Insights from a Blood Orange Pedigree
Testing plant varieties over time
Testing plant varieties over time reveals both strengths and weaknesses. As fruit trees mature, their yields, sweetness, and fruit size often improve—especially if their roots have room to grow. New conditions can also uncover weaknesses, such as disease susceptibility.
Colder weather, deeper flavours
This year’s colder weather gave us unique insights. Our new orange variety first fruited in a warm, dry year. Then, heavy rains caused calcium deficiency. Even with this challenge, the tree still produced a good yield and tasty fruit. As it got colder, later-ripening fruit showed more blood orange traits: deep red flesh, red streaks in the peel, and increased sweetness, juiciness, and berry notes.
Environment and genetic expression
Temperature has a strong influence on genetic expression. Blood oranges—unlike Cara Cara navels, which always have red flesh—need cold (around 12°C or lower) to develop their colour. Colder climates also boost sugar and lower acid, making the fruit sweeter and more vibrant.
Patience and observation: keys to success
In summary, patience and observation help you see how genetics and environment work together. This combination can give new plant varieties remarkable qualities—often beyond what you expect.
#LoveHomeGrown
Recent forum topics
Discover more from Subtropical Urban Eden
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
