LEMON AND LIME TREES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Success with citrusTo achieve the best growth and a bountiful harvest, bear in mind the following:Plant in full sun in well-drained soilThe roots of citrus require more oxygen than many other trees so make sure that the soil drains well and is never waterlogged. The best soil for citrus is moderately heavy loam mixed with a good amount of decayed manure and sand. Heavy clay soils are not suitable. The soil in containers should be a fibrous loam enriched with dried cow manure and a tablespoon of bonemeal.Water regularlyCitrus trees need regular watering particularly during the time they are flowering and setting fruit, when the soil should be kept moist at all times. For the rest of the year, make sure that the trees do not dry out completely. To conserve moisture, keep the root area well mulched at all times, preferably with compost.Fertilise correctlyApply a balanced fertiliser that has a high nitrogen and medium potassium level in July, December and March. During the first few years of growth, give the tree 300g at each application. In subsequent years gradually increase this amount to 2,5kg for a mature, large citrus tree. In addition, give the tree 75g of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) three times a year. First put down a mulch of compost and then spread the fertiliser around the trunk, going as far out as the drip line of the branches. Water well after application.Prune when necessaryIn recent years it has been proved that pruning citrus can be beneficial for fruit production when it is done in such a way as to let more light penetrate the canopy of the tree. Always prune after fruiting, and carry out many smaller branch prunings, rather than removing just a few larger branches. Aim to have four to six well-positioned, scaffold branches by the first year of bearing. (Scaffold branches are branches that grow laterally from a tree trunk and that provide the framework of the mature tree). In subsequent years, remove ‘extra’ scaffold branches and thorny water shoots, as well as any suckers.Protect from pestsKeep your citrus safe from pests, the most common of which is citrus psylla. An infestation results in a swelling on the upper leaf caused by insects underneath the leaf. Citrus psylla affects mainly young trees. Spray with Biogrow’s eco-friendly Pyrol or Bioneem, or Efekto’s Natural Insecticide. Less common are the orange dog caterpillar, which can be removed by hand, or spray them with Pyrol or Bioneem, and red and brown scale which can be sprayed with Pyrol, Oleum or Dursban 2E.