Well, that's because I don't think anyone in the commercial citrus growing industry has actually conducted those experiments, or if they have, they're still in the works (as alluded to in that document). A good sugar/acid ratio is important in the citrus industry, but it's not just brix. There's the dance between sugar and acid. And, it is really different from country to country. We tend to like our citrus a bit more sprightly that Japan, but not as much as some countries in Eurpoe. Yield obviously is critical as is the size of each fruit. And they can adjust to a point, but need a LOT of water, Steve. I water my citrus A LOT compared to my drought tolerant California and Australian natives I have growing on the same slope. They have to be on different drip stations because of that. Folks in Phoenix on sand will water even more than I do. They will die if they get too thirsty. Younger trees are much more sensitive than older trees. Citrus are tough, but require much more water than my stone fruits do. Same with my avos. Check with your Texas Coop Extension folks. They are really super, you have great citrus ag resources in your state. And, I would say, as a Master Gardener, and dealing with home citrus questions, I would actually say the majority of issues with citrus are due to over watering and "too much love", than under watering. Both issues pop up, but mostly folks tend to overdo it, and citrus don't like waterlogged situations (clay soil, poor drainage). Avocados even less so. Patty S.

Your trees look nice, I'm jealous of all the fruit. How long have you been growing citrus in New England? I live in MA and have a lemon and recently got 2 satsumas(which aren't very happy with me right now). Which tree seems to do best for you in the NE climate? What do you do with them during the winter?

Garden Phlox Roses Sweet Allysum Four O'Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) Honeysuckle Ginger Lily (Hedychium coronarium) - or grow indoors Late Blooming Irises Amaryllis belladonna (Naked Ladies) Lycoris squamigera (resurrection lily) aka "Naked Ladies" Brugmansia - "Angel Trumpets" Datura - "Devil's Trumpets" Petunias Sweet Vanilla Marigolds Gardenias - my fave Hibiscus Mallows Late flowering Clematis Butterfly bush Daylilies Oriental Lilies Late-flowering Lilacs Morning glories (and other annual flowering vines) Coleus flowers (very sweet & amazingly fragrant) Balloon Flowers Lavender Star Jasmine - (vine) white flowering Tuberose - ditto Southern magnolia tree (Magnolia grandiflora) Blue Bells Nasturtiums Carolina Jasmine (vine) yellow flowering (spring & fall) Plumeria Scented-Geraniums (I love my coconut and lemon-rose) White-flowering Nicotianna (tobacco plant) Meadow Sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) My Jane Magnolia tree is budded all over and trying to bloom, but it is too hot. The heat spoils the fragrant pink blooms. More's the pity. All I can think of that is blooming right now. Annie

Hey yellow thumb, where do you put your Michelia Alba in the winter? In a sunny room??? Do you have to watch for spider mites? I hear they love that plant. I will give you my address if you don't have it. How is the jade doing? So good to see you. You have to make the time. You are so missed here and have so much to offer along with your beautiful plants. As for your trees, if you don't mind them slowing down or loosing their rich green color, those temps will be fine as long as you know you watch your watering and I already know you use very ood mixes. In fact, it's much better than being in a dry heated house this early...Just make sure to acclimate them indoors if that is what you plan to do. Are you going to put them in a heated home in a sunny window, or a cool place? If a cool place you will not have to acclimate them...