citrus plants

With proper attention given to selection of the more cold hardy types of citrus, along with recommended care, this group of fruits may be successfully grown around homes in the coastal and extreme southern areas of the state and to a lesser degree in more northern locations.

With proper attention given to selection of the more cold hardy types of citrus, along with recommended care, this group of fruits may be successfully grown around homes in the coastal and extreme southern areas of the state and to a lesser degree in more northern locations.

Newly-planted citrus plants should not be fertilized until growth begins in the spring. If possible use a complete fertilizer such as 8-8-8 which contains micronutrients. Also, many garden centers now sell fertilizers that are especially formulated for citrus plants.

A suggested fertilizer schedule for the first three years is given in the Table below. Fertlizer applications should be made between August 1 and February 15 during the first two years to avoid inducing untimely growth flushes during the winter.

The first three years should be devoted to developing a vigorous tree with strong scaffolds. Some fruit may be borne the second year and third growing seasons, although the quality may not be too good. Trees should commence fruiting significant crops in the fourth growing season.

Citrus experience problems, such as:
- fruit shedding,
- leaf drop,
- fruit splitting,
- attack from insects and disease.

Fruit Shedding