Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
acidic soils alongside streams, ponds, and swamps from Texas and Arkan-
sas east to North Carolina and south to Florida. The trees are susceptible to
frost during bloom, but they are relatively hardy after bloom. Some varieties
are surprisingly hardy in the winter. Trees that were exposed to −13°F (−25°C)
have been observed blooming, and 2-year-old trees are reported to have sur-
vived −25°F (−32°C).
Mayhaws suitable for fruit production appear best adapted to USDA
Zones 8 and 9, and it is possible to produce select varieties in Zones 6 and
7. For some varieties, the lack of chilling can be a problem in Zone 9. While
some nurseries market the trees as adaptable to Zone 3, frost and freeze
damage are likely to be severe. In areas colder than Zone 8, test a few may-
haw trees for at least 5 years before investing heavily in planting stock and
establishing an orchard.
Mayhaw trees tolerate full sun or partial shade, but they produce best
on well-drained upland soils in full sun. Soils that are too moist and fertile
produce vigorous trees, but fruit develops late, and there can be smaller
yields. Such sites are also likely to have increased pest and disease problems.
Young trunks and scaffold limbs are susceptible to sunscald in locations
with intense, direct sunlight. In nonorganic orchards, interior white latex
paint thinned with water is used to paint the trunks and reflect the heat and
light. Although effective in reducing sunscald, this practice is not allowed in
certified organic orchards. Instead, organic growers may wish to screen the
lower trunks and scaffold limbs from direct sun during the first 3 to 4 years
from planting. PVC pipes split lengthwise, thin boards tied to the trunks, or
commercially available tree wraps serve this purpose.
Propagation.
Mayhaws are easily propagated. Unlike most other fruits, trees
grown from seed often produce desirable fruit that resemble those of the
mother tree.
Softwood stem cuttings, hardwood stem cuttings, and root cuttings from
mayhaw can be rooted using root-promoting hormones such as indole-bu-
tyric acid (IBA), although IBA and similar rooting compounds are not con-
