Thinking about Meyer Lemon Trees or Limes?
Sherry8aNorthAL
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Sherry8aNorthAL
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New Meyer Lemon and Mexican Lime Tree. Need Help!!
Comments (10)jkom has given you great advice. The Meyer looks great, well planted, no grass to compete, etc. I would recommend placing them on a drip system, since citrus do need a fair amount of water, especially in the hotter areas of the country. They also need well draining soil, which you probably have based on where you are. If planted in clay soils, they should be elevated, and the water well provided at the drip line lower than the tree crown. You may need to expand the wells as your trees grow, as you really want the water to pool in a circle around your tree at the drip line (edge of the canopy), as that's where your tree's feeder roots reside. Use a good fertilizer formulated for citrus, which will be higher in nitrogen and will contain micronutrients. You'll want to fertilize at regular intervals, and for you that should be February, May, and early October, but you can check with your local Master Gardeners for any additional timing for your specific area. It also would be beneficial for you to mulch your wells with compost or composted manure. That will do two things for your citrus: provide some water retention in your very arid climate, and also provide additional slow release nitrogen, both very helpful for growing citrus in arid climates on sandy or DG soils. I mulch my citrus at least once or twice a year with a small amount of chicken manure (very hot, so use sparingly), and then top with compost and wood chips as I'm on nearly pure DG, so very little organic material in my soil. For us here in S. California for the most part, iron deficiency is actually rarely an issue, as our soils have plenty of iron (but possibly jkom is in an area that is deficient - California is a gigantic state with some fairly wide differences in soil makeup). It is usually a manganese deficiency we see here, and that tends to be the same for AZ. I would check with your local Master Gardeners, again, though, to find out what your soil issues are, and fertilize accordingly. You can also use a micronutrient foliar spray too, which works very well if you notice your leaves getting pale or yellowish. Grow More Citrus Grower's Blend is a good micronutrient product. And do support your branches on your young trees, especially the Meyer, as Meyer's tend to be very prolific producers (my Meyer has no less than 50 to 100 fruit on it at any given time, I have Meyer lemons coming out my ears). Lastly, you are very fortunate to have quite a bit of online support for citrus in your state. I've included a link below, which also has additional links for you. Definitely check out Arizona Cooperative Extension's web site, it is a great resource for those growing citrus in AZ: http://extension.arizona.edu/maricopa/citrus-publications Your Master Gardeners are part of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, and are a great, great resource for home gardeners. Here's a link to your AZ Master Gardener manual: http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/ Good luck, looks like you're off to a good start! Patty S. Here is a link that might be useful: AZ Citrus...See MoreFew questions about Meyer Lemon tree
Comments (3)Hi Nkesh, Andrew gave you great advice and thank you..:-) Have you seen his tree? I get mine at 4Winds..I usually buy the 2-3 year olds..They are of good size and very high quality.. I personally wouldn't add anything to any of my soils that would clog up air space or pores in my soils that would allow the roots to breath freely and the soil to dry out evenly, especially coffee grinds..Never had a good experience with these except for the first few weeks of applying them, then my plants would go down hill from there.. The soilless mix you are thinking of making sounds ok, but it all depends on your cultural habits, and the enviroment they will be subjected too.. Remember, different soil for different folks, and plants mind you...:-) As for fertilizer...Many also have success with different types..I happen to use Foliage Pro..That is the only thing mine need plus vinegar at waterings.. Mine do well with a Ph below 7...No lower than 5.5...:-). They might be able to take lower, not sure of that. Maybe someone can tell us about PH and the most favorable number range for our trees... Mike..:-)...See Moremeyer lemon, key lime, and blood orange tree.
Comments (6)wow, those are tiny, i agree with John, they do look like rooted cuttings. since you're up north in the cold, i'd also recommend Al's gritty mix. since cold temps and too much moisture in the soil will cause root rot. citrus do not like wet feet. FYI before it gets cold, once your night temps drop below 40'F you'll want to bring your citrus indoors, provide ample lighting, decrease the amount of water they get. you can look in the 'growing under lights' forum to get some ideas. possible setups: 4' shoplight with fluorescent tubes, metal halyde lamp, high pressure sodium lamp, high wattage CFL's (spiral bulbs)....See MoreSad Meyer lemon and key lime trees
Comments (8)Then you probably have a root problem; if you water a Meyer too much it will drop its leaves; if you let it get too dry and then water it, it will also drop its leaves. I suspect you are overwatering it, being inside and cool. Check the temperature of the roots with an instant read cooking thermometer. Meyer roots will not grow if the soil temperature is 55F or lower; and if the roots aren't growing the plant doesn't need much water. Can you post a photo?...See Moreponcirusguy6b452xx
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41 North (Zone 7a/b, NE, coastal)