skip to main content

Maximizing Sweetness

10 years ago

I'm just starting out a garden with a potted plant. I'm looking to pot clementine or some kind of small orange variety.

What is needed to maximize sweetness? Is it more heat, light or a special soil mix? I bought the citrus fertilizer from Home Depot. Anything else I need besides the planting soil?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

johnmerr
10 years ago
Consiistent watering, a good citrus fertilizer applied per label directions and lots of sun makes the sweetest citrus.
mksmth zone 7a Tulsa Oklahoma
10 years ago
I dont believe there is much that we can do to increase the amount of sugars other than allowing the tree to do its thing. I believe that naturally the sugar content increases as the fruit ripens and for some the cooler weather in fall also brings up the sugars. Being sure the tree is in the best health will always maximize it and the the fruits potential.

Mike
brettay
10 years ago
I agree with the responses so far. A healthy tree will give you the best quality fruit. Also, mandarins in particular my take many years to yield maximum fruit quality, so you must have patience.

Some people have had anecdotal success increasing the perceived "sweetness" of citrus fruit by giving the trees epsom salts. I am not sure of the mechanism, and I haven't personally tried this, but there are reports of this working out there. Good luck.

-Brett

Related Stories

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: Sonoma Home Maximizes Space With a Clever and Flexible Plan

By Becky Harris

A second house on a lot integrates with its downtown neighborhood and makes the most of its location and views

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Get a Jump on Summer Prep for Home and Garden

By Laura Gaskill

Pick from these 16 things to do now — from hanging a hammock to bug-proofing screens — to maximize summer's sweetness

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Sweet Georgia Summer Beach Home

By Vanessa Brunner

A cinderblock structure is transformed into an airy, cheery beach house for three vacationing sisters and their families

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Sweet French Country Style in Austin

By Vanessa Brunner

With an eye toward better storage and more counter space, a remodel gives a modest-size kitchen fresh French style

BUDGET DECORATING 14 Ways to Make More Money at a Yard Sale — and Have Fun Too

By Laura Gaskill

Maximize profits and have a ball selling your old stuff, with these tips to help you plan, advertise and style your yard sale effectively

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Major Changes Open Up a Seattle Waterfront Home

By Mitchell Parker

Taken down to the shell, this Tudor-Craftsman blend now maximizes island views, flow and outdoor connections

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Just What Mom Wanted, Off the Washington Coast

By Mitchell Parker

With an art studio, age-in-place features and a view-maximizing design, this home shows just how well the architect knows his client

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Quirky DIY Bungalow in Canada

With a thrifty DIY mindset and a true love for their house, a couple transforms their digs from stale to sweet, one day at a time

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Prairie Phlox Draws Winged Beauties

By Pollination Press LLC

Beauty and a sweet fragrance are just the beginning with this spring bloomer. Watch the butterflies and moths descend on it for nectar

COLOR PALETTES Combine Black and Pastels for a Fresh New Look

Take the sweetness out of sugary shades by adding striking black accents. Here's how to do it and why it works

Sponsored

More Discussions

Trying to choose greenhouse size for my citrus

14

Howard Martin citrus 33

3

Coming out of the closet

10

figs vs kumquats

4

Grafting Citrus and Rootstocks

2