Citrus in the Home Garden, New Zealand Department of Agriculture. Bulletin no. 393 26p 1972
A little dated but a nice beginners guide to citrus. Explains how to choose trees,rootstocks and buds and varieties of citrus available. There are probably a lot more varieties now, so only useful if you know you have an old variety.
As the trees have tohave good drainage, it suggests that if you have clay soil, planting the treein mounds a few centimetres off the ground to avoid waterlogging, but take care to water plant in the sumer to stop drying out. Do not plant too deep or you will get collar rot. Plant in April to September when frost has passed.
A common reason for citrus trees to fail is not enough food. Yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth is caused by nitrogen deficiency. Blood and bone has nitrogen and phosphorus (.75kg pre year of tree uo to 6.75kg), supplement this with muriate of potash (.5kg per 6.75kg of blood and bone). Apply in two dressing a year, 2/3 in August and 1/3 in February up to 1 metre past the drip circle. They love poultry manure but keep away fromthe trunk.
"Grass clippings, weds, leafmould, compost and other organic material can be thrown under the tree, but take care to keep the mulch away from the tree."
Mulch also conserves water. Cultivate around the tree to keep weeds down so the tree doesn't need extra water and fertiliser.
Lime may need to be added if a lot of animal manure is added to the soil.
The best way to store citrus fruits is on the tree as oranges, manadrins and grapefruit do not ripen after been cut from the tree.
Some good old fashioned advice.
A little dated but a nice beginners guide to citrus. Explains how to choose trees,rootstocks and buds and varieties of citrus available. There are probably a lot more varieties now, so only useful if you know you have an old variety.
As the trees have tohave good drainage, it suggests that if you have clay soil, planting the treein mounds a few centimetres off the ground to avoid waterlogging, but take care to water plant in the sumer to stop drying out. Do not plant too deep or you will get collar rot. Plant in April to September when frost has passed.
A common reason for citrus trees to fail is not enough food. Yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth is caused by nitrogen deficiency. Blood and bone has nitrogen and phosphorus (.75kg pre year of tree uo to 6.75kg), supplement this with muriate of potash (.5kg per 6.75kg of blood and bone). Apply in two dressing a year, 2/3 in August and 1/3 in February up to 1 metre past the drip circle. They love poultry manure but keep away fromthe trunk.
"Grass clippings, weds, leafmould, compost and other organic material can be thrown under the tree, but take care to keep the mulch away from the tree."
Mulch also conserves water. Cultivate around the tree to keep weeds down so the tree doesn't need extra water and fertiliser.
Lime may need to be added if a lot of animal manure is added to the soil.
The best way to store citrus fruits is on the tree as oranges, manadrins and grapefruit do not ripen after been cut from the tree.
Some good old fashioned advice.
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