'Out of season' growth and pruning

Hello from a newbie to this site!

Particularly on my lemons, oranges and Limequats, I have quite a lot of new growth. They are in containers in the greenhouse (over the winter) and I've been keeping them between 7 and 12 degrees C (7 & 12 degrees F) I only usually get new growth in about April and maybe some in September if the weather is good (keeping at the same temperatures above over winter) So this is a bit weird for me!

Is this expected and ok. Will it affect growth and good fruit in the spring.

As there is growth, would it be ok to prune a little to keep a good shape for the trees

Thanks

Hello once again CitrusNick.

Growth flushes should occur once every 3-4 months. I normaly flush my containers out with fresh water about 3 times a year.

The way I do this ( others may do it differently) is that I like to place the container in a larger container of water. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes. to loosen the saults. Remove the citrus container and flush good with fresh water.

As far as pruning. I never prune, unless I have a sick tree. pruning will cut your friut production.

I grow a number of Mandarins. Owari Satsuma, Dancy, Ortanique, Miho and a few others. Myself the best are Owari Satsuma and Miho.

Within the next few days I plan to repot. It has been suggested by many to do this at least once a year.

Also in the cooler months it's best to keep the root zone at about 70F or 21C.

I hope you find this a bit of help. Once again welcome. Dale

Thanks Dale

Hi Citrus Nick,I have had the same experience in new zealand.We have just gone into winter here.I have 12 trees in pots outside and 3 or 4 of them are putting out new growth,whilst others are dormant! I have just fed them.I feel what the heck,if they are happy,then why not.It has been mild here though.If daytime temps are over 12c,then the roots will be active.However,if it goes below this ,so down to 5c or lower then roots are inactive.
I believe if the temps come up in the day like that,there is no reason why the roots should not be active,even in winter.I would only prune the tips,to encourage bushyness and thats only if they are long branches.
The biggest enemy for citrus in winter is cold,wet roots(lack of o2 in rootzone).If you keep them moist and a bit warm,they will still grow through winter without a rest period.Some citrus are more prone to this,i think.Keep them moist only and if growing,feed half strength! go for it.Good Luck