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How to determine what is rootstock on citrus trees?

anitassn
Growing in Experience

How to determine what is rootstock on citrus trees?

Hi All

i had planted few fruit trees in my backyard few in late December. 
I had being reading about rootstocks taking over the main tree and the need to remove it .

but I am confused on which part is this rootstock. I have attached a photo of my Myer lemon tree. Can anyone help in confirming if these are rootstocks 

 

Additionally my Mandarin trees are not growing much after planting. I am feeding it with citrus feeder from Black Marvel.

is there anything else I should be worried about ?

All the trees gets sunlight most of time during the day.

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JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: help with citrus trees

Hi @anitassn,

 

Thank you for your questions about your citrus trees.

 

I am fairly confident that the graft is where I have circled below.

 

 

As all new shoots are coming from above the graft and the leaves all look the same, I don't think there is any rootstock growing. Allow me to tag @Noelle to see what she thinks.

 

Do you have any photos of the mandarin trees?

 

It's hard to say without seeing them what can be done. However, there are a few general tips that might help improve the growth of your Mandarin trees.

 

Firstly, soil quality is always a consideration. Mixing some compost into the soil can certainly help improve its structure and nutrient content. Compost adds organic matter, which enhances soil fertility and water retention, providing a better growing environment for your trees.

 

You might also like to check out the guide on How To Plant, Grow And Care For A Mandarin Tree for some further tips. This resource can provide you with detailed information on the best practices for planting, caring for, and maintaining healthy Mandarin trees.

 

Additionally, allow me to tag @mich1972 and @robchin to see if they can offer their expertise and help with your situation. They might have some specific advice based on their own experiences with citrus trees.

 

Let me know if you have any further questions or need more assistance.

 

Jacob

 

Noelle
Kind of a Big Deal

Re: How to determine what is rootstock on citrus trees?

Hi @anitassn 

The shoots on your Meyer lemon, as Jacob has already said, are NOT from the rootstock. They are all of the Meyer itself.

Citrus rootstock is often thorny and has leaves quite different to those of the top variety.

Make sure to keep the graft union well clear of the soil and mulch as this area is often susceptible to rotting.

mich1972
Home Improvement Guru

Re: How to determine what is rootstock on citrus trees?

Good afternoon @anitassn I agree with Jacob and Noelle with their great advice. Please please push the mulch away from the trunk 🙂🌿

robchin
Becoming a Leader

Re: How to determine what is rootstock on citrus trees?

Hi @anitassn 

Not sure if it's been mentioned but you might want to remove the bamboo stakes that came with the plant. The trees will be stronger in the trunk if you do that. You have the other stakes there now anyway. I'd be removing those too at the end of the 1st full growing season. 

anitassn
Growing in Experience

Re: help with citrus trees

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  Thank you for your valuable inputs, I have moved the mulch away from the graft. these are my mandarin trees. Hope it helps

anitassn
Growing in Experience

Re: help with citrus trees

Thank you will do

anitassn
Growing in Experience

Re: How to determine what is rootstock on citrus trees?

Thank you will do

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