Question:
Three years ago, I bought six roses for our backyard. Unfortunately, we haven't planted them yet, and they have established roots in the ground. When and how can I replant them? Can I bare-root them this winter? Is it possible to plant them now and cut the roots back to ground level? (Although I think that's just wishful thinking)Answer:
- The answer to all your questions is yes.
- The rose transplanting window starts after the last heat wave of the year and a heavy rainstorm. It stays open until April. Usually, daytime temperatures are in the mid-70s or lower. Another reference point is when Daylight Saving Time ends, which is on November 2nd this year.
- Based on that, the transplanting window is currently open for this year. In other years, it could be delayed until early November.
- If the new locations are ready, I would prune back the top and side growth heavily, about 50-60%, cut the roots at ground level, and transplant them to their new spots.
- Sure, they can be bare-rooted later, but this method is easier and can be done anytime. Alternatively, you can cut the roots at ground level, prune the top growth, and leave them in place. Then, you can move them next year when the new sites are ready.
- A third option is to do nothing and wait until next year. Roses are hardy plants and can handle a lot, so the success rate is very high. What you choose to do and when is up to you.
Question:
Four years ago, we planted a Dwarf Blood Orange. During the first two years, this young tree produced no fruit, and last year it had one orange. However, when we cut it open, it was a regular orange color with a slight red hue around the edge of the rind. This year, the tree has twenty large oranges. How can we tell if the inside flesh will be blood red?Answer:
- Blood Oranges can be quite inconsistent.
- Their red color and ripeness vary depending on the variety and location. ‘Mora,’ ‘Sanguinelli,’ and ‘Tarocco’ are the three most popular blood orange varieties grown. While they all turn orange as expected, they aren't always fully ripe, sweet, or juicy.
- Blood oranges need warm to hot summer days to ripen, along with consistent watering. A mild summer can slow down their maturation process. Additionally, they tend to be sour when grown along the coast because of the summer marine layer.
- Tarocco matures from mid-February to May, with flesh color that can be unpredictable and deeply pigmented. The rind is orange with a red blush at maturity.
- Sanguinelli ripens from March through mid-May, with orange flesh streaked with red.
- Moro's flesh is deep red, violet, or burgundy, harvested between February and April.
- You'll need to use trial and error to determine when they are ripe on your tree. Also, the fruit may need to stay on the tree longer after the usual ripening date, so be patient. I suspect the best quality fruit appears later.