Citrus

Growing citrus trees in containers is possible, especially in colder parts of New Zealand. As all citrus have a substantial root system, you must select containers that are large and feasible to move, such as half wine barrels.

Yellowing leaves on your kaffir lime is very typical of many citrus trees at this time of the year. It is symptomatic of a nutrient deficiency, especially nitrogen.

From the image you have supplied it looks like you have a fungus problem known as sooty mould which is caused by scale and/or other sucking insects and is a very common problem on citrus.

The only real way to obtain large feijoas is to buy a cutting grown named variety, which guarantees the size of the fruit as long as the plant is cultivated correctly. For example; Apollo, Gemini or Unique.

Usually, yellowing leaves on citrus plants indicates a nutrient deficiency, especially a lack of nitrogen. However, this does not always lead to leaf fall, therefore there are other possible reasons why your plant is being defoliated.

Successfully growing a lemon tree in Dunedin, even Anderson’s Bay, can be a rather difficult task. In the winter months, as the temperature drops in late afternoon, the possibility of a severe frost becomes a very real danger for your lemon tree.

Generally, citrus trees do not like being transplanted. Physically they shed their leaves quite quickly and often die as too many roots are cut or they have dried out at any time after being shifted.

For citrus trees to grow well, it is essential that they are grown in an open, well drained and exceptionally well sheltered position. If they receive too much wind during the flowering period they will never set fruit.

For citrus trees to grow well, it is essential that they are grown in an open, well drained and exceptionally well sheltered position. If they receive too much wind during the flowering period they will never set fruit.

Don’t apply any extra fertiliser to your lemon tree during the winter months as there will be no plant uptake of nutrients and this can lead to excess soluble salts which can cause defoliation.