I just find them awkward as bonsai unless theyre really big I suppose.(A fellow bonsai grower as echoed this, with more experience) You prune them and they bud like crazy from where they were cut, then no new growth for ages. Better as shrubs I think. I will also have some mandarin pips to sow, how do these grow? I want indoor plants that will spend a little time outdoors in summer.

Yep, they sometimes have seeds. The most common theory is that the flower was pollinated and seeds formed as the fruit developed.

looks like you should address WHY the trees get root rot before you plant anymore trees. from looking at the fence, the spot may get too wet. My personal rule of thumb on citrus is, 'if you water enough to keep grass alive, you water enough to kill citrus trees'. you may need to cut watering back substantially and even shut off the zone around the citrus trees. ONCE ESTABLISHED, citrus need water sparingly, depending on drainage, air movement and temps, no more than once every one or two weeks. Air movement is also important, but water is the key to root rot. Best of luck. Why dissing HD citrus? I bought a MAGNIFICENT Dancy tangerine in 25 gallons that was picture perfect and LOADED with fruit, I gave to my MIL for her birthday. I had called around nurseries for similar size and none had anything near it for same price. ($169). Sorry to see your tree pass on... I know the feeling...so sad.

I have a young tree that just started fruiting last year. This year, despite my efforts to water it, nearly all the leaves and fruit fell off. I think it was the dry hot weather. All the leaves grew back with the rains and now it is having a little mini flowering like yours. I read that sometimes under stress a tree will do this, but the fruit may be malformed.