By Kristina Fink, Lemuria Nursery
Kristina Fink’s expertise on deciduous fruit tree care comes from being the fourth generation at the family-run Lemuria Nursery in Dixon. Lemuria Nursery is the largest wholesale grower in Solano County that is open to the public. Nursery owners and operators since 1939, the Fink family has carried on four generations of plant knowledge to the industry with the fifth generation right under their wing. You can watch Kristina’s talk in the video here and read her responses to your questions below.
Find additional winter fruit tree care resources on our Plant Resources page.
Tell us more about Lemuria Nursery.
Not only does our family grow exciting new cultivars, but also the old reliables that have withstood the changing times of our marketplace! From low water, drought tolerant plants to now more edible landscaping, we continue to embrace the challenges that come with each year. During the month of January, our year kicks off with bare root fruit trees from Dave Wilson Nursery. Once spring comes, we create endless possibilities for your garden and yard, supplying perennials, grasses, succulents, shrubs, ground covers, natives, shade trees, Japanese maples, edibles … and the list keeps growing! Next time you’re in need of plant help or just advice, give us a call at Lemuria. Our family is here to serve you Monday-Saturday, 8am-4pm, closed Sundays!
What is a chill hour?
A chill hour is approximated as 1 hour below 45 degrees in late fall-early winter.
Fertilizer: when, how often, which type?
We recommend fertilizing our deciduous fruit trees once a year in the spring to help with new growth. We prefer to use a slow-release, all purpose organic fertilizer. (Any product will do but we sell Down to Earth and G&B Organics)
When do you add compost? And how much?
During the planting of your bare root tree it’s best to use 1/3 amendment, and 2/3 native soil.
How to treat peach leaf curl?
Spray with liquid copper during the dormant season (winter).
I have a six-year-old cherry tree that isnt producing fruit. What could be the problem?
Sounds like she needs a mate for her cherry (most cherrys do) or not enough chill hours depending on what variety!
Hopefully this information is helpful!
Enjoy the talk? Take this survey to help us determine future sustainable landscaping classes.
The Solano Sustainable Backyards program and the talk are generously funded by the Solano County Water Agency.
