Question From:
Carl in Mudgee, Nsw New South Wales
Nature of problem:
Planting out citrus
Type of Plant (if known):
Tahitian Lime and eureka lemon
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
I have had these plants in terracotta pots for 10 years. I am considering planting them into the ground which is a heavy clay. Any tips for such a mature plant?
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Heavy clay
How often do you water the plant:
Weekly
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
7 to 12
How long since you planted it:
10 years
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Yes… blood and bone every three months
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Currently in pot
What other treatments have you given the plant:
None
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
I have had these plants in terracotta pots for 10 years. I am considering planting them into the ground which is a heavy clay. Any tips for such a mature plant?
Answer:
Hi Carl, Some photos would have enabled to help you a lot better. Firstly, Mudgee is a very cold area to grow tropical citrus. They can survive, but they will hate your Winters: you need to find a frost-free, sunny area to plant them in. Equally you need to root prune the citrus a bit. Get a really sharp serrated knife and cut off the bottom 2cm of the root ball, and also shave off about 2cm of roots all the way around the sides, top to bottom. Do this in early August. Fertilise with citrus food in early September. Good luck, Don
