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California Gardening

Will these fruit trees do well in the Inland Empire (So Cal)?

15 years ago

Hi,

I'd like to plant a few more fruit trees in our yard. So far the only fruit trees we have are citrus (meyer lemon, navel orange and bearss lime). I'd like to add a tangerine/mandarin to the yard, but was wondering what a good choice would be for the inland valley (we live in the Inland Empire in So Cal, near Ontario). I was thinking maybe Satsuma or Clementine?

Also has anyone had any luck growing persimmons or guava in this area? I'm not sure if these trees like the kind of heat we have in the summer.

I thought I'd post this here instead of the Citrus or Fruit & Orchard forum since climates vary drastically in other forums.

Thanks,

Lali

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Comments (5)

gardenguru1950
15 years ago
Lali:

The Sunset Western Garden Book delineates the climate zones of California much better than any other garden zoning system. The "Inland Empire" is at least three distinct zones. The SWGB also does a fantastic job of describing fruit trees and where they grow best among the zones of California. Do you have a copy?

I'm sure some members of this forum will chime in with exceptions to the general recommendations of Sunset, but the SWGB is the best starting point.

Joe
Christine Decker
15 years ago
I live in zone 8b (Temecula wine country) We have almost 40 fuyu persimmons and they do wonderfully, we just recently planted apple, cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot and fig.
They all seem to be doing well. They all have blossoms and we have had quite a few of the peach, nec, apricot last year.
The apple and Cherry are newer. Best of luck!

Christine
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Hi all, thanks so much for all the incredible advice! Having read way too late into the night on more than one occasion, I took a relatively short list down to a local nursery to see what they had in stock. Turns out they had quite a few from our list, so we looked at which ones looked the best and then picked out 3 to have delivered: Fruitless Mulberry, California Live Oak, and Ficus Nitida "Green Gem." Hooray! The order came today, and of course, there always has to be a hiccup... instead of the California Live Oak, it seems they brought a Holm Oak: Quercus Ilex. Needless to say, I'm bummed. Question for all those experienced folks here is, how bummed should I be? I've only just started reading up on this new species, and the fact that it's not really a CA native already has me quite disappointed, but it does look like as a Mediterranean tree it might do okay in our climate. Does anyone have any experience with it? Our landscaper is coming tomorrow to plant the trees and hook up dedicated irrigation to them to give them a good start. I'm not sure if we should try to get the nursery to correct their error before he comes, or if the Quercus Ilex might fit our needs. Thanks so much for any advice... and for helping us get this far!
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jim123
15 years ago
I'm sure that either Satsuma or Clementine will do very well in your area. My personal preference would be Satsuma. There are several Satsumas. My preference is Owari Satsuma. I would suggest that you consult Sunset's Western Garden Book for greater insight of what you can grow there. There is a huge assortment of fruit trees that will do well. You do need to pay attention to winter chilling hours and avoid the ones that needs lots of winter chill.
lali
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes, I definitely do have the Sunset Western Garden Book. In fact, it was recommended to me on this very site and that's where I found out I was in Sunset zone 18. Thanks for the reminder about the book... I haven't looked at it in a while and it didn't even cross my mind to consult it first (shame on me). lol

Thanks!
Lali
seedygirl
15 years ago
I live in Riverside. I've found, over the years, that soil and water quality, in addition to zone, have a lot to do with success of certain fruit trees. I'm blessed to live where I do,near Fairmount Park and the Santa Ana River.....the soil is good and everything thrives. I guess that's why Riverside (not Orange County) was the premier citrus growing region in the early years. I would encourage you to plant an Oro Blanco Grapefruit. It was developed right her at UCR. And, it has no bitterness typically found in grapefruit. That's because it was crossed with a pummelo, the largest citrus fruit. Plus, the blossoms are gigantic, and will perfume your entire yard over a long time. I don't like grapefruit....I LOVE Oro Blanco!

I'd also go with a blood orange. I can't recall at the moment which one I prefer,but one has the most delightful raspberry tinged flavor, and when fully ripe, has totally blood red juice! Gosh I love it! And, it makes the most wonderful Blood Orange Martini!

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