Why are my Meyer lemons not maturing? They form little buds and then fall off.?
Question:
Answers:
It's quite normal for citrus to fall off prematurely during the maturation process. Many people will tell you that only 5% of the blooms will ever reach maturity..so during that time, you'll see many small fruit fall.
Citrus trees typically go through three distinct periods of fruit drop; First, the majority of it occurs during and immediately following bloom. Second drop occurs a couple of weeks later, involving small fruit of pea-size to marble-size. AND the third drop occurs in late May to mid-June, involving larger fruit. A few more fruit will continue to drop through to harvest, but that's normal and can't be prevented.
There are other reasons we see immature fruit drop prior to harvest. Here's a few things you need to consider to see if you've got your lemon tree exposed to right growing conditions;
1) Keep soil moist throughout the season, any fluctuations from too dry and then to too wet may cause fruit drop. IF your tree is in a container, remember that full exposure to the sun will warm up the container and cause the soil to heat up as well. (Try to protect the container from the afternoon sun if this is the case) During the summer months, you may need to water 2 or 3 times a week to maintain the proper soil moisture.
2) Check the pH of your soil, citrus trees prefer soils to be in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. Either have it analyzed by your local farm advisor or take a sample to the agricultural cooperative extension office. I usually use a cheap pH meter purchased from most hardware/garden shops. It's not the most accurate but it gives you a good idea of where it is. Add lime if your soil is below 6.0. AND if your soil is well above 6.5, add soil sulfur. A good soaking after application will help move them down into the rootzone.
Once the pH is adjusted, the roots will be able to uptake the nutrients more readily. IMPORTANT: If phosphorous is unavailable, you'll see fruit drop.
3) Since citrus trees are heavy nitrogen feeders, try to use a fertilizer with a 2-1-2 or a 3-1-2. In some stores, you'll be able to find specialized citrus/avocado fertilizers. Try to use a slow-release fertilizer such as Lutz 8-4-8 or Osmocote 17-6-10. Generally, fertilizer stakes aren't recommended since they tend to burn roots and will sometimes kill trees.
Iron, zinc, and manganese are very important trace elements, so make sure those are included as well.
Hope this supplies you with enough information so you'll be able to have a bountiful crop of lemons. GOOD LUCK!
-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science
Your question does not mention whether the plant is in the ground or in a pot. I'll assume the latter. You may have been fertilizing too much when you water or with a granular food. Sometimes the buds on all fruit trees will abort the bloom due to excessive fertilizer. My recommendation is to remove the top couple of inches of soil and replace it with fresh. Also make sure the plant is not planted too deep.
sounds to me like a water and drainage problem. usually too little water or could it be too much fertilizer? w/ out knowing more I'd have to say it was too little water. or watering inconsistantly. you cant not baby this type of plant and hope for good results!
It is called "blossom drop" and is from over watering or bad drainage...heres a link all about blossom drop on citrus trees
More Related Questions & Answers...