Citrus Q

[blue gecko]

Hey Alan! I've got a key lime tree that produced some fruit this year. It had a few recent blooms but it needs a haircut. When is the best time to do some pruning and can you give me any tips on how to do it?

[A.T. Hagan]

Unless you have a particularly gangly branch or need to remove some damage citrus does not ordinarily need pruning. I only prune for shape or to remove damage.

As you've got your tree in a greenhouse and don't have to worry about new growth not being hardened off you can prune any time.

.....Alan.

[blue gecko]

Thanks Alan! This particular tree lives in the living room during the winter and it needs a bit of shaping. A couple of years ago it had a big die off of several limbs and I cut it back after talking to Debe the master gardener who sent you Angelique. After 2 seasons growth it has some gangly limbs. The limes from it are WONDERFUL so I'd like to encourage it into full production and fullness. Any advice on fertilizers?

[A.T. Hagan]

I use Scott's 20-20-20 with minors for all of my citrus. Jack's Classic when I could get it.

About four times a year I add in some Epsom salts (one tablespoon to the gallon) and once a year some soluble minor nutrients.

There are citrus specific fertilizers to be found closer to the theoretically perfect 5-1-3 ratio, but I try to avoid having eleventy one different nutrient blends.

.....Alan.

[blue gecko]

I've got some 5-5-5 and some 3-3-3 organic fertilizers. What do you think about mixing the 2 half and half?

[A.T. Hagan]

Well, that would then give you 4-4-4 wouldn't it? I don't think the trees would care so long as you apply the right amounts.

.....Alan.

[blue gecko]

um....yep Thank you!