the root stock growth in check. In fact, if possible, check citrus several times a year to remove the suckers from the root stock. This type of growth can be removed any time of year. It is always sad to see a once strong producing citrus which has be overgrown from the rootstock.

Irregular irrigation or periods of drought will also produce poorly developed, lush fruit. If you are using micro or drip irrigation then watering once or twice a week should be sufficient. Cut back on the irrigation when we receive sufficient rain. Citrus are notorious for developing root decay under heavy irrigation from the type of sprinkler heads used on typical lawns. I know your tree has been planted for several years but young trees (under 5 years) often will produce poor fruit. However, this should outgrow this tendency once the tree is established and becomes more mature.

Regular fertilization is also important. Use a 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 once every 6 weeks from March through September. Do not pour fertilizer under the tree in a circle or band, but rather broadcast it completely under the tree canopy. Be sure to water in the fertilizer once it is applied; usually ¼ inch is sufficient. Or use a slow release citrus fertilizer once every quarter (March, June, September) for those of you with busy lives. When purchasing trees, be sure to ask about the root stock.

Rebecca Jordi
Rebecca Jordi

Rebecca L. Jordi
Nassau County Extension Director
UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture
543350 U.S. Highway #1
Callahan, FL 32011
904 491-7340 or 904 879-1019
http://nassau.ifas.ufl.edu

Providing practical education you can trust, to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.