Citrus

Turtledancer · January 2023

I over wintered two citrus plants in an unheated greenhouse. The lime plant has lost all its leaves, the lemon had white mould on some branches. I removed any old fruit, and mouldy areas. Neither plant looks healthy. What can I do to revive them?.

MikeOxgreen · January 2023

Put them somewhere more sensible and hope for the best is all you can do.

Dovefromabove · January 2023

Can you show us some photos of the plants please

Turtledancer · January 2023

Turtledancer · January 2023

The Lemon was OK last winter, but this year with the big freeze, it took a knock. The lime is its first winter.

Obelixx · January 2023

I think the one with remaining foliage could do with being potted on and given good, loam based compost such as John Innes no 3. I think you need to wait and see with the lime but maybe try giving them both a tonic of liquid tomato feed, diluted according to instructions.

Assuming they survive, you'll need to follow the citrus feeding regime - high nitrogen form about April to September and higher P and K the rest of the year. They need to be kept frost free in a well lit space over winter so if you can't do that indoors you'll need to insulate your greenhouse with bubble wrap and give them a tent made from fleece to give extra portection.

Turtledancer · January 2023

Thankyou so much. I will give this all a try. 😊

bédé · January 2023

I bought my lemon plant from Citrus Centre. No problems. In the past I have followed all theeir advice, but I have slowly adapted to suit mt experience.

I finf that for me the cold greenhouse is not hot enough; the integral garage (thpugh a light one) is not light enough. I need to water weekly (not too much) to keep some leaves on, but still lose many. It's very happy outside in the sun.

The fruit may be small and green, but the G&Ts are marvellous. The scent is heavenly and carries for metres.

15 years and still learning

tui34 · January 2023

Hello @Turtledancer and welcome.

In the first photo which I think is your lemon tree - it is best to leave well alone and wait until spring. When and if buds appear, nip off the dead branches above the budding then follow @Obelixx expert advice.

The second photo shows a wee tree that looks dehydrated. Although they don't require water during the winter months, you need to show initiative and give it some water.

Citrus trees are hardy - they bounce back. You'll be surprised.

philippasmith2 · January 2023

It can also depend on the variety. IME, Meyers Lemon is one of the best varieties for the UK. It CAN be kept outside in milder areas all year round with adequate protection in a "normal" winter Otherwise as per @Obelixx a well insulated GH with individual protection as needed. Some leaf loss over the colder months is inevitable but doesn't automatically mean death

Obelixx · January 2023

I seem to remember it was you @philippasmith2 that first advised about the seasonal feeding regime for my Meyer lemon and Limquat a few years ago. It has paid dividends so Thank You.

Citrus

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