esrosedotblog

BLOSSOMS

The air is filled with the scent of citrus blossoms. They are everywhere. At times it can be a bit of an overload. For the most part though, it comes in waves and is sooooo pleasant. We are at the beginning of a long cycle where, before long, the fruit will set and then ripen through the hot summer. We will have grapefruit in November, tangerines in December. The lemons and limes will run off and on all year. The citrus needs the heat but it also needs the time. That is why they grow here. We give them lots of time to do their thing.

For eastern boys who only knew long winters, this is all new and exciting; even after seven years here. To the locals it is old stuff. This time of year everyone is denuding their trees of fruit so that the blossoms can take over. And you can't give it away. Everyone has fruit.

This old-fruit removal at blossom is a controversial issue. Some believe that it is an unnecessary step. It will all come off eventually; the old stuff is used up or drops off. We have done it both ways and do not note any difference in yield. This year we are leaving it up for the visitors. It looks great and underlines the exotic atmosphere. When the last of the easterners leave in April, the grapefruits come down.