Planting and Caring for your Young Citrus

These classes will be held on either March 22nd from 2:00 - 3:00 pm or April 1st from 10 to 11 am. The $40 registration fee includes the class material, ‘Sugar Belle’® tree and the individual protective cover. Save over half off the retail costs.

Growing citrus has been a challenge for homeowners in recent years especially since the onset of citrus greening. Spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, this devastating bacterial disease that has been affecting citrus since first discovered in Florida in 2005.

Residents can now grow and enjoy citrus with a new variety called ‘Sugar Belle’®, a variety that appears to be winning the battle against the disease. Developed by the University of Florida, this mandarin citrus has been found to be tolerant to citrus greening, if it is properly planted and cared for. Since it was released in 2009, it has become very popular among growers. A cross between the sweet Clementine and the bell-shaped Honeybelle (Minneola tangelo), with its sweet-tart flavor, it is sweet, juicy, and easy to peel. These trees are cold tolerant down to 14°F when well established. Also, for health-minded, Sugar Belle has higher levels of Vitamin C compared with other varieties.

Host or Publisher UF/IFAS Extension