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Lemon Tree w/ new growth question...

15 years ago

I have a lemon tree potted on my balcony doing well for over a year now. Just recently, there are new "branches" coming out near the base of the tree. They have thorns and the leaves are growing in three's. All of the other leaves come out reddish and turn green, these however are growing green. Is this normal? They are growing very fast as well. Just have never seen this before and want to make sure it's not a problem.

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Comments (2)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
15 years ago
That lower growth is coming from below the graft. Most citrus are grafted onto the rootstock of the Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata). You'll need to keep those suckers pruned off as soon as you see them, or they will very quickly take over.

It is not unusual for this to occur, and will probably stop after some time. Meanwhile, just keep after them with sharp pruners. That growth will sap the energy from your desirable lemon cultivar.
birdsnblooms
15 years ago
Dave, Remove growth under base..What you're seeing is Rootstock. Rootstock is thorny, and if left on, will kill your lemon. It's fast growing, must faster than the lemon. Rootstock should be pruned when first seen, otherwise it'll leave a scar on trunk, among other problems. Toni
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