How to Get a Citrus Tree to Bloom
Citrus trees begin to produce fruit when they are able to blossom. Many cultural factors can contribute to a fruit tree not blossoming. One key factor is that the tree must be old enough to produce blossoms and fruit. In addition, improper cultural practices, growing sites or poor soil can prevent a citrus tree from blooming. By taking care of your tree, you not only ensure years of blooms but also fruitful harvests. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soil pH test
- Fertilizer
- Pruning shears
- Lopping shears
- Pruning saw
- Mulch
Instructions
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Check the soil's pH range. Citrus trees must have a pH range between 6.0 to 6.5 in order to blossom. Conduct a soil pH test on your planting site. Purchase a soil pH testing kit from your local country extension office. Dig a 6-inch hole and collect soil samples. Mail them off to the laboratory provided by the test, and wait for the results. Make soil amendments if the results come back too alkaline or acidic for your citrus tree.
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2
Make sure your tree is getting enough water. Look for yellowish or light green leaves, which indicate your tree is not getting enough water. For trees with a trunk diameter under 1 inch, water two to three times a week. Water mature trees with trunks that are over an inch once a week.
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3
Fertilize your citrus tree with a fertilizer high in nitrogen. You can use such fertilizers like Osmocote 13-13-13 or Lutz 8-4-8. Start fertilizing in the early spring.
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Prune off any damaged or diseased branches. Citrus trees have problems developing blossoms on branches that have fungal diseases. Use pruning shears, lopping shears or a pruning saw, and cut 1/4 inch above a healthy, outward-facing bud. To tell if the branch is healthy, take a knife and scrape the branch to make sure it is greenish white underneath.
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Keep a thick layer of mulch spread over your tree's roots. Citrus trees can be very sensitive to cold weather. Make sure the layer of mulch is at least 4 to 6 inches deep.
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Tips & Warnings
Citrus trees start blossoming and bearing fruit when they are three to five years old.
Blossoms can die off after they have started to bud because of sharp, sudden freezes.
