Citrus tree

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
nytangelo Bronx, NY Apr 28, 2008

I have an eight year old Tangelo tree grown from seed ( Honeybell ) in my kitchen. It looks pretty healthy and it's about three feet tall. My question is, will I ever see any blossoms and how do I plant this tree in Florida soil ?

Post #4875875
Quote
vetaflame San Diego, CA May 13, 2008

I don't know about Florida soil, but in my experience, citrus won't blossom without adequate sun. I live in San Diego and grow several varieties of citrus in containers outdoors. The ones that get more sun do better than those in shadier sites. My guess is, you're not seeing blossoms because your tree is inside. Try moving it, in its container, to a sheltered outdoor area (not in full sun) and gradually move it to sunnier spots as it adapts. Once you have it accustomed to the site where you want to put it, you should be able to plant it in the ground.

Post #4942850
Quote
DrDoolotz Oxford, NS(Zone 5b) May 13, 2008

I would not plant a tangelo in the ground in NY. There is no way that it will survive the winter. I have 4 citrus trees here in Iowa. They are all in large pots. I am hardiness zone 5a, probably similar to yours, although some of NY is 5b I think. In any case, I put my citrus outside in full sun at the end of May or early June, and I bring them in usually in late September. Mine range from 2 to 5 years old, and they all bloom. Mostly they bloom in spring (they have just finished blooming). One of mine is a trovita orange. I also have a lime, a lemon, and a limequat (cross between a lime and a kumquat). If you grew it from a seed, it is fairly likely that it was a hybrid tangelo, and it may not grow true to seed. This is always a problem with hybrids. If you want to plant it in Florida soil, I think you'd have to drive to Florida to get some! But I don't know why you want it in Florida soil? The soil won't make it bloom. I think it probably doesn't get enough light, although I am not a citrus expert. All my citrus are dwarf varieties and 3 of them came from Four Winds Citrus (by mail). The other one I got at Lowe's. The limequat and lemon have both had successful fruits. The lime and orange I only got last year so this will be their 1st year to fruit. They both have fruits developing on them. I strongly recommend that if you are interested in growing indoor citrus, you buy one (or more) from a company like Four Winds that provides grafted citrus varieties ideal for growing indoors. I am really not sure why your tangelo isn't blooming because I'm not an expert, but it may be not enough light, or it may be that tangelos take years before they bloom.

Good luck with your citrus!
Claire

Post #4942886
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP