Question
QUESTION: Hello Nick,
    I live in Sacramento, Calif. I have a Myer lemon tree in a container right now standing on the south side of my home where it can get morning sun only as it is very hot here. Please tell me if this is where I can also plant it in the ground. It is right up against my white house wall.
    Also can I plant my Bearss Lime up against my wall too about five feet from the Lemon? Oh one more thing please, it is a constant 93-100 degrees here right now, can I plant them now, I wanted to get them in the ground before winter begins, lol if we have one I mean.
    Thanks so much for your time Nick,


     Lucinda

ANSWER: Hi Lucinda, They both can take the heat, they are also very compatible and will cross pollinate, giving you a better crop on each one; the location is somewhat suspect however, because the roots need room to spread and the wall could corrupt this. I would give each at least 6 feet in each direction.:) let me know if you have any other questions on this subject...and good luck! Nick

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QUESTION: You are so sweet to answer me so quickly. I read that my myer and lime should be flooded once a week and that is good for them. What are your views on the watering practices?

Lucinda

ANSWER: .....Citrus are very susceptible to root rot, if standing water is allowed to saturate their root system, so my opinion is not to partake in this flooding; (where did you hear this?); here in Florida, we irrigate our Citrus once a week, if there is no rain, they are pretty drought tolerant, but do need watering on a weekly basis. :)Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Nick,
    When you say watering on a weekly basis does this mean once a week, or what exactly??
    Lolol I am so sorry I do have a green thumb my plants and I have a very good relationship, it's just that I want my citrus trees to flourish and be happy, they are my first ones. So far the lemon flowered and the flowers have already fallen off. Don't laugh but what can I look for if there is a lemon present in that little cup??

Lucinda

Answer
Make sure they get a good watering once a week, and if the flowers were pollinated, the petals fall off and a small pea size lemon will appear, but not on all of them; usually about 30-40 per cent develop into fruit, and then only a small per cent of those actually mature, the rest will drop off before they even get to the size of a marble.:)