What to Do
Episode: #8 19/05/07
Presenter: Kim Syrus
Citrus are one of our favourite garden plants and while our backyards are being squeezed to fit in other lifestyles pursuits, we still want to grow them and that, means planting into pots. There are other successful ways to do this.
Begin with the right plant. Make sure your citrus is grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock as it will say this on the label. These plants have less vigour and won’t get too big.
Next, look at the container. Make sure it is big enough. One that takes at least 2 bags of potting mix or 50 to 60 litres will be fine.
Citrus need to be well drained - they just hate wet feet, this causes root rot. A premium potting mix will allow excess water to soak through and still retain enough moisture for the plant.
Plants can also suffer badly from poor drainage and it is all due to the soil holding too much moisture. If a pot has been filled with a soil and sand mix that doesn’t allow air to penetrate and water to drain away then the only thing to do is start all over again.
Remove the tree and all the soil. Lift the pot off the ground to help improve drainage. Part fill with some premium potting mix, sprinkle a handful of hydrated water crystals and place in the new tree. Make sure the roots are teased out a little and back fill, keeping the graft above the soil line. Water in with a seaweed extract to get the roots really moving.
Always be consistent with watering potted plants. Citrus trees require soil that is moist but never soggy. Water, so it drains out the bottom. Once or twice a week watering, dependent on the weather, will be fine.
Keeping the plant in good shape is easy to do. Potted citrus can be pruned at any time of year. Pinching back new growth tips is the best way to fill out the trees without disturbing any future fruit. Then just trim for shape and balance.
Potted citrus are hungry creatures needing regular feeds, every 2 to 3 months. Use a slow release type combined with a good organic fertilizer.
Citrus are prone to micronutrient deficiencies like iron, manganese and zinc which shows up as mottled and yellowing leaves. Simply apply a trace element drench if this becomes a problem.
Potted citrus are just brilliant at creating a stylish, evergreen display for the modern backyard and all with a very useful added bonus.
Presenter: Kim Syrus
Citrus are one of our favourite garden plants and while our backyards are being squeezed to fit in other lifestyles pursuits, we still want to grow them and that, means planting into pots. There are other successful ways to do this.
Begin with the right plant. Make sure your citrus is grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock as it will say this on the label. These plants have less vigour and won’t get too big.
Next, look at the container. Make sure it is big enough. One that takes at least 2 bags of potting mix or 50 to 60 litres will be fine.
Citrus need to be well drained - they just hate wet feet, this causes root rot. A premium potting mix will allow excess water to soak through and still retain enough moisture for the plant.
Plants can also suffer badly from poor drainage and it is all due to the soil holding too much moisture. If a pot has been filled with a soil and sand mix that doesn’t allow air to penetrate and water to drain away then the only thing to do is start all over again.
Remove the tree and all the soil. Lift the pot off the ground to help improve drainage. Part fill with some premium potting mix, sprinkle a handful of hydrated water crystals and place in the new tree. Make sure the roots are teased out a little and back fill, keeping the graft above the soil line. Water in with a seaweed extract to get the roots really moving.
Always be consistent with watering potted plants. Citrus trees require soil that is moist but never soggy. Water, so it drains out the bottom. Once or twice a week watering, dependent on the weather, will be fine.
Keeping the plant in good shape is easy to do. Potted citrus can be pruned at any time of year. Pinching back new growth tips is the best way to fill out the trees without disturbing any future fruit. Then just trim for shape and balance.
Potted citrus are hungry creatures needing regular feeds, every 2 to 3 months. Use a slow release type combined with a good organic fertilizer.
Citrus are prone to micronutrient deficiencies like iron, manganese and zinc which shows up as mottled and yellowing leaves. Simply apply a trace element drench if this becomes a problem.
Potted citrus are just brilliant at creating a stylish, evergreen display for the modern backyard and all with a very useful added bonus.
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