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« on: October 21, 2016, 12:36:40 AM »
Hi all. After reading Millets postings and scant others on the net it became apparent to me the need for more actual information on growing this particular citrus. Id like to preface this log by saying that Im not a pro citrus grower. Im a backyard citrus student of 15 years. Many of those years spent trolling the net looking for information when I got into a bind. Hopefully this log will give someone else some new ideas. Please feel free to add to, correct or nullify any information on this log for the benefit of others.
This post starts recording information on Shiranui/Dekopon performance for others in North Florida or those in similar grow zones. There are 2 test plants : First planted last year in November 2015 to test conventional wisdom and the second in June of this year. Both are in ground. I am currently building a greenhouse around them and several other citrus trees which will share the space.
Background Information:
Pensacola Florida zone 8b/9a (depending where you live. I happen to be in on 9a by five miles). Water table 3 feet. Sandy soil. Full sun at 8 or more per day. Well water irrigation- ph 5.5 steady. Climate- hot humid hot then 3 months of winter which have included 8 sub 32 events lowest at 27 degrees. Up two three weeks of constant 38-50 degrees night lows. Mild winter last year.
The first Dekopon was planted in November 15 at 3 feet tall and was covered in agribon frost cloth and one string of Christmas lights when freezing temps were present . Spring brought flower and 39 set fruit. No fruit drop through summer and very little if any leaf drop. Unusual for fruit set considering time between transplant and fruit set. Interesting note adjacent Navel orange and blood orange trees suffered rust mite outbreaks on all fruit which has been controlled but no evidence of mites or russeting on any Dekopon fruit. Citrus red mite outbreak immediatly after application of Mach 2.0 mid summer. Citrus leaf miner damage through summer to new flushes. Following a photo out of Japan I supported each limb with twine which has been very succesfull now that the fruit are starting to turn color and size up. Current size 5 feet with 4 foot spread.
The second dekopon was transplanted out of pot at 3 feet and has languished. Slight yellowing of leaves, no new growth. Evidencing transplant shock. Neither growing or dying.
Fertilized Deko1 March May July- 1 cup citrus ferts. No fertilizer on Deko2 other than 1/4 strength fish emulsion foliar to leaves and 1/2 stength fish emulsion to base in August to counter what I initially thought was inadequate nitrogen.
Tomorrow Im going to post pictures of the plants and methods I used to limb support Deko1. See you tomorrow!