Here’s a guide on how to get your citrus trees, like lemon, orange, or tangerine, to start producing fruit. If you’ve had a citrus tree for years but it hasn’t borne any fruit, or if the flowers fall off without setting fruit, don’t worry – the right fertilization and pruning techniques can solve this problem. Follow these tips, and you’ll see your citrus tree thriving and producing fruit like never before.
Choosing a Grafted Tree Before getting into the fertilization and pruning methods, there’s one important step to remember when buying a citrus tree. Always make sure you are buying a grafted tree. A grafted tree has a thicker base and a thinner top, where the grafting occurs. If the tree isn’t grafted, it could take anywhere from 6 to 10 years for it to start producing fruit, especially if it was grown from seed. So, when purchasing your tree, ask the seller if it’s grafted. A grafted tree will start producing fruit much sooner than a non-grafted one.
Pruning Your Citrus Tree for Better Fruit Production Now that you have your grafted citrus tree, it’s time to focus on pruning. Proper pruning helps the tree grow stronger, healthier, and encourages it to produce more fruit. First, let’s talk about the main stem of the tree, known as the “leader.” The leader is the primary branch that grows upwards, and it’s important to make sure that all branches below the graft are removed. These lower branches are known as “suckers” because they steal energy from the main plant and won’t help with fruit production. Removing them ensures the energy goes into the tree’s growth and fruiting.
Prune away any branches growing inward or those that seem old and weak. Keep the outer branches, as they help open up the tree, allowing better sunlight penetration and air circulation. The goal is to maintain a well-shaped tree with a broad canopy that allows the fruits to grow and develop properly. If any branches become too long or unruly, trim them to maintain a manageable size. After pruning, the tree should have a clean structure with an open canopy.
Fertilizing Your Citrus Tree Fertilizing is another crucial step for encouraging fruit production in citrus trees. For a young tree that’s still in its early stages of growth, you’ll want to use a specific combination of fertilizers. Start with half a bucket of well-rotted cattle manure (about 16 liters), along with an equal amount of well-rotted chicken manure. If chicken manure isn’t available, you can substitute it with worm castings, which also provide great nutrients for your plant.
Now, here’s the secret ingredient for faster growth and healthier leaves: urea. Urea is high in nitrogen, which promotes lush, green foliage and encourages the tree to grow quickly. For a young tree of this size, use 100 grams of urea. Spread the fertilizer around the base of the tree, forming a circle around the trunk. Be careful not to place the fertilizer directly at the base of the tree, as this can burn the roots. Leave about 20 cm of space between the fertilizer and the tree trunk.
Once the fertilizer is in place, water the tree generously. This ensures the nutrients are absorbed by the soil and reach the roots. You should apply this fertilizer every 30 to 45 days. However, don’t use urea every time; alternate between urea and other organic fertilizers. For example, use urea one month and skip it the next.
When to Apply Fertilizer The timing of your fertilizer applications is key. For young trees, you can start applying fertilizer every month and a half. If your tree is already established and larger, you can apply fertilizer every two months. Always make sure to water your tree thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients reach the roots.
Results of Proper Pruning and Fertilizing Once you’ve applied these techniques, give your tree some time to adjust. You should start noticing the results after a few weeks. The tree will begin to develop a better structure, and the leaves will become greener and healthier. With proper care, the tree will eventually bloom, and you’ll see fruit forming.
The benefits of pruning and fertilizing are clear: your citrus tree will have better growth, produce more flowers, and ultimately, bear fruit. Whether your tree is still small or already established, these techniques will help you achieve a more fruitful harvest.
Conclusion Proper fertilization and pruning are essential for encouraging citrus trees to produce fruit. Always choose a grafted tree, remove unwanted branches, and apply the right fertilizers at the correct times. With patience and attention, your tree will reward you with plenty of fruit for years to come. So, follow these steps and get ready for a citrus harvest like never before!
