May Citrus

Citrus are a valuable asset to any garden. Whether you require fruit, form or flowers, citrus are a great kiwi garden favourite.

In a range of situations citrus consistenly prove their versality, so give one a go.

SITE AND SOIL: Citrus require a warm, sunny protected position out of cold winds. Soil should be free draining. Cultivate the soil by digging in Kings compost. Improve drainage by digging in sand. If this is a problem, remember citrus can be grown in pots.

PLANTING: Plant your tree no deeper then it is already set in the bag. Treat the roots carefully as citrus do not like their roots to be disturbed. As well as compost, add a slow release fertiliser such as Kings 24 Plus to your soil. Should you choose to plant in a container, use a superior mix such as Kings Container Mix to ensure good water retention and slow release fertiliser to help your plant through summer.

ONGOING CARE

Feeding: As citrus are gross feeders they require regular feeding for optimal fruiting and growth. Kings citrus Fertiliser can be applied monthly, or Florvital Citrus 3-4 month controlled release fertiliser can be applied 3-4 times a year. It is ideal for container planting. Pelletised Sheep Manure can also be used as a top dressing in spring and summer.

Mulching: Spread mulch around the base of the tree spring and summer to prevent water loss, suppress weeds and add beneficial nutrients. Make sure the mulch does not touch the trunk as this can lead to the trunk rotting.

Watering: Citrus will need watering during spring and summer, but not usually in winter. Water your plants when the top of soil is dry. For container plants,this will probably mean daily watering during summer. Saturaid is a re-wetting agent that channels water down to the roots and should be applied in summer to containers and in-ground plantings. Insufficient water will result in poor plant growth and bitter fruit.

Pruning: Remove all shoots from below the graft as soon as possible. This growth is different from normal growth as it is from the rootstock. All other pruning is for shape and should be done before the borer beetle lays its eggs from October onwards.

GROWING TIPS:

We suggest removing fruitlets in the first year to assist your young tree to establish and leading to better fruiting in the second year.

Citrus are heavy croppers, often setting more fruit than they can sustain. Early removal of approximately 1/3 of the crop will result in improved fruit quality and help to prevent biennial bearing (growing one year and setting fruit the next).

Yellow leaves most often means that young trees require Magnesium (although it can indicate fungal problems). Magnesium can be supplied to your plant through formulated Citrus fertilisers or Sequestrone Plant Tonic.

Citrus varieties originate from the warmer regions of Indo-China and the Middle-East however the Kumquat, Satsuma mandarin and Meyer Lemon are relatively Cold hardy. Satsuma Mandarin, Navel Orange and Tahitian Lime produce seedless fruit.

Spraying: Spray with Yates Champ DP at petal fall, and again 2 weeks later, this controls fungal diseases that are around during spring and summer, and interfere with fruit quality. During winter, apply Yates Conqueror Oil to eliminate insect pests that may be over-wintering on your plants.

Mites may be a problem during summer, watch out for them, use Yates Mite Killer. Silvering of the top side of the leaves and a fine webbing on the undersides is evidence of their presence. Other problems can be identified by Kings staff. Remember to bring some damaged leaves with you to help us in our diagnosis.