Question:
I’ve got a four-year-old lemon tree in a container on my patio. It blooms quite a bit, but the flowers never turn into lemons. Plus, the leaves get yellow with brown edges. I water it once a week, and the drainage seems good. Is it possible that the tree is not receiving sufficient sunlight to produce lemons?Answer:
- Citrus plants typically require six hours or more of sunlight daily. Warm, sunny days are crucial for sweetening up the fruit, so more sunlight is better. However, lemons and limes are naturally tart and mature with less sunlight.
- The failure to set fruit is not an exposure issue but rather a water stress problem. Your weekly watering schedule is inadequate for an established lemon in a container, especially with our typical summer temperatures.
- Citrus consists primarily of water, so when moisture is limited, they drop immature pea or marble-sized fruits to conserve water. In severe cases, the leaves may discolor with brown sections.
- Another contributing factor is how long the plants have been in their containers. Over time, the soil will be displaced by the new roots formed to support the top growth. Soil also disappears as it flows out of the drainage holes and is consumed by soil microbes. This is not a problem in the ground as there is ample space for the roots to expand.
- Not every flower produces a lemon, as many do not form naturally. Lemon flowers and fruit year-round, so there should be no shortage of lemons at any given time with adequate moisture.
- Yellow leaves can be associated with watering issues, but more likely they are due to a nutrient issue unrelated to watering frequency. Lemons, like other container plants, require regular feeding because nutrients are constantly leached from the soil and root zone with each watering.
- Both problems can be easily corrected by watering more often and establishing a consistent feeding pattern. When temperatures exceed 75 degrees, water the plant 3 times a week, and more frequently during warm weather. Besides heat, windy conditions can also dry out plants.
- Citrus plants are fed Citrus Food monthly from April through October or every four months with Osmocote.
Question:
I’m thinking of planting a pink dogwood, Cornus florida, as a lawn tree. Is this a good idea? Also, why don’t we see more dogwoods in gardens?Answer:
- Dogwoods are not suitable or recommended as lawn trees. The moisture required to maintain turf is excessive for Dogwoods. Excessive moisture, along with our clay soil, can lead to root rot and ultimately cause the plant to die.
- Another factor is our summer heat spells. The hot afternoon sun will scorch their leaves, especially in inland areas. So, you’ll need a location that is protected from the direct afternoon sun.
- Dogwoods are available for purchase in limited quantities. It is advisable to look for them in the fall, around Halloween. An independent garden center is generally a better option for purchasing Dogwoods than a ‘Big Box Retailer.