Planting & caring for Gold Nugget Mandarin

8 years ago

Hi there! I just bought a dwarf Golden Nugget tree and I need some help. It's in a 8.75 gal containers, about 2-3 ft tall, nickel-sized trunk, with hundreds of flowers/tiny fruit.

Here are my questions -- any help would be appreciated!

1) How much should I water it while in the container?

2) When should I transfer it into the yard? Any rush? Before traveling for 3 weeks?

3) Any recommended products I should be using, either in the container, at planting time, or after?

4) Should I pinch off all of the fruit at this point, or is in mature enough to leave it?

Zone: 9b, CA South Bay Area

Thank you so much!

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Comment (1)

myermike_1micha
8 years ago
Hi Sunnyorchard,

To answer your questions...

!. It all depends on how quickly it dries out. There are many factors that determine this and it will be up to you to judge when to water. Usually picking up the pot right after watering and then feeling the difference in weight when dry will help. Using a wooden dowel or wooden kabob stick will help you gauge too.

2. If I lived there I would plant right into the ground in the shade and water well before I left until I got back and then plant where you want. you could have a neighbor water it with a garden hose for you too...

3. What do ,most Citrus growers out there use? What do the local nurseries use to keep them so healthy? Do they acidify their water when they fertilize? I would find out. A lot of us use Foliage Pro and vinegar depending on the pH of their water. How is your ground soil? Do you need to amend with some compost or something? I always do anyways.

4. I never pinch any fruit of of mine, ever, not even a flower...But many do to encourage further growth of their trees..

Sounds like you live in the perfect area for in ground citrus..I wish I could do the same..Many here will share what they think since many are in ground growers...
sunnyorchard thanked myermike_1micha
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Planting & caring for Gold Nugget Mandarin

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myermike_1micha

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