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chunqu

pruning my new tree

20 years ago

Hi,

I am an excited owner of a brand new Meyer lemon tree. My tree appears to be about 2-3 years old. It has multiple flower buds and several very tiny green lemons. I was told by the garden guy that I should pinch off the lemons for the first two years to encourage more root growth. That way, the tree will grow faster. I feel kinda sad that I have to wait 2 years to see lemons but if that is what I should do, then I will do it. Is this correct?

I have been reading a lot of the posts on this forum and learning a lot too. I bought some citrus plant food and plan to use it according to the instructions. However, is that enough? Do I need to get that muracid ( I think that is how it is spelled) to use that along with the citrus fertilizer?

Comments (3)

  • 20 years ago

    I am only a rookie at this and really can't help. I have also posted a question and the board seems to be dead.

    I guess everyone went to pick up a fifth for the fourth on the third?
    SB

  • 20 years ago

    LOL, Strawboss..that's hysterical.

    What Iv'e been doing is using Miracle Gro or another fertilizer for acidic plants..I feed monthly actually just started. Next time I'm going to add Epson salts too..I also put Superthrive in the water. I guess adding a little citrus food around the soil, then using MG, and other stuff won't harm the trees. In fall, the last feeding, I'm going to add a good amount of citrus food, and spray foliage w/Fish Emulsion. (this is mainly done as an insect preventative) Just don't overdo it w/the food..overfeeding can burn roots, and you don't want that..it's better to underfeed than overfeed..
    I'd reduce the amount of citrus food and follow MG container directions. Toni

  • 20 years ago

    Whether or not you pinch the fruit off depends on what you your goals are. If you want more vigorous growth you can remove the fruit to allow the tree to put its efforts into vegetative growth. The idea is that you'll eventually end up with more fruit since you will have a bigger, more established tree. You may also choose to do this for only the first growing season. When I do this, I also remove blossoms and don't wait for them to set fruit generally. However, if you want to allow it to fruit now it certainly won't kill the tree and may help in size control if that is an issue for you. Meyers tend to fruit quite vigorously, even when they are not looking so good.

    I use a slow-release fertilizer and supplement it with Miracle-Grow Acid and fish emulsion periodically--I'd have to say that I rely more on the acid fertilizer/fish emulsion than the slow-release--as well as adding epsom salt and a chelated iron/zinc supplement every once in a while. Have been also using some alfalfa tea to see how it works--but it smells pretty bad...But I am certain that everyone uses something different or has their favorite formula. You could always start with your citrus fertilizer and then see how your tree does--they do like a heavy nitrogen formula. As long as the color stays a deep green you are giving it enough nutrition (though leaf color changes can be due to other things too). Like Toni says, go light--much easier to add a bit more fertilizer later if you need it. See below for things to look out for.

    HTH.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Helpful link of nutritional deficiencies

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