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Written by Richard Lyons
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Sunday, 08 February 2009 |
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The temperature went down to 37 degrees early Thursday morning. I sat up until 5 a.m. watching the thermometer and listening to the agricultural office reports of temperatures around the area. Just down the street from the nursery the tomato crop was devastated, here at the nursery, the tomatoes survived nicely. Our elevation is slightly higher than the field down the street, which could be one explanation for the lack of cold damage here.
There are experts who say that if the temperature is expected to go down to freezing, the water should be turned on to irrigate the plants at about 38 to 40 degrees, whether the wind is blowing or not. Of course, there are others who recommend that the water not be turned on if there is wind of at least 7-10 miles per hour, which would prevent frost from forming. .
I chose not to turn the water on because the temperatures in the area were hovering around 37 degrees and the wind was 7 miles per hour or better.
With the exception of some tip burning on new growth of some cold sensitive vines, and leaf drop on a large Soursop tree, very little damage has been observed on plants in the nursery. The fruit on the Sapodilla tree appears unharmed, the Carambola (Star Fruit) has held their fruit, and it doesn’t appear that the Mangoes or Lychees were affected either. The vegetables came through unscathed as well. We will continue to have tomatoes, cabbage, kohlrabi, carrots, beets, collard greens, winter melon, and broccoli until the heat and humidity end our winter vegetable growing season around the end of March.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 08 February 2009 )
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Written by Steve Turner
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Friday, 16 January 2009 |
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Important information about the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and its possible impact to Avocado trees in S. Florida. This beetle carries a fungus that causes Laurel Wilt, a fatal disease of Redbay (Persea borbonia), a Florida native found throughout most of the state, within the Lauraceae family. There are at least 13 species in the laurel family in Florida, including forest species, ornamental and landscape plants, and the Avocado Tree (Persea americana). Here are 2 links with very detailed information about the beetle and the disease, along with a map showing where the beetle has been spotted:
UF-IFAS-EDIS publication 
UF-IFAS-EDIS publication
At the nursery there are currently several fruit trees in flower. These include Lychee, Mango, Jackfruit, Mamey, and a low chill Apple Tree. We will know very soon whether fruit will set on these trees. The Sapodilla Tree has several fruits which should be ripe in the next few days.
Several ornamental trees are also currently in bloom. Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree) with its stunning deep purple blossoms, both yellow and orange flowering Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree), the white form of Gliricidia sepium (Madre de Cacao Tree), double white flowering Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet), and Stemmadenia littoralis (Milky Way Tree).
Another interesting small ornamental tree is Bixa orellana (Lipstick Tree). Its seed pods are fully formed and bright red right now. The seeds are used as a food coloring, especially in the Caribbean. The seeds are fried in vegetable oil and then discarded, leaving a golden-yellow oil which food is cooked in, giving the food a nice golden yellow color, especially rice. A fabric dye is also derived from the seeds and several indigenous peoples of the New World have used the seeds for body paint.
All of these plants can be seen throughout the Plant Gallery section of this website.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 18 January 2009 )
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Written by Richard Lyons
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Sunday, 14 December 2008 |
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We never know what the future will bring. I am hopeful we will have a good crop of lychee this year. It has been determined that we need 50 degree temperatures at night during Oct., Nov., and Dec. in order for the trees to flower in January. So far, it is looking good. Last year the temperatures never cooled enough during the critical months. Instead, the cooler night temperatures didn't arrive until Jan., Feb., and March, which was too late for a good crop. Also, jackfruit trees are starting to flower which is a good sign for a productive crop.
We have planted seasonal vegetables which we are presently harvesting. The kohlrobi is delicious. Tomatoes, Chinese winter melon, cucumbers, green beans, cabbage, and cilantro are progressing nicely. As long as we do not have a freeze, we should be alright this winter.
Also, at the nursery, there are several short day length plants coming into flower. A poinsettia relative, Euphorbia leucocephala, commonly called the snowflake shrub, is particularly stunning this year (There are several photos in the 'Plant Gallery' within the 'Plant and Shrub Album' you can view). Calliandra haematocephala (Red and White Powderpuff), Kalanchoe, and Begonias are some other plants that need a shorter day length to stimulate flowering.
Steve continues to work on the website. New photographs have been added and most of the old photographs have been alphabetized by genera.
We hope everyone has a very joyous and healthy holiday season.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 14 December 2008 )
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