Thank you !

"jc" wrote in message
...
"Brandon" wrote in message
news:fMmla.6971$Zd.6107@fed1read07...
I am in the phoenix(Gilbert) Arizona area, I would like to add a
couple if
not three, citrus trees to my back yard.

Some months ago someone at my workplace had what they called a "blood
orange" the pulp was a tie dye of dark Orange and Red it tasted
wonderful.
I thought this may be a nice species to have( otherwise a good navel
will be
my choice)....The problem is, no one seems to know much about the
blood
orange species. Can anyone here elaborate?

I am also curious as to the availability of a lemon/lime tree...I.E,
is
there such a thing as a plant that will produce BOTH? Seems to me I
heard
that branches from one can be grafted to the other so as to have one
tree
producing both fruits.

I am also interested in grapefruit tree, most likely a Ruby Red, any
other
suggestions?
Any sites that might be specific to the species most popular in this
area(
what zone is this anyway?)
Thanks
Brandon



From http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1001.pdf

Pigmented or Blood Oranges

"In cool climates blood oranges are characterized by the dark red
internal color they develop, hence the name "blood oranges." The red
color may even be observed on the peel of some varieties. However, in
the warm climate of Arizona many of the blood oranges fail to develop
the typical deep red internal color. In the Salt River Valley, the
'Salustiana' variety produces the most consistent dark red internal
color. Other varieties of blood oranges which may or may not develop
dark red internal color, depending on the climate, are 'Moro', 'Ruby',
'Sanguinelli', and 'Tarroco'."

Lime grafted on lemon would work but you would need to watch it
carefully else the lemon tree will take over. Best to plant a lemon
tree and a lime bush if you have the space.

"Texas Ruby" is a popular Red Blush type cultivar. The flesh is deep
red, few seeds, and It is a bit tart early in the season (December) but
it turns sort of golden and mellows as time goes on. Can be left on the
tree through May so you can enjoy fresh fruit from the tree for about
six months.

See also http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1151.pdf
for watering recommendations for citrus.

Olin (NW Phoenix)
USDA Zone 9b, Sunset Zone 13, AHS Heat-Zone 11-12