Meyers Lemons

[NOLAguyXM]

I just bought a Meyers Lemon tree from Park Seed Company. I received a

2 year old tree in a one gallon pot. Although, the plant was in good shape, the pot was crushed a little and would not stand on it's own. I repotted in a 2 gallon pot immediately, using Miracle Grow potting soil. The plant has a lot of beautiful white/purple flowers. I am wondering, how often should I water? I see many different suggestions on the web, so am a little confused. So far, I have bottom watered every other day. But, now I'm hearing that maybe I should only water once a week?? SHould I use any extra fertilizer along with the Miracle Grow soil? Someone please help. Also, when should I expect to see fruit? I live in Silver Spring, MD, so the plant is indoors for now. I'm hoping to get it outdoors in the next couple of weeks for the summer.

Thanks! Jay

[David]

Jay,

I'm not an expert on citrus, but I do have a few producing trees in my yard. I've been told that citrus is a water as needed plant and we only feel the need to water our established trees when we go through an extended dry spell. My Duncan grapefruit is in a pot (I can't bear to put it in the ground as we may be moving in the next couple of years) and we water about twice a week.

As for fruit setting, if your flowers have been fertilized you should start to see miniature fruit within a few weeks. Some of the fruit on our Meyer is already an inch or more in diameter after fruiting late Feb. / early March. We usually get ripe fruit from November through January.

Hope that helps.

David

[NOLAguyXM]

Thanks David!

I will begin watering a little less frequently, as that is what I'm gathering from many sources. Also, I did notice tonight what looked to be the beginnings of about 6 lemons, so I'll keep a close watch over the next few weeks. Also, I noticed a few "thorns" from the main branch, mostly just below clusters of flowers. Is this normal? Should I prune these, or is this a sign of something wrong?

Jay

[David]

Nothing wrong there - lemon trees have thorns (and they can puncture any garden glove I've used, so be careful).

Good Luck, David

[NOLAguyXM]

Most of the flowers have fallen, and I now have the beginnings of about

12 lemons. Looking good so far.

Jay

[David]

Not bad for a first year!