Citrus tree help!

8 years ago

I just got what I thought was a tangelo tree grafted on some sort of rootstock. But it looks like the grafted part doesn’t display tangelo qualities at all- it looks like rootstock. The branches coming off the graft are large and have huge thorns and tri-leaves. The two smaller branches are the only ones that look like tangelo. Why would the main grafted part of the tree be the part taken over by rootstock? Does that mean I need to cut the entire graft off? Doesn’t make sense to me. Pic is attached. Graft is coming off the left, growing into large thorny branches with tri-leaves. Not sure what to do here.

Thanks for any advice!

Featured Answer

sunshine (zone 6a, Ontario,Canada)

8 years ago

The rootstock has taken over and the scion branches are small. You have to cut the whole trifoliata branch, but leave some 3-4 inches of stump for now to tie the scion branches to it to help them grow upright. You can remove the stump later. Watch for suckers growing in the future.

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Comments (6)

Dee
8 years ago
If you just got it, can it be returned?
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Christina Loo
Original Author
8 years ago
Great, thank you! I was worried about cutting the whole branch and shocking the tree, but I’ll try that. The nursery wasn’t very helpful with this. Appreciate your help.

I probably could have returned it, but I was so intrigued by this tree that I wanted to see what would happen with it.. now I think I probably should have returned it!
Dee
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Contact the manager of the nursery, explain that the tree is not the variety as indicated on the tag, not what you paid for and you didn't know any better when it was purchased. Now you do. Maybe they will give you a different one if it has been a very short time. Do you still have the receipt or proof of purchase? It doesn't hurt to ask as citrus trees are not cheap. At least I don't think so. lol.
Christina Loo
Original Author
8 years ago
I do still have the receipt- I’ll try that thanks!
Alanna Migliacci
8 years ago
I would absolutely try and return it/get a refund. A reputable nursery should never sell a grafted tree taken over by rootstock.