Caldwell Nursery in Rosenburg, Texas
This weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the annual Texas Rare Fruit Growers scion exchange. This year it was held at Caldwell Nursery in Rosenburg, Texas. We are very thankful to Kay Dee for letting us use their facilities, and for extending a 10% discount to our group during the event. There was a pretty good turnout, considering it rained all day. There were cuttings and scions from local growers, scions sent by chapters of the California Rare Fruit Growers, and many rooted cuttings and rootstocks. I brought a full truckload of mulberry, blueberry, pomegranate, and fig cuttings, and around 30 trifoliate rootstocks to share. Terry Matherne brought boxes of his seedling Golden grapefruits and Meiwa kumquats, and Scott Johnsgard brought tons of citrus, fig, and blueberry cuttings.
I wasn't able to find everything I was hoping for, but I was still able to get several interesting varieties of apples, avocado, plums, citrus, and figs. I even brought home a Medjool date that was left on the tailgate of my pickup. I don't really have room for it, but I may sneak out and plant it at my squat orchard. I'm really looking forward to grafting all of these scions onto my trees, especially the apples.
The two only two apples commonly recommended for Houston are Anna and Dorsett Golden. However, in the past few years Kuffel Creek has demonstrated that many high chill apples will grow and produce in southern climates. I brought home Kind David, King of Tompkins County, Calville Blanc d'Hiver, and Mutsu. I also brought home some Greengage scions to test, as well as Beauty, Burgundy, and Broken Heart scions (Japanese plums). After the main event, I took advantage of the 10% discount and picked up Jewel, Gulf Coast, Southern Belle, and Lemonade southern highbush blueberries.
In spite of the rain I had a really good time hanging out, learning more about fruit trees, and sharing what I love to do with other fruit enthusiasts. I felt bad that I wasn't able to bring more scions, but once my trees are larger I'll be able to contribute more. Very special thanks to Jerry Hurlburt for setting up such a great event, I'm already looking forward to the next one.
I wasn't able to find everything I was hoping for, but I was still able to get several interesting varieties of apples, avocado, plums, citrus, and figs. I even brought home a Medjool date that was left on the tailgate of my pickup. I don't really have room for it, but I may sneak out and plant it at my squat orchard. I'm really looking forward to grafting all of these scions onto my trees, especially the apples.
The two only two apples commonly recommended for Houston are Anna and Dorsett Golden. However, in the past few years Kuffel Creek has demonstrated that many high chill apples will grow and produce in southern climates. I brought home Kind David, King of Tompkins County, Calville Blanc d'Hiver, and Mutsu. I also brought home some Greengage scions to test, as well as Beauty, Burgundy, and Broken Heart scions (Japanese plums). After the main event, I took advantage of the 10% discount and picked up Jewel, Gulf Coast, Southern Belle, and Lemonade southern highbush blueberries.
In spite of the rain I had a really good time hanging out, learning more about fruit trees, and sharing what I love to do with other fruit enthusiasts. I felt bad that I wasn't able to bring more scions, but once my trees are larger I'll be able to contribute more. Very special thanks to Jerry Hurlburt for setting up such a great event, I'm already looking forward to the next one.
All the scions set up and ready.
Plum and Apricot Scions
Apple Scions
Terry Matherne brought some citrus to share.
Golden Grapefruit Seedling
