Position
Plant your grafted tree in full sun, if possible. Citrus plants need 6-8 hours of sun. If not, partial shade will do. This double-grafted tree will grow to standard size, so plant it 3-5m apart.
Soil Type
Moderately loamy soil. Opt for soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, and ensure it drains well. Add at least one bag of acid compost to your soil.
Dig a hole that is at least 50 centimetres wide and 50 centimetres deep. If the soil is loamy (not clay), mix it with a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust. Volcanic rock dust re-mineralises your soil for better growth and fruit production.
Watering
Water your tree deeply once or twice a week. Do not allow the roots to remain wet, but also avoid prolonged dryness between watering.
Mulch
Mulch around the tree with GREEN pine needles or Pine bark Mulch. Mulch will maintain soil moisture and keep the soil slightly acidic. It also helps keep pests away. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertiliser
Citrus trees require a fertiliser high in nitrogen, which should be added from winter to spring. Use a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertiliser, such as our berry/all plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (caused by overwatering) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Pruning
A good time to prune your tree is once it stops fruiting. Remove branches in the middle of the tree to thin it out, as this will help control pests and diseases. Prune the tree to your desired height to enable easier harvest.
During the year, cut away branches that cross over one another and remove any tangled leaves, twigs, and branches to enable vertical growth.
Harvesting
Your tree should produce Lemons from February to May and Mandarins between May and October.
