It may be stated generally that the winter temperature 



Cultivation of should not fjjj be , QW ^ tQ . R Q continued cold 



Citrus Fruits 1^1 i /- i n -->/- 



although a temperature of as low as 24 F., if not continued 



6 for more than a few hours at a time, will be withstood by 



orange trees when in a dormant condition. 



In Florida, the danger point of cold is regarded as 

 being 28 F. for fruit and 24 F. for foliage. 



The mean temperature of seasons is of more importance 

 than the mean temperature of the year. In other words* 

 the relative distribution of heat over the seasons, rather 

 than the absolute amount received during the year, is that 

 which determines the fitness or unfitness of the climate of 

 a district for the growing of citrus fruits. 



The rainfall should not be excessive ; certainly not more 

 than 50 to 70 inches annually. Heavy rainfall is especially 

 a disadvantage if it occurs at the time when the trees should 

 be dormant preparatively to blooming, or at the season when 

 the fruit has to be marketed. Thus, citrus fruit orchards 

 should never be planted where autumn and winter rains are 

 the rule, as on the rainy side of islands in the West Indies. 

 The orange tree is exacting of a regulated water supply ; with- 

 out this it will yield poor fruit. 



The site should be sufficiently elevated above the low 

 ground of the region to secure free drainage and immunity 

 from frosts; whilst, where irrigation must be practised, the 

 plantation should be so located that water is easy of access 

 and distribution. 



Soils. 



Although citrus trees will adapt themselves to almost 

 any kind of soil, the orange tree in particular thrives best 

 in a deep, moderately rich and permeable soil; one fairly 

 retentive of moisture and yet not heavy enough to prevent 

 escape of excessive rainfall. It should be light enough to 

 work, readily and yet not so loose as to dry out rapidly. 



Sub-strata of hard-pan or of sand and gravel must be 

 carefully avoided, and examination for such defects should 

 be made before laying out a plantation. 



A siliceous loam with some lime and clay, deep and 

 with capacity for necessary irrigation, is that which the 

 orange tree prefers. Its lightness and depth allow the root 

 system of the tree to extend and develop easily, thus inducing 



