Need advice on fruit trees in San Antonio, tx. How to care for them.
In ground . . . Ein Shemer apple with blossoms and Granny Smith alive but no new growth. Both transplanted during February.
In 15 gallon pots: two north star cherry trees. Doing well. New growth. Two honey crisp apple trees. Doing well. New growth. Two tangerine trees. Doing well. Maybe. No new growth. Cold hardy.
Thanks.
R.
Sorry, I can’t help you, but please keep us Texans informed on your apple tree progress. I wish to have apple trees here in Montgomery county, north of Houston, and would value your updates.
I would check with the Bexar County Extension Service, aka, Texas Agrilife/TAMU. I think it's mostly top matches root size at planting. water, and not too much fertilizer.
Since I can't bear to chop a third of the tree branches at planting..mine usually die. That's why I suggest you check with the Pro's.
Check on the chill hours required for fruiting. You'll want around 400 hours for your apple trees. I have Pink Lady, Red Fuji, Anna, Golden Dorset, and Gala. That pretty much covers the gamut of chill hours in the NW Hill Country.
You'll also want to find out if the rootstock is the correct one for your soil type. Keep the soil pH around 6.5, mulch well.
Your cherry trees may not bear fruit. Almost all cherry trees require more chill hours than we get in the S.A. area unless it is a real bad winter. Even then, you have the grackles to contend with.
Plant the citrus in a well protected area away from the north wind and you should be OK. I've seen Ponderosa Lemon growing all over the S.A. area, yet I can't get mine to survive winter.