kumquat tree not producing

[CarolynB]

We have a potted kumquat tree which got overly dry one winter when we were overwhelmed with preparing to move and didn’t get to the watering soon enough as a result. Most of the leaves dried up, and many branches seemed dead, so we thought the tree had probably died. But we continued to water it just in case. It did grow new branches and leaves, and appears to be reasonably healthy ever since. However, it’s now three years later, and it has failed to give us any fruit since that time. It finally started flowering again, but the fruits mostly fall off while they’re still tiny.

Is this tree a lost cause, or is there something we can do to encourage it to fruit again? We do fertilize it, although possibly not quite as much as we should. Another possible issue is that it’s in the West sideyard, where it gets afternoon sun (reflected off the white side of the house), but not sun all day. Is it possible that it needs more sun than this to produce fruit? Our potted lime tree is in the same location, and it does produce some fruit. Any help or insight with this would be appreciated.

[Gnome]

CarolynB,

Although I can't speak from experience, don't see too many citrus in PA , I would tend to think that it would do better in full sun. One other thing to consider is that from your description you have had this for some time and have not mentioned re-potting, it might be due.

Take a look at these; don't let the bonsai references throw you, it is all relevant.

http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/soilage.htm
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/soils.htm
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/earthpot.htm
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/rootball.htm

Norm

[CarolynB]

Thanks for the links to the potting/soil information. It's very informative, and I learned some valuable things.

CarolynB

[Gnome]

CarolynB,

You're welcome. Brent really knows his stuff when it comes to potted trees.

Norm