How to Get More Leaves on a Makrut Lime Tree
I have two makrut lime bushes that are bearing more fruit than leaves. What should I add to promote more leaf production and reduce fruiting as their leaves are more useful for Asian cooking?
Yes, a makrut lime can be encouraged to produce more leaves by removing excess fruit and feeding to support leafy growth rather than fruiting.
When a makrut lime carries a heavy crop of fruit, a lot of its energy goes into fruit production instead of fresh new leaves. If the leaves are what matter most for cooking, remove a good number of the fruit now. If the plant is heavily loaded, it is fine to take most of it off.
In spring, feed with Daltons Garden Time Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser to support healthy new growth. If it still puts more energy into fruit than leaves, a fertiliser with a little more nitrogen can help encourage more vegetative growth. Keep the tree evenly watered through the growing season as well, as this helps support softer, leafy growth.
To encourage more leaves:
- remove excess fruit now
- remove any remaining fruit as spring growth begins
- feed in spring with citrus fertiliser
- pick leaves regularly to encourage fresh new shoots
