I'm growing a Guthree. It's been in the ground for 3 or 4 years now, and not one bloom.

Bill, I would highly recommend an Oriental Persimmon (or two) specifically a Fuyu which is non-astringent and delicious...not to mention very easy to grow.

Bill, grafted Loquats (named varieties) are an excellent choice. The fruit from my Golden Nugget tree was superb. But they are prone to fireblight, which eventually killed my tree. They taste a lot like juicy Apricots, with a kick! Birds, unfortunately, love them! I probably will buy another one. It is a nice-looking tree. I grew mine in a half whiskey barrel, and it fruited very well.

Isn't that book awesome? I carry it with me all the time and read it whenever I have a few free moments. It is endlessly fascinating!

I have a Fuyo Persimmon, newly purchased. It is attractive and healthy, and supposedly the fruit is very good. I have not ever eaten a Persimmon though..

I also have a Guthrie Plum, but it is a regular Plum, (low-chill). It produced small, yellow fruits last year, nothing this year. My 7 Plum trees simply cannot bloom together to cross-pollinate!

Lisa

Bill, I got that book also, after seeing it recommended here and it got my juices going. So many interesting fruits to grow! I wish they had a "tastealator" sample in the book for each fruit so I would know what I liked! lol

jujubes trees? I didn't know they grew on trees. Do all the flavors come on one tree or do you need lots of plants to get all the colors?

Hi Bill, I've planted grafted persimmon(I'm not sure if it's oriental persimmon) tree 9 years ago. This tree has never flowered. There are clearly 2 different leaves. I was going to get another one planted just to see if it'll ever flower but my husband wants to cut down because he said it is the ugliest tree he ever saw. It does go dormant during winter. I am not trying to discourage you but when you buy the plant/s find out if the tree is self pollinating or have to get 2 to get fruits. I really love the hard crunchy sweet persimmon. I know there are some persimmon trees growing around here actually have fruits. Good luck!

solstice -- just fruits has a bunch of jujuba varietals... they are apparently very comely trees. i've never tried the fruit, tho. i'm definitely adding one to my garden this winter. now that i have a truck, it might be worthwhile driving there & picking things up myself, esp. if i can get someone (castorp?) to split the gas with me.

Here is a link that might be useful: jujubas at just fruits

you know, solstice, i totally missed the humor of your message. but now, hah, that's funny.

Thanks, Ill. I know I can be a little obscure sometimes. And on a message board you never know if the reader is laughing or just shaking their head wondering how the writer can be so dumb.

Kate

Thanks to you all for the info. It helps a lot because I have to be so selective, my space is so small.

Jan, is the tree ugly just because it loses its leaves or for other reasons? The pictures I've found on the web of oriental persimmon trees are beautiful--but they were probably taken further north or in Japan. I actually prefer decidous trees. Because my place is so small I want all the winter sun possible.

Ill, how many trees are you talking about buying? I'm thinking about going over there in October, either on the way back from Ga, or as side trip while I'm up there. If you just want a tree or two, I can pick them up for you if they're not too big (I'll be going in our car, so there's not too much space).

Thanks again--and that book is awesome. I checked out from the library and I need to turn it back in before it gives me anymore ideas.

Bill

Hi Bill, my hubby thinks it's ugly because it is not very full tree. I've trimmed the tree to get fuller look but it didn't do the trick. Plus go dormant in winter. if i was getting fruit I'll not let my hubby cut it down but I want to plant something else in that spot so I will let him cut it down one day.

I got that book this past winter, and love it. Really have to put it away as I have no room and every time I look at it I think of something I need to try.

As for tasting the fruit it can be harder than one would think. Try your local tropical fruit plant sales or take a trip to Relands in Homestead or Echo in N. Fort Myers.

I was happy to get one tasty plum this year. My plums are still real small so I am hoping next year is better.