Thanks for your suggestions, bamboo and fruitnut. Given the accolades, I'm very, very anxious to try Sweetcrisp. I should have bought one last year, but better late than never. I've seen a lot of praise for Jewel's flavor, but, based on your description, fruitnut, I might be happier with another variety. I had my eye on Star and Windsor, so I might go with one or both of those. Have either of you (or anyone else) tried Palmetto? From what I can read, it gets very high marks for flavor. As for your question, rayrose, I do have a couple of potted SHB (O'Neal and Southmoon). The lower chill varieties like Sweetcrisp worry me a little bit because of early bloom times, but I can't resist trying them. I already have to protect some of my early bloomers (mostly rabbiteyes), though, so it shouldn't be too much trouble. I used a heavy weight frost blanket over a small greenhouse frame last winter, and that worked very well. This post was edited by shazaam on Tue, May 21, 13 at 21:26

Are you looking for an ornamental or eating tree. One of the easiest to grow is calamondin. Ping pong ball size fruits but too sour to eat. You can use them in teas and recipes as substitutes for lemons. Right now, my tree looks like a Christmas tree with orange and green balls all over it. I put it in the greenhouse in mid-October and it thrives. A choice for eating might be a satsuma which is hardy along the NW FL GoM coast. Just be sure they get PLENTY of light when you bring them inside.

I saw your posting and although I do not have any information personally, I decided to attempt to find something. I located a similar posting here on GardenWeb that should be of interest to you. Here is a link that might be useful: Pomegranates in South Florida? This post was edited by Jedoba on Mon, Nov 24, 14 at 0:29

I live in way way upstate NY. First I'm assuming that you do not want to go through the trouble of digging them up and freezing them for 6 weeks. That would be the best way to have any Lily you want. They need to be covered when frozen. But thats not what you want right? Any hardy winter bulb, INCLUDING LILIES needs to be frozen to grow well. Some can handle the high 28-32 temps as enough cold. Usually in area like yours it doesn't stay cold long enough. One would think none will do well there if not frozen in ground for 6 weeks. But there is the good news that Lilies are extremely forgiving bulbs. They can take a lot of abuse and still grow fine. Winter hardy bulbs are not harmed by the cold. Either 28 or minus 60. I've left Lily bulbs on top of the gound under the snow and they grow fine. The ONLY reason hardy bulbs like Lily, tulip, daffs are planted 6 inches deep is to protect them from the HEAT not the cold. I suspect you need to plant them deeper than you are. 5 inches is perfect here. In texas I'd guess 6 inches deep plus 2-3 inches of mulch. They are getting too hot. Also, since they are getting too hot don't over water them. they will get boiled to death. I recommend you try the same varieties planted deeper with 2-3 inches of Cedar mulch. Let the rain water them not you. They can handle dry periods. I NEVER water my flower gardens. Suggestions that should work well in TX....NEGRE--a very dark red upright bloom.......NIPPON- 9-10 inch bloom of white,pink yellow blush with a dark red edge. Only availible at "dutch gardens" I think.....Tom Pouce- side facing, 6", pink & yellowish blend.....REGALE- a purple longeflorum easter lily. Have a good day