Rx For Citrus & Fruit Trees

Citrus and avocados, along with other fruit trees, require many favorable conditions in order for them to set fruit. Here are some of them:

SELECTION of a good tree is priority number one. A tree grown from seed almost never bears good fruit.

LIGHT & Water greatly affect fruit production. Trees want plenty of sunshine and they should be DEEP WATERED when the soil needs it. Check to a depth of 4”-6” before watering.

POLLINATION is necessary, so plant trees downwind from each other or cluster several trees together.

FEEDING properly is a must. Tests show our Southern California soil to be deficient in NITROGEN, the leaf producing element, in PHOSPHATE, the flower and fruit element, in HUMUS, the organic matter all plants need thrive, beneficial BACTERIA, and important TRACE MINERALS such as iron, sulfur, zinc, and others. A proper feeding program must include these elements.

HOW TO FEED:

1. Pre-water your trees 24 hours before feeding.

2. If established, bore holes 18”-24” deep around the dripline of the tree. If new, plan to cultivate into top 3” of soil.

3. Apply into holes or cultivate into top 2" of soil 1 lb. GARDNER & BLOOME FRUIT TREE FOOD per 1" trunk diameter.  A 4" trunk will require 4 lbs.

4. Top dress the entire area around the tree with BUMPERCROP. One bag is average for most trees. WATER IMMEDIATELY.

*Note:  Adding MINERAL SOIL CONDITIONER in early spring will help dissolve harmful salts and add important minerals for more flavorful fruit.

The best program is to feed your trees four times a year, or monthly if foliage is yellow or sparse:

JANUARY

Spray with COPPER and PEST FIGHTER OIL.

FEB – MARCH

Apply GARDNER & BLOOME FRUIT TREE FOOD, MINERAL SOIL CONDITIONER, and BUMPERCROP. Release ladybugs or use ALL SEASON SPRAY OIL or PEST FIGHTER OIL to control insects organically.

JUNE

Apply GARDNER & BLOOME FRUIT TREE FOOD. Ladybugs and PEST FIGHTER OIL can still be used for effective organic insect control.

AUGUST

Apply same food as in June.

NOVEMBER

Same three items as in February-March. Citrus white fly is a problem. PEST FIGHTER OIL is a good choice for control.

SPRAY for pests, as needed, during the year with a good fruit tree spray. Ask a MASTER NURSERY PROFESSIONAL for assistance in selecting sprays. The citrus leafminer is a pest that causes the leaves to curl up and can cause defoliation if not treated. Spray with the organic CAPTAIN JACK'S DEADBUG spray to treat affected trees and use the pheromone lure trap to prevent an infestation.

*Note: An application of Chelated Iron in the spring will help hold flowers and buds and green up the leaves.