Time to Plant & Prune Fruit Trees & Roses in Southern California

January is a good time to plant dormant fruitroses, prune no more than one-half of new
trees and roses for wonderful springtime colorgrowth from the previous growing season. Pruning
and fruit harvest. With Southern California'sand pinching encourages new growth that will
normally mild winters, a variety of vegetable andproduce fuller flowers and larger fruit.
berry plants will also do well when planted inPlant Winter Vegetables: For gardeners who can't
January.wait until spring to plant a vegetable garden, cool
Plant dormant fruit and rose trees: Bare root fruitweather vegetables are ready to plant in January.
trees and roses may appear lifeless in winter butThey include artichokes, broccoli, cabbage,
will grow heartily in spring and summer if plantedcauliflower, carrots, peas, potatoes spinach and
now. Plant apricot, plum, apple, pear and peachstrawberries.
trees, and all types of rose bushes. Add organicExtending the Life of Poinsettias: Poinsettia
compost planting mix to the soil to increase soilflowers will usually remain healthy into March.
aeration and to keep in moisture.After March, cut back the stems to no more
Plant California Native Vegetation: Winter is thethan eight inches tall. By June, new growth will
ideal time to plant California native vegetation.begin. Keep the plant in indirect, natural sunlight
Winter rains give them a healthy start. Plant suchand the soil moderately moist. When the weather
natives as iris, Manzanita, sycamore, yarrow andwarms, bring the plant outside and transplant into
Matilija poppy.a bigger pot. Prune as needed so the plant is
Prune and Pinch: Prune deciduous trees and shrubsbushy. Flowers will begin to grow in October and
and pinch back dead portions of perennial andreach their peak of beauty in November and
annual flowers to keep plants looking fit. ForDecember.