I was thinking the same. I will have all my citrus in an area that has night time temps in the low sixties and that means they should not really slow down. I'm not planning to change fertilizing and go with the flow

Hey Laura, I would continue feeding at regular strength while the trees are actively growing. I know our situations are different because my trees are in ground but I feed year round and back off to about half the normal feeding amount in the winter months. Your trees will be indoors which isn’t optimal for light but temperatures are controlled and don’t fluctuate as much as an outdoor environment which would lead me to believe that you could also fertilize through the winter like I do.

Evan

But inside, the light levels will be lower so if you feed, you will encourage more growth, the growth will be weak and etiolated -- and even more vulnerable to pests. I'd fertilize only 1/4 strength, if you must. But that's my opinion. If you have a situation with high light levels, then maybe regular fert is OK.

That is a good point Dave, how about setting up an oscillating fan to help the trees “sway in the wind” so to speak, to help strengthen the growth?

Evan

If you can give the trees the adequate light and heat then fertilize, like trees grown in a greenhouse fed year around.. If not reduce the feeding.

I understand what to do once indoors. Based on my particular lighting/heat conditions, I fed them about half strength once indoors. What about what I feed them now? How long does it take to flush out or use the fertilizer I provide now? Ideally, I'd like to keep feeding like I have been (and I do think they need it considering how much they're growing). However, if I check the 15 day forecast and it looks like they may have to come in, let's say, in two weeks (this is hypothetical bc for the foreseeable future, it's going to be warm), then do I slow down? Is two weeks enough time? They actively grew all last winter, but OMG, the whiteflies were such a nuisance. I'd almost rather they NOT grow much and avoid that problem.

I hope they get this big growth flush over with during this next month and then take a breather inside ;-)

I doubt growth will be done in time when they have to come in the house as they just started. First Trovita

var. pink lemon

Rubino never really had a break in growing since she is here and will provide everything from differnt lights to warmth to keep her going

A seedling from grocery lemon, no idea of variety is branching out

and finally a little meyer cutting that I would never thought would take as it was kinda malnourished to start with and at one time had dried out to the extend that the leafs were totally wilted. Seems those that get neglected are stronger willed to live.

Laura I’d feed at full strength right now, especially if you’re trees are holding fruit. They will need the extra nutrients to keep your trees healthy while they’re trying to keep the fruit.

Thank you Evan. I will do that and watch the forecast closely.

Besides, if you become concerned about the trees having too much fertilizer for future conditions, you can always flush the soil with clear water, which will easily flush out any fertilizer

That's good to know Silica. That's what I wanted to know about. Thank you.

Laura I did send e-mail. Did you get it!?

Not yet!

When you have still warm weather i would still fertilize with a lower dose of fert.., before you know the temps going to fall and your tree's should slow down a bit.(hardened)

My lighted basement is kept at 72* and therefor my tree's are going in a shaded area for a week or 2 then they go inside. No full sun.

Dave, I don't believe that fertilizing "encourages" or stimulates growth. The growth would occur regardless of whether the tree was fertilized or not. In other words, fertilizing a tree that is not about to undergo a growth spurt will not trigger a growth spurt. However, a tree that is going through a growth spurt most certainly requires optimal nutrition.

This is my opinion. I have no scientific evidence to back it up.