• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Orange-Fruits-Falling-Off-Before-Fully-Developed.jpg

Orange Fruits Falling Off Before Fully Developed

We’re having problems with our 2-year-old orange tree. Each year it blooms and oranges start to emerge, but then the oranges fall off before they develop. We’ve given it Epson salt and fertilizer and moved it out of our strong Texas wind, but nothing has worked.

Young orange (generally hardy in zones 9 to 11) and other fruit trees usually don’t have the energy reserves to support fruit to maturity. Many gardeners and experts recommend removing the first few sets of fruit on young trees. This allows the plant to use its energy to develop strong roots instead of fruit. Once the plant is established, it should be fine.  Soil moisture problems also can cause fruit to drop before it’s ripe. Dry or waterlogged soils also can cause fruit to fall prematurely. Make sure the plant receives sufficient water, and mulch the soil to keep surface roots moist.  Container-grown plants should be planted in a pot that’s at least 1-1/2 feet in diameter and checked once a day for water.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW