How to trim a healthy blood orange citrus?

[erikc]

 

Hello I left this citrus alone and off-centre too long, 2 healthy but low and near horizontal branches developed turning it from a major stem to 3 main branches, do I need to prune right back the new side branches and straighten the young tree so it is more columnar? 

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @erikc. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about citrus care.

There's a possibility that all the new growth on the left is a sucker from the grafted rootstock. The size of the leaves, growth from low down on the plant, unusually flat branching, colour and vigorous growth are all indicators. However, the only thing that would make me question is that it appears to be growing from above the graft zone. Though, closer inspection might reveal otherwise. If this growth were any lower, I'd say to cut it off at the mark I've placed below.

Since it's above the graft zone, this could be a citrus water shoot/sprout, and the general consensus is to cut them off, as they typically do not produce quality fruit and suck energy from the plant and overshadow it.

Let me mention a couple of our gardening experts, @Noelle and @mich1972, to get their thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Noelle]

Hi @erikc 

I definitely agree with @MitchellMc  - the appearance of the stem on the vigorous sideshoot definitely resembles citrus rootstock and should be removed completely as soon as possible, before it takes over from the desired citrus variety. The only part that should be left intact is the main stem tied to the stake - the rest is "rogue" growth.

[erikc]

thanj you both i believe you are both correct the leaves and branches were too watery and large and very close to the graft and I have removed them. By the way a Bunnings person told me citrus doesn't need to gradually repot into larger and larger pots but in my reading specialist citrus growers do say don't plant straight away into a large pot. Do you agree?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @erikc,

I've had success going straight from a smaller pot to a larger pot, but I did use a quality potting mix. However, it's typically best to do it in stages, rather than immediately using the largest pot available. Gradual upsizing promotes the development of a robust root system, aiding in nutrient absorption and water uptake. It also allows for better moisture management, preventing issues like root rot and waterlogging.

Mitchell

[Jason]

Hi @erikc,

You might find the expert advice in @Noelle's guide How to pot a plant helpful.   

Jason