Growing and Caring for Citrus Trees
GROWING AND CARING FOR CITRUS TREES
WATERING CITRUS TREES
Water citrus trees deeply twice a week during establishment.
The frequency of watering can be cut back when citrus trees are established, so you're only watering during dry periods and when fruits are developing.
It’s important to maintain soil moisture from fruit set to harvest to prevent citrus trees becoming stressed, which could result in a significant part of the crop dropping before it's ripe.
FERTILISING CITRUS TREES
Fertilise citrus trees at the start of Autumn and Spring. Apply a generous amount of Controlled Release Fertiliser for Citrus & Fruit to the soil around your tree. The controlled release technology only feeds when the plant needs it most, helping sustain healthy growth all season long.
Every 3-4 weeks add a handful of blood & bone and pelletised chicken manure to the base of each tree. At the start of autumn to assist trees add a few dissolved tablespoons of Epsom salts and an application of trace elements, Trace elements correct deficiencies common in Perth’s Sandy soils.
Here’s how:
1. Clear any mulch from the area immediately beneath the tree canopy.
2. Sprinkle some Controlled Release Fertiliser, in a band around the dripline (immediately below the external perimeter of the foliage).
3. Water well.
4. Replenish the mulch taking care to keep away from trunk to avoid collar rot.
NOTE: The application of controlled release fertilisers in addition to the organics will help to ensure a range of nutrients is available to your citrus trees when they need it most.
PEST AND DISEASE PREVENTION
Problems with pests and diseases can be largely avoided by ensuring your citrus trees are healthy.
To give your citrus trees the best possible start:
• Prepare the soil prior to planting by enriching with compost.
• Dig a hole at least twice as large as the pot your citrus trees comes in so roots are not damaged.
• Plant citrus trees in full sun - at least 5-6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Apply Controlled Release Fertiliser at the best time, which is during Autumn and Spring.
Of course, no matter what you do, sometimes pests and diseases can attack your citrus trees. Look out for:
• Scale, leaf miners and aphids. These are common citrus pests but rarely cause major damage. Treat with an environment-friendly oil spray.
• Stink bugs can cause damage to your tree and harvest. Remove by hand immediately (make sure you are wearing gloves and eye protection).
• Yellow leaves are a common complaint with citrus trees but if you have prepared the soil well and replenish it each season, your citrus will survive. Look for fertilisers with boosted magnesium and iron to assist in the prevention of yellowing.
PRUNING CITRUS TREES
When it comes to pruning, citrus trees are quite different to the majority of fruit trees because they are evergreen. Forget all those fancy pruning techniques and simply:
• Remove old or dead wood.
• Remove any unwanted growth or branches touching the soil.
• Reduce overall height and maintain a neat shape (if you want).
Autumn is a great time for strategic pruning to promote shape and airflow.
WATERING CITRUS TREES
Water citrus trees deeply twice a week during establishment.
The frequency of watering can be cut back when citrus trees are established, so you're only watering during dry periods and when fruits are developing.
It’s important to maintain soil moisture from fruit set to harvest to prevent citrus trees becoming stressed, which could result in a significant part of the crop dropping before it's ripe.
FERTILISING CITRUS TREES
Fertilise citrus trees at the start of Autumn and Spring. Apply a generous amount of Controlled Release Fertiliser for Citrus & Fruit to the soil around your tree. The controlled release technology only feeds when the plant needs it most, helping sustain healthy growth all season long.
Every 3-4 weeks add a handful of blood & bone and pelletised chicken manure to the base of each tree. At the start of autumn to assist trees add a few dissolved tablespoons of Epsom salts and an application of trace elements, Trace elements correct deficiencies common in Perth’s Sandy soils.
Here’s how:
1. Clear any mulch from the area immediately beneath the tree canopy.
2. Sprinkle some Controlled Release Fertiliser, in a band around the dripline (immediately below the external perimeter of the foliage).
3. Water well.
4. Replenish the mulch taking care to keep away from trunk to avoid collar rot.
NOTE: The application of controlled release fertilisers in addition to the organics will help to ensure a range of nutrients is available to your citrus trees when they need it most.
PEST AND DISEASE PREVENTION
Problems with pests and diseases can be largely avoided by ensuring your citrus trees are healthy.
To give your citrus trees the best possible start:
• Prepare the soil prior to planting by enriching with compost.
• Dig a hole at least twice as large as the pot your citrus trees comes in so roots are not damaged.
• Plant citrus trees in full sun - at least 5-6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Apply Controlled Release Fertiliser at the best time, which is during Autumn and Spring.
Of course, no matter what you do, sometimes pests and diseases can attack your citrus trees. Look out for:
• Scale, leaf miners and aphids. These are common citrus pests but rarely cause major damage. Treat with an environment-friendly oil spray.
• Stink bugs can cause damage to your tree and harvest. Remove by hand immediately (make sure you are wearing gloves and eye protection).
• Yellow leaves are a common complaint with citrus trees but if you have prepared the soil well and replenish it each season, your citrus will survive. Look for fertilisers with boosted magnesium and iron to assist in the prevention of yellowing.
PRUNING CITRUS TREES
When it comes to pruning, citrus trees are quite different to the majority of fruit trees because they are evergreen. Forget all those fancy pruning techniques and simply:
• Remove old or dead wood.
• Remove any unwanted growth or branches touching the soil.
• Reduce overall height and maintain a neat shape (if you want).
Autumn is a great time for strategic pruning to promote shape and airflow.