Multiple Citrus Rootstock Questions (forum)

Robbo14 starts with ...
Afternoon all,

Few Questions in regards to my Citrus Rootstocks.

Ive purchased a Nursery Bench Top and plan of putting the Rootstock in an area that is 90-100% sunlight. Building a frame around the bench, what percentage of shade cloth should I get, I was thinking 70% or 90% shade cloth to cover the 4 sides and top? When do I put the trees in 100% sun?

I've put the Flying Dragon in 160 x 240 deep pots and the Trifoliate in 120 x 130 planter bags. Is there any benifit of pots vs poly planter bags? I can get my hands on bottomless citrus pots, would this be a better option?

What thickness does the rootstock need to be before grafting, 7 - 8mm?

How do I tell if I've watered them enough? I've been told to keep them in saucers 24/7 but concerned about drowning them.

When should I use fertiliser (Premium potting mix ATM) and can I used pest oil on them yet?

Will really appreciate any input.

Regards,


Mark
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Time: 13th December 2014 6:14pm

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About the Author Robbo14
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Brain says...
Imho ...

Shade cloth, the idea of shade is to encourage more upward growth, ie the plant tries harder to reach for sunlight, so in a sense, makes the rootstock grow taller, straighter faster. Yours seems to be a good size, so in that sense, the shade is probably not needed. But if after you graft and you want to let the plant settle, then some shade would be nice.

Pots, if you are trying to resale, then whatever is the cheapest option. Personally i would prefer a rigid plastic pot. But both works fine.

Thickness - pencil size seems to be the quoted size. But you still need the bark to slip.

Pest oil, as long as it doesnt get over 30 c, you can use pest oil. But your plants looks healthy enough and i dont think the leaf miners can be bothered with trifoliate's tiny leaves. Sure, use it if you have some pest problems, but otherwise i think its an overkill atm.

Good luck with the grafting.







Time: 14th December 2014 3:30pm

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About the Author Brain
Brisbane
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Robbo14 says...
Thankyou for the reply Brian,

I'm only really concerned about the Flying Dragon as they are a bit inconsistent and I've found a couple spiders/caterpillars.

These wont be for sale, just getting ready for purchase of a few acreage and wanting a few citrus varieties

Time: 14th December 2014 3:50pm

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JohnMc1 says...
From what I can see they look OK to graft. Brain is right, being under shade is only going to make them taller. My Sumo bud grafts onto Trifoliata I did couple of weeks ago are sitting in full sun.

Time: 14th December 2014 6:05pm

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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