No fertilizer can do it... But i fertilize one of mine that is less than 2 years, its ok as long as you dont over due it
There are plenty of people here that know why, and i leave the floor to them to give you advice

Fertilize it, please!

When I hear "fruit drop" or other problems with fruit, my mind immediately thinks Calcium.

During the Winter, give it a mild dose of fertilizer for maintenance.
Start with an 1/8 or 1/4 strength solution. Use tepid (barely warm) water.

Next order of business - this Spring - will be re-potting in new mix.
Am I correct in assuming that the mix is from a bag?


Josh

I used a mixture I remember my horticulture professor telling me about. What I did was use an old clay pot that was cracked broke it into pieces making about a 1-2" layer at the bottom. I was told this step is useful if the pot does not have a drainage hole which it lacks. Then I filled it with a miracle grow potting mix and topped it off with a 2" layer of topsoil for support. I used this method mainly because this is how I have 2 hibiscus's and an oleander planted so I figured it was ok to do the same.

I appreciate your help and any other knowledge you have to offer since I love gardening but there are so many things I don't know how to deal with.

No drainage hole?!

It needs drainage...it MUST have drainage.

Shards at the bottom of the pot do not create drainage EVEN IF the pot has a hole in the bottom.

Miracle Grow holds way too much moisture, and topsoil is too fine to be of use in a container.

Nevermind the fertilization. You need to get it out of that pot and into something with
drainage.

Lift the entire soil-mass and set it into a bucket with holes if you have to.

This tree is in a desperate situation.


Josh

I couldn't agree with Josh more..

Thanks Josh!

I can't imagine not fertilizing a citrus in a pot for two years. I water my citrus (a calamondin and a limequat) once every four or five days and have followed Mike's recommendation of watering using Foliage Pro and a little white vinegar added to the water. This has made all the difference with my citrus.

Good luck with your lemon tree.

Jerry

It absolutely will need to be fertilized.
I, too, follow the fertilizing regimen that Mike uses, and it is a fantastic plan for citrus.

The more pressing issue is the lack of drainage, however.

Josh

Silvios: If I May?

When you were told not to feed it for two years, did you happen to ask why? I would of been very curious about that one. I guess it is the kid in me:-)
I can't think of any living thing that grows daily that can go without nutrition for that amount of time...

The combination of the type soil mix, lack of free drainage, and lack of nutrients in particular "Ca" could be a major inhibitor of fruitage and possible vibrant growth,as Josh stated.
A "gritty" mix as described in the container forums with gypsum as an added "Ca" source should do wonders if you are not using a fertilizer with "Ca" already provided.

No need to go further since everyone has shared great points wuth you.
I would definately rethink my growing methods on your tree come spring. Please keep us posted.

Hi Josh, Jerry, and Andrew!

So good to hear your trees are doing well.
Jerry, welcome back.

Mike:-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Grittier Mix

I was told that if I fertilize it there is a chance of killing it due to its age. Now that I think about it they had a 2 year replacement offer that they would replace it if it died within that time period no matter the cause. If somebody were to over fertilize and kill the tree it would hurt them, now that I step back a bit, I see that it might be a profit move so that new growers don't cause then a loss.

About the drainage, can't I just drill a hole into the bottom of the container. It's only plastic and I have the tools to do it and I know I have a large tray I can put under it until I can buy a new container and soil mixture.

Which brings me to my next question. The soil mixture, if there are and threads about a mixture for it just point me in the right direction.

I appreciate all the help you guys have given me.

Drilling holes: Yes! That would be just fine.

Check the link that Mike included above your post.
Don't worry about feeling overwhelmed by the information at first. Give it a couple reads.

When re-potting, you will wait 2 *weeks* to fertilize.
The reason is that soils that are initially low in fertility are conducive to root-growth.
So you give those roots a 2 week period to establish and bring the plant back "online," as it were,
and then you commence full-blown fertilization.


Josh

It is natural for some fruit drop as citrus are greedy fruiters but in my experience...once the fruits get the size of a walnut,they are unlightly to drop and one thing that will make them drop their fruits is being too wet...In fact they nearly always turn yellow and then drop off...Is that whats happening?
I live In New zealand and in the winter i water once a month...In spring and autumn once a week..In summer every three days and i use Terracotta which dries out quicker...what has been said about your mix is true but the mix needs to almost completely dry out between waterings..The roots will rot if too wet...I have killed heaps of trees by over enthusiastic watering...They dont need much and tend to be shallow rooters too...try to let the top half dry out,so the roots search down and the roots can breathe in the top half...They cant stand wet feet!
Address your mix=More chunky and add some in organics to provide air spaces and aid drainage.I put some pummice at the bottom of pot(only one inch though)....I use a moisture meter..some hate them but i find they are great for me.

p.s feed little and often is best...that in combination with correct watering and drainage is the key to successful container citrus.
Who ever said not to feed a young tree is on something strong...feeding is related to size of plant...A little baby doesnt need as much food as an adult! but still needs food!
put it in a better mix and dont feed it until you see new growth(feed about a week after you see the new growth) and then only feed when actively growing....waste of money the rest of the time.
I like that tip about leaving it for two weeks after transplant before feeding(as its good for root growth)....Didnt know that.
Handy,as i have just transplanted a tree too!

Look up 5-1-1 soil for best soil to use on citrus. Citrus doesn't like wet feet and 5-1-1 drains well yet provides some nutrients for good

Vivian, who are you answering back to. This post was posed 11 years ago.