Last week of Propagation Class had us on a field trip down to Four Winds Growers in Fremont CA.  They are best know for their citrus, and always playing around with other fruiting trees and shrubs.

The rainfall stopped briefly, and we checked out some of the 40 acres.  Frankly, I had no idea there are so many cvs of citrus including these Sweet Orange variety.

In order to keep the exact plant qualities and taste, they graft all the cvs on to a variety root stock.  Above is just a taste of the sea of grafted citrus.

Four Winds is also well known for their Improved Meyer Lemon.  Up until 1950, the commercially available Meyer Lemon all had CTV (citrus tristeza virus).  It does not affect the plant or fruit, but can spread to other citrus.  Don Dillon Sr found a plant in the field that had all the characteristics, but no virus.  This became the Improved Form that is commonly seen.

Bottom part is the root stock, top is the scion…the cvs that is desired.  Two slices later, a little rubber to tie them together, and you have a grafted tree.

Not keeping all the eggs in one basket, they constantly play around with other fruits like these cherries.

…and these cool shaped Australian Finger Limes.  When cut open, reveils the tart fleshy part of the lime that rolls in your mouth like caviar.

– Far Out Flora