• Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor

Hartselle Enquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Obits
  • Opinion
  • Public Records
  • Madison County Record
  • Madison Living Magazine
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • About Us
  • List of Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a News Tip
  • Submit a Photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Engagement Announcement
  • Wedding Announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letter to the Editor
    Hartselle Enquirer
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
    ‘Tis the Season for Citrus
    Lifestyles, Madison, Madison County Record, News, RSS Twitter, Z - News Main
     By  FROM STAFF REPORTS Published 
    10:20 am Wednesday, December 6, 2023

    ‘Tis the Season for Citrus

    By Katie Nichols, The Alabama Extension Service

    AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Cranberries and cinnamon may be considered the official scents of the holiday season, but fresh citrus is ripe for the picking, just in time for merrymaking. Alabama citrus growers begin harvesting in late fall and continue through early winter. Mallory Kelley, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System home grounds agent, said it is a busy time for backyard citrus growers, too.

    “Backyard citrus plants have been growing in popularity over the last few years, even though citrus has been a central and south Alabama staple for years,” Kelley said.

    The United States citrus belt spans from California to along the Gulf Coast and into Florida. This belt falls into the United States Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zones eight to 10.

    “With their evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers and delicious fruit, citrus can be a great addition to gardens and patios,” Kelley said. “As an added bonus — with the exception of a few tangerine varieties — all citrus is self-fruitful, meaning you only need one plant to produce fruit.”

    Taking Care of Citrus

    Kelley said people can grow citrus fruits successfully in the back yard with little or no control of insects and diseases. Fruits produced without pesticide sprays may be poor in external quality because of damage from mites, insects and fungal diseases. However, while they may look unattractive on the outside, external damage usually has no detrimental effect on internal fruit quality. The appearance of the tree may suffer, but most citrus pests seldom critically damage trees.

    One of the only drawbacks to growing citrus is the occasional cold snap of low winter temperatures, where the trees require protection. Planting citrus in large containers makes it easier to move the plant indoors for protection during overnight cold spells.

    “If you are looking for a low-maintenance conversation piece, think about adding citrus plants to your landscape or patio,” Kelley said. “Not only will you love their incredible fragrance when in bloom, but it is so much fun to watch them grow and share with your neighbors, friends and family.”

    Citrus Varieties

    In central Alabama, Kelley recommend growing semihardy to hardy varieties.

    “Semihardy refers to citrus varieties that are hardy to temperatures in the mid to upper teens and low 20s,” she said.

    Satsumas or mandarins, kumquats and Meyer lemons are all considered semihardy varieties in central Alabama.

    Satsumas

    Kelley said satsumas offer the highest degree of success and satisfaction in Alabama. They withstand colder temperatures better than the other forms of edible sweet citrus do. They also produce more consistent crops over a longer period and require less protection from the cold.

    The satsuma is a mandarin. It has excellent cold hardiness and ripens its fruit well ahead of most freeze problems, between September and November. Owari is the most popular variety. Brown’s Select is a recent introduction from Louisiana that is similar to Owari in tree and fruit characteristics but ripens two to three weeks earlier. Armstrong Early — also called Early Armstrong — is an old variety that has been grown for many years and is planted to a small degree. Armstrong Early fruit ripens early — beginning in September — but the quality is not as good as Owari.

    Kumquat

    Kelley said there are several hardy acid-type fruits available for homeowner use.

    “These plants make attractive ornamental specimens and provide delightful fruits as well,” Kelley said. “The kumquat tree (not the fruit) is the most cold-hardy of the commonly grown acid citrus fruits. Kumquat trees can withstand temperatures as low as 15 to 17 degrees Fahrenheit.”

    The kumquat is one of the most widely used citrus plants around the home. It develops into a shrub-like tree that bears small orange-like fruit, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

    Kelley said people can eat the fruits fresh — peel and all — or use them in making jellies, marmalade or candies. Several varieties are available, but only three are commonly propagated: Nagami, Marumi and Meiwa. Meiwa — which produces round, sweet fruit — has become one of the most popular for home plantings.

    Lime and Meyer Lemon

    “Meyer is the most cold-hardy variety of lemon,” Kelley said. “The fruit-ripening period usually lasts for several months, beginning in late summer. Good crops of large, practically seedless and juicy lemons are produced.”

    Limes are among the most cold-sensitive of the common acid-type citrus fruits. However, the Mexican lime — also known as Key or West Indian — is famous for the key lime pie. People can grow these limes as a container plant if they provide it with inside protection during the winter.

    More Information

    Learn more about caring for citrus by contacting your county Extension office or visiting www.aces.edu.

    Also on The Madison Record
    Meet the candidates for the Madison election on June 8
    Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Meet the candidates for the Madison election on June 8
    By KADIE VICK kadie@themadisonrecord.com 
    June 4, 2025
    MADISON - The Huntsville Committee of 100 Young Professionals is holding a Let’s Vote Madison Event on June 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Old Black Bear Brewi...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Rotary Club of Madison honors city’s top employees
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Rotary Club of Madison honors city’s top employees
    Gregg Parker 
    June 4, 2025
    MADISON – Following a 24-year tradition, Rotary Club of Madison collaborated with City of Madison officials to identify Madison Employees of the Year....
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Blue Apple Books to welcome author/ poet Jim Parker, Mahjong expert Bree Beckwith
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Blue Apple Books to welcome author/ poet Jim Parker, Mahjong expert Bree Beckwith
    Gregg Parker 
    June 4, 2025
    MADISON – A musical artist whose creativity led to a book of poetry, along with an expert in a game that was the rage during the Roaring Twenties, wil...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    U.S. Space & Rocket Center to host Blue Origin flight launch party on Saturday
    Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
    U.S. Space & Rocket Center to host Blue Origin flight launch party on Saturday
    Two Space Camp alumnae on board
    Staff Reports 
    May 30, 2025
    HUNTSVILLE – The U. S. Space & Rocket Center is celebrating the launch of Blue Origin’s New Shepard-32 mission with a blue-themed launch party Saturda...
    Madison receives 2025 Main Street AL designation
    Business, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Madison receives 2025 Main Street AL designation
    Staff Reports 
    May 29, 2025
    MADISON - Main Street Alabama continues to expand its statewide reach by selecting the City of Madison for Designation this year, and both Main Street...
    Rainbow Elementary honors counselor as Teacher of the Year
    Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
    Rainbow Elementary honors counselor as Teacher of the Year
    Gregg Parker 
    May 28, 2025
    MADISON – After receiving her honor as “Teacher of the Year,” Alicia Smith was motivated to continue advocating for emotional and academic well-being ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Mill Creek selects Kevin Long as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Mill Creek selects Kevin Long as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    May 28, 2025
    MADISON – Sometimes, when one door closes, another door actually does open. Just ask Kevin Long, who is “Staff Member of the Year” at Mill Creek Eleme...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Madison Elementary Staff Member of the Year thinks library is magical place
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Madison Elementary Staff Member of the Year thinks library is magical place
    Gregg Parker 
    May 28, 2025
    MADISON – Cindy Petrucka believes an elementary school library, which is her workplace, is a magical place. Petrucka is “Staff Member of the Year” at ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Get Legals or Public Notices Published
    Latest Local News
    Meet the candidates for the Madison election on June 8
    Meet the candidates for the Madison election on June 8
    MADISON - The Huntsville Committee of 100 Young Professionals is holding a Let’s Vote Madison Event on June 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Old Black Bear Brewi...
    June 4, 2025
    Rotary Club of Madison honors city’s top employees
    Rotary Club of Madison honors city’s top employees
    MADISON – Following a 24-year tradition, Rotary Club of Madison collaborated with City of Madison officials to identify Madison Employees of the Year....
    June 4, 2025
    Blue Apple Books to welcome author/ poet Jim Parker, Mahjong expert Bree Beckwith
    Blue Apple Books to welcome author/ poet Jim Parker, Mahjong expert Bree Beckwith
    MADISON – A musical artist whose creativity led to a book of poetry, along with an expert in a game that was the rage during the Roaring Twenties, wil...
    June 4, 2025
    U.S. Space & Rocket Center to host Blue Origin flight launch party on Saturday
    U.S. Space & Rocket Center to host Blue Origin flight launch party on Saturday
    HUNTSVILLE – The U. S. Space & Rocket Center is celebrating the launch of Blue Origin’s New Shepard-32 mission with a blue-themed launch party Sat...
    May 30, 2025
    Madison receives 2025 Main Street AL designation
    Madison receives 2025 Main Street AL designation
    MADISON - Main Street Alabama continues to expand its statewide reach by selecting the City of Madison for Designation this year, and both Main Street...
    May 29, 2025

    More Local News

    Our Latest E-edition
    Read the most recent edition
    Latest Stories
    Erica White announces run for Madison City Council, District 6
    Erica White announces run for Madison City Council, District 6
    MADISON – Local resident and business owner Erica White has announced her intention to run for Madison City Council, District 6 in the August 26 munic...
    May 27, 2025
    Brooke Forsythe’s skilled care leads to ‘Employee of the Month’
    Brooke Forsythe’s skilled care leads to ‘Employee of the Month’
    MADISON – A coworker’s nomination described Brooke Forsythe as always placing patients first and advocating for their care. Forsythe is “Employee of t...
    May 27, 2025
    STORIES BEHIND THE STARS: Honoring those who sacrificed it all in WWII
    STORIES BEHIND THE STARS: Honoring those who sacrificed it all in WWII
    Over 421,000 American military service members gave their lives in World War II, and sadly the sacrifices they made for us are slowly fading out of ou...
    May 26, 2025
    Clean up continues from last week’s EF-2 tornado that hit parts of Madison
    Clean up continues from last week’s EF-2 tornado that hit parts of Madison
    MADISON - The city of Madison dodged a bullet last week. Even though some neighborhoods sustained damages caused by an EF-2 tornado that came through ...
    May 26, 2025
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    poll
    Latest Sports
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    HUNTSVILLE - The Cotton Row Run is a community event. The annual Memorial Day extravaganza, held in downtown Huntsville, again this year will attract ...
    May 20, 2025
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy entered the state soccer tournament scoreless in three previous games at John Hunt Park, including against Donoho last se...
    May 9, 2025
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    MADISON – Bob Jones has left little margin for error as it seeks to repeat as Class 7A state baseball champions. The Patriots, however, have done just...
    May 7, 2025
    Mustangs advance in Class 5A state playoffs
    Mustangs advance in Class 5A state playoffs
    NORTHPORT – With a handful of senior leaders and a mission of retribution, Madison Academy set sail on the 2025 baseball season toward the promised la...
    May 7, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Business
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Business
      • Sponsored Content

    Other Publications

    Madison Living Logo Living 50 Plus Logo

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , The Madison Record