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Tue, Nov 27, 12 at 20:33
| I ordered a Washington naval orange tree. It is 6 feet tall and has lots of branches. I planted it in 10 gallons container. The soil I used is 1/3 soil with humus 1/3 sphagnum moss and 1/3 perlite. I water 1/2 gallon of water with 1/2 ounce soluble miracle grow 3-1-2 every week. I got in now with three no heat flourcent lights because of the weather. But to my dismay the tree is losing its beautiful leaves. Is that normal or the pot is too small. Also I ordered two trees one Tangelos and one is lime. I have pots of 10 Gallons. 15 gallons and 20 gallons. Which one is suitable? All these trees will get out in the Garden by mid-April. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| What size container was the tree in when purchased? Where are you keeping it right now? I would have it outside in a frost proof area. I would be using a acid type fertilizer such as "Miracid" I don't like your choice of mixes, only good for short life. If your citrus are permanent container plants I would use a long life mix such as the Gritty Mix, and go for a 15 gallon container size. Al |
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| I've struggled with growing citrus in containers, and I'm still not doing especially well with my two naval orange trees. Neither has produced fruit, and I'm constantly battling scale and fungal problems. That being said, I think Al's advice is on target. For one, your planting mix will probably retain too much water, and I recall reading many years ago (don't remember where now) that, while citrus trees like moist soil, they also like well drained soil. Also, while they'll require protection if the mercury drops too far, they'll probably be happier outside in natural light. Naval oranges are typically hardier than other citrus trees. Mine have survived overnight lows in the lower 20s with only modest protection. |
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- Posted by meyermike_1micha 5 (My Page) on Wed, Nov 28, 12 at 19:54
| Well, not sure if it will matter, since it seems that not to many poeple are interested in my citrus plants on this forum, but I will link you to what mine look like and you tell me if that is what you would like? If so, let me know, and I will help. I grow them indoors for the better part of the year only able to stick them outdoors for just a few short months. Here is the link:-) |
Here is a link that might be useful: My citrus in containers
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- Posted by ssmdgardener 7a (My Page) on Wed, Nov 28, 12 at 20:20
| Mike, I have found your advice to be absolutely invaluable in growing my first citrus! Foolishpleasure, Mike is a fantastic resource for a first time citrus grower. The only problem I had with my lemon tree was by being lazy and not following his recommendations exactly. :) |
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| Mike I would like to know what are temps in your 'citrus room'. I have only 1 Meyer lemon, it just finished blooming. There are few baby lemons growing - is it good idea to remove them at this time? Rina |
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| Mike your citrus are thriving. I can only imagine the effort required to grow citrus in your climate. Moving your stock in and out with the seasons has encouraged keeping your container size to the minimum, but you have managed your feeding and light so all is in the best of health, congratulations. Al |
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- Posted by jojosplants 9 / Tucson, AZ (My Page) on Thu, Nov 29, 12 at 11:21
| rina.. I told Mike I'd love to hang out in that room and he said I'd freeze because it is 55* . :-) I'm a big baby about temps below 80. lol... JoJo |
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| Mike's trees and other plants always look so wonderfully healthy and happy! I know he works at it, and he does such a great job! And he's always willing to offer advice to anyone wanting a little help. I know where I'll be going for advice when I obtain my first citrus! As always, solid work, Mike! |
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