How to Grow Prunes & Citrus in Central Florida

Citrus Trees

• 1

  Select a space for your tree. Many homeowners select a place for their citrus tree based on where it will look aesthetically pleasing in the yard. While this is nice to consider, you must also take into consideration the direction of the sun and the wind in case bad weather strikes. By planting the tree on the south and east sides of your building, you are minimizing the chance of the tree getting chilled by cool winds. You will want to place your tree where it will receive plenty of warm sunlight, so observe where the sun hits your yard and how long it stays there before selecting your spot.

• 2

  Dig a hole that is three times the width of the tree’s container and the same depth as the root ball. For your tree to thrive, you must not plant it too deep.

• 3

  Remove the tree from the container and lower into the hole. Fill the dirt in around the tree and tamp it. Do not touch the roots, as they damage easily.

• 4

  Dig a basin, approximately 36 inches in diameter, around the hole. Fill it with water to keep the soil moist.

• 5

  Apply fertilizer in the months of February, May and August. Spread an 8-8-8 fertilizer at the base on the tree, save the 5-inch area around the trunk.

• 6

  Water the tree for an hour two to three times a week. Monitor the soil during high temperatures or drought conditions for dryness.

• 7

  Prune the tree minimally during the first year. Limbs need to grow strong so they can support the fruit. Pick the fruit before it gets too heavy and stresses the limbs. Trim the ends of the branches to shape them after the first year. Water sprouts and suckers should be removed by slicing close to the tree. Leaving stems sticking out leaves the tree open to diseases and pests.

Plum Trees (Prunus domestica)

• 8

  Choose a location to plant your plum tree. Prunus domestica prefers sunny or partially shaded areas. The sunnier the location, the higher the fruit production will be. The trees can grow up to 39 feet tall by 35 feet wide, so they will need a good bit of space. Plum trees can be grown against a wall for stability. The trees grow well in a sandy, loamy or clay-based soil. Add limestone to the soil for best results.

• 9

  Plant the tree in a hole that is 1 foot deeper and 1 foot wider than the root ball, and fill. Plum trees like to have moist soil. Water the soil immediately and apply farmyard manure. Keep the tree watered but not flooded.

• 10

  Prune the plum tree by clipping off the lower branches up to 1 foot up the trunk. The Prunus domestica is an easy-to-maintain tree, and requires little pruning and care other than watering.

• 11

  Pick the fruit after it ripens in the months of July to November. The fruit will ripen in a one- to two-week period after the fruit reaches maturity.

• 12

  Wash the plums, halve them and pit them. Place the plums cut side up in a food dehydrator at 100 F. Let the fruit dry for 30 hours to create prunes.