The Tropical Fruit Forum

If you want a fruit to mature on the tree, and still let the trees highest chance for good growth, you can leave one fruit on the tree until it matures.  This is because all citrus draws its energy to grow and ripen from only the three closes leaves to the fruit.

 Right now is the perfect time to spray your tree with low biuret Urea which will increase fruit size.  Low biuret urea foliar spay is especially good for Dekopon so the fruit dosen't just develop the squash shape.

SC4oo,  yes you should be able to tell the true FD. As the seedlings get larger you will notice that some will have less curving in both the stem and branches, but less curves then the true FD cultivars .  You will have to use your judgement between your seedlings.

The curled leaves is the plant trying its best to protect itself from the intense heat and sun.  Some shading will help greatly.  Also check to insure that the tree is getting enough water.

I purchase the giant 50 lb bag for baseball fields

silicone has many benefits for citrus.  Here is what the University of California has to say about silicone.

https://citrusindustry.net/2023/05/24/silicon-could-benefit-florida-citrus/









 

During summer months spray horticultural oils in the evening before sunset and you should be fine.

I assume your tree is growing in a container.  If so, you can cut off the main central stem of the tree at approximately 2 foot of height.  After doing so, the tree will began to produce side branching growth in several weeks time.

The University of Florida recommends fertilizing 1 year old citrus trees 6 times per year with a 6-6-6 formula fertilizer.  Beginning about 2 weeks after planting, frequent light applications of fertilizer should be made approximately every 6 weeks. In Florida fertilizer should not be applied between October1 and February 1 for the first year or two, especially in regions north of Polk county. 

How long has the tree been growing i the same container and same medium?

Generally a citrus tree does not produce acceptable fruit until it reaches 5 years of age.  I remember Dr. Malcolm Manners saying the very best grapefruit he ever ate was picked off of a 25 year old tree growing on the grounds of Florida Southern College.

Brian is exactly correct.  Flying Dragon as a cultivar always has zigzag stems and strongly curved thorns, it is an easy way without a DNA test of selecting predominantly true clonal Flying Dragon seedlings.  Discard those witch are obviously and definitely genetically different.  The more or less straight steamed & straight throne are not Flying Dragon.  One more comment about Flying Dragon. Trees growing on Flying Dragon root stock produce higher quality fruit because it is a slower garroting rootstock.