![]() It is a good idea always to keep a watering can full of mixed feed in the same room as the plant so that the roots don’t get a shock from cold water, which can stress the plant. This should be used whenever the plant is dry.įolia feeding once a month with the same solution, in winter and spring, can greatly increase fruit set and health of plant as waterings are few and far between in the winter months. One 25ml measure, of our feed, should be mixed with 10 litres (2 gallons) of water. We produce our own liquid fertiliser especially for Citrus, which contains the correct nutrient balance and trace elements for healthy growth and fruiting.Ĭitrus are greedy plants and to get a good crop of fruit they need constant year round feeding. Always flush the pot thoroughly with plenty of water and allow to drain away.Rainwater can be used providing it is from a clean source, although tap water is necessary once every few waterings to supply the calcium needed. Tap water is fine to use, however do not use softened water as this can contain sodium salts. “For every Citrus plant killed by under watering, 200 are killed by over watering”. It is better to under water than over water. If in doubt wait another day and check again. Finally we check the weight of the pot, which is very light when dry. ![]() If you have fruit that is about golf ball size, check to see if it is soft, if it is then the this is a good indication that it might need watering, as the plant will take the water from the fruit when it is dry. At this point we feel several inches into the pots to check that it is dry. Gauging when plants need watering can be tricky, however we find that the leaves may lack lustre, become dull and even start to droop. Then the plant must be left to almost completely dry out between each watering. This means flushing plenty of water through the pot so the compost is completely soaked. The plants should be watered, from the top, thoroughly. This is the key to successful Citrus growing. Whilst the plant is indoors we suggest standing Citrus on “pot feet” in a tray. Temperatures in conservatories can vary considerably between day and night, ventilate well during sunny days. Try to avoid sudden extremes of temperature as this can stress plants and cause leaf and blossom drop. At the nursery we over-winter plants at 4 ° C (40 ° f) minimum. Whilst most Citrus can withstand temperatures just above freezing, they will fare far better if kept warmer. Small plants can be kept within the house on a south facing windowsill or by patio doors, away from radiators and larger plants kept in conservatories or greenhouses. WINTER CONDITIONSīefore the first frosts appear plants must be moved into warmer conditions for the Winter months. Although it is relatively hardy, it takes a lot of heat to bring it into flower therefore it is the only citrus we recommend leaving in the conservatory or greenhouse for the Summer or until it flowers which is late July early August. The exception to the rule is the Kumquat. If they are kept in a conservatory or greenhouse in the summer, they must have ample ventilation.Įxtreme care must be exercised in late spring, before plants have been moved outside, when the temperatures in conservatories and greenhouses can soar on sunny days, vents must be opened to prevent over-heating. The more sun the better!Ĭitrus can stand 38 ° C (100 ° F) or more, but above 35 ° C (96 ° F) will cease to grow, therefore they usually fare much better outside for the duration of the summer. They should remain in the sun for the rest of the summer. Plants should be placed in a shady spot and gradually crept into full sun over the course of a week or so to prevent leaf scorch. Citrus plants are happy to stand outside after the spring frosts have ended (usually about the end of May).
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