Planting Instructions
Whether planting in pots or directly in the ground, choose a sunny location—especially during the winter ripening season.
Prepare the Hole:
Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and 1.5 times as deep.
Scar the walls of the hole to encourage root growth.
Planting the Tree:
Position the root ball 1 inch above the soil line.
Fill the bottom two-thirds of the hole with native soil.
Fill the top third with a blend of soil, compost, and a handful of fertilizer.
Finishing Touches:
Build a basin around the base to prevent water runoff.
Fill the basin with 1-2 inches of compost.
Water thoroughly.
Watering Schedule:
First 6 Months:
Hand-water regularly, ensuring the tree doesn’t dry out.
Water no more than once per week.
After 1 Year:
Water when the top inch of soil is dry (every 1-3 weeks, depending on garden location, soil type, and season).
Water deeply for 5 minutes, filling the basin below the tree.
Spray leaves, especially the undersides, to control insect populations.
Early Feeding Schedule
Early December: Heavy feeding.
June: Light feeding.
Use organic-based fertilizers to prevent root burn. Look for Citrus/Avocado fertilizers with an NPK ratio around 6-4-4.
Lightly work the amendment into the topsoil across the watering basin and water deeply.
In the first year look to apply a small amount of Nitrogen, about ¼ lb of actual Nitrogen, spread out about four times a year..So if you are using 6-4-4, You would apply 1lb of the 6-4-4 at each feeding.
A good way to remember the timing is around major holidays.. Super Bowl (Early Feb) Spring Equinox (Mid March) Earth Day (Mid April) and the last feeding around the Summer Solstice (Mid to Late June).
In year two, double the amount of N to ½ lb. Year three ¾ lb of N and year four and every year after, apply 1 to 1 ½ lbs of Nitrogen each subsequent year.
In addition to the major nutrients (NPK) four times a year, citrus needs an adequate amount of micronutrients to produce sweet, juicy fruit and stay green year round. We accomplish this by spraying a micronutrient rich foliar feeding to the leaves two times per year, spring (around Earth Day) and fall (around Halloween). I like to mix kelp and a balanced micronutrient mix that includes iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Follow label instructions for applications.
Monitor for Deficiencies:
Check young leaves frequently.
If leaves aren’t solid green, foliar feed the undersides or soak the soil with Citrus Grower Blend every two weeks in the early morning until leaves appear healthy.
Pruning Schedule
Best Time: Around December feeding and before flowering.
Shape: Aim for a dense, semi-rounded canopy, broader at the base.
Ongoing Maintenance: Remove dead or low branches as needed throughout the year.
Pest Management
Common pests include leaf miners, mealybugs, aphids, and hard scale. The best defense is maintaining a healthy tree with proper watering and feeding. Regularly spray the leaves to help control pest populations.
