Lurkers, come in and join us

OK, I know your out there, shy, curious, not sure you would enjoy growing citrus, etc. This is as friendly a place you will ever find on the net, so come out and say hi, make post #1 right here, and we will all give you a gracious welcome, and make you comfortable. If your just a part-timer, or feel you don't find anything to talk about, it's OK! Tell us about the plants in your yard, or the plants you wish to grow! Your welcome here, so stand up and be heard, we'd love to meet and greet you!

Hi, My sister went to Florida and brought me a naval orange tree and a lemon tree--not dwarf. The only time I've ever tried anything was when I mail ordered 8-10 inch citrus specimens that came in with a white powery fungus or bug. I don't know if that killed my potted plants which I had placed in my sunroom or if it was watering problems...anyway, they all died. Now I'm wondering whether to plant these new trees inside--placing them in my sunroom--or outside...potted or in the ground. I live about 4 blocks off the ocean in the Cape Fear area of NC...across the water from Southport. (zone 8). Where do I start and what do I need to look out for? Thx

imwith2old2care, By planting outside, if you temps get below 35 deg F. you would need to add heat protection from the cold. Many of the Manderines are best suited for below 35 Deg. temps.

You sunroom my be a good place. At this time I don't know if you tree is in a container or bare rooted, being a full size tree should'nt be a problem the container will help it contol the size for a number of years.

Some tips for growing in containers is not to have to large of container and a fast draining soil mix citrus like a well airated soil mix fast draining they do not like wet feet. the small orchid mix should work well for you. and the container should have good drainage holes at bottom. A good watering once a week, let the top couple of inches dry before watering.

Once ever 3-4 months flush the container with fresh water to remove the saults. They really like the bath and should begin a new growth cycle. Welcome to CN, I hope this helps.

I do not think that citrus plants cam be brought from Florida legally.

Hello imwith2old2care,
I'm sure that your sister brought you the Meyers Lemon 2 years or so ago before the band on exporting citrus from FL.
There are 2 situations you need to watch for in this area weather wise.
1. A sudden drop of temperature from 70 or 80 degs. to the lower 20's.
2. When the temperature drops below 20 degs more or less.
With this said, micro climates can help. There is a Stone Business in Ogden that has 2 Meyers Lemons in thick clay pots. They have lost there leave but other wise are doing fine. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe lots of large stones and stacks of stones may be working to hold the heat.
They are short and close to the dirt. This would help utilize the retained heat in the pots.
As for me, I would not trust having the right micro climate. I bring my Meyers Lemons in when the temperature is going to be into the 20's. If I had them in the ground I would cover them.
Sheltons Herb Farm has a large selection of Citrus. Margaret Shelton is also quite knowledgeable about citrus
Terry
PS This is what I use in the winter.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register...]

__________________

You're right about the Meyers Lemon. I'm putting mine in my sunroom. I like your green house.