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when to expect blooms on my orange tree

15 years ago

Last spring I bought a "Lone Star" orange tree from the Harris County extension service. It's in a nice big pot with good soil, good fertilizer, etc etc. It didn't bloom last year and hasn't put on any blooms yet this year. I have two Meyer lemons and a Mexican lime, all in pots just like the orange and they have lots of blooms. What's up with the orange?

Thanks!

Robbie

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Comments (3)

xentar_gw
15 years ago
While some types of citrus (like meyer's lemons, kumquats, etc) are capable of blooming and producing fruit the first year while in the ground, many won't produce fruit for a few years even if they do bloom.

To answer the question "What's up with the orange?" - there is most likely nothing wrong with your orange. This question actually pops up more than many.

Almost all citrus is capable of blooming in their own pots when you buy them, because the root system has been established in the pots, and instead of excessively growing in the pot, it actually produces blooms and even fruit.

However, when you plant the citrus in to the ground, it can take several (2-7) years before the plant starts producing fruits. This is because the roots have to grow and re-establish in the ground, enough to support top growth and blooming.
User
15 years ago
Could your pot be too big? I don't know about conditions in the ground, but at least in a pot, I feel Citrus kind of resent containers that are too big. I try to aim at a lightly snug fit but not so small that it hinders new growth. It's a lot like the Goldilocks's tale I guess. Sounds weird but I also think Citrus thrive on a bit of benign neglect (letting it dry out some between waterings is not a bad idea. PS., I am assuming your plant pretty much gets full day sun.
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amberroses
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Something is probably wrong. When planted outside oranges bloom every spring, even if they are too young to hold the fruit. Maybe if it is otherwise healthy looking, it needs a bit more sun?

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