Tango Mandarin suckers?

15 years ago

I got this Tango last year at Lowes.

{{gwi:585076}}

I repotted it soon after I got it (soiless mix) and it seems to be doing ok. It had good growth this Spring and nice buds. A couple of decent sized "shoots" came off the graft area. I didn't think much about it until reading a question on the forum about suckers below graftline. The leaf on these "shoots" were very different from the leaves above the graftline. I pruned 3 of the 4 "suckers"...then ,as an afterthought, decided to post this with a picture. {{gwi:588902}}

I hope these were "suckers".

Any comment is helpful.

thanks,

htp

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Comments (6)

houstontexas123
15 years ago
from the pic it looks like they might be above the graft line, but if the leaves are different then cut them off.

whats that long, thin, green branch look like (bottom pic)?
birdsnblooms
15 years ago
Tim, boy, rootstock or not, it IS close. How long did the stems get before you cut them back? Were they thorny?

Rootstock has different shaped leaves and large thorns.

It's best to prune stock when young, otherwise it leaves a scar.
Also, cuts should be made closest to the trunk. I doubt, at this point, it'll heal..

If possible, cut the remaining rootstock, nearest the trunk. Toni
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hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
15 years ago
Nope. Those do not look like they were suckers. The graft line is that thin line right below where the branches were cut off. Newly grafted trees will send out some fairly agressive shoots that often look like suckers, can have some significant thorns and grow fast. So thorns aren't always an indicator of sucker growth. However, different shaped leaves, especially if they are trifoliate are. You can leave these stubs and see if they bud. But doubtful they will unless you see a wee bud left on them. If they don't, then as hopeful said, best to trim close to the trunk they sprouted from.

Patty S.
timrod98
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the quick responses. Now I feel like a butcher! Next time I'm in doubt I'll shoot pics and post BEFORE pruning...DUH!!!
These branches I pruned had gotten pretty long...15" or more. I am hoping it does not negatively affect the plant.
I have not had to deal with grafted plants before now. The Tango and the Dwarf Wash Navel are the first. My other citrus plants are all cuttings from the original that I rooted.
Thanks very much for the information.
htp
houstontexas123
15 years ago
depends on how you want your tree to look. if you like it as a single main trunk tree then cut off any low branches. if you like it multi trunked or bushy looking, let them grow.
hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
15 years ago
Not to worry, Tim! As houston said, you'll just now have a nice single trunk tree :-) Citrus are very resilient plants. It will survive just fine and end up having a nice, solid single trunk for you. You may end up liking how it looks better than a bushy-type tree.

Patty S.