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Growing
your own fruit can be satisfying and also a great money
saver. Portugal has an ideal climate for fruiting trees
and some of the various citrus trees are listed below. |
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Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) |
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The grapefruit is an
evergreen tree, grown for it's bitter fruit, which was
originally called 'the forbidden fruit'. Grapefruit
trees usually grow to around six metres in height and
were first catalogued in the 18th century in Barbados.
Grapefruit trees thrive in a subtropical climate, however
still do well in Portugal, though grow with a slightly
thicker skin. Grapefruit trees grow in a variety of
soils, but prefer mildly acidic soil. |
Lemon (Citrus
limon)
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The Citrus lemon is an
evergreen, which can grow up to 20 metres in height.
Lemon trees grow deep green leaves and have a white,
scented blossom, which grows into the fruit.
The lemon tree has a
reputation for being able to withstand even the most
infertile soil, however it grows best in a silty, clay
loam with a ph of around 5.5. Lemon trees can grow in
both dry and humid climates though are more intolerant
to colder weather than orange trees. |
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Lime
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Lime Trees
are incredibly susceptible to cold weather and but do
well on well-drained soil. Lime trees do not tolerate
flooded areas and during the first few years of planting
should be every two to three weeks.
The lime tree is an
evergreen and has several varieties, the key being Key
Limes and Rangpur Limes. |
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Orange (Citrus
sinensis) |
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The
orange tree is an evergreen tree and it is believed to
have originated in Asia. Some South Indonesian languages
named orange after Portugal, which was once the main
importer of the fruit. Orange trees prefer well drained
soil and do well in sheltered positions. Orange trees
usually blossom in late April, early May with the fruit
ready for harvest from November through to February,
though this does depend upon the severity of the winter
and summer. |
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