Hello everyone. I live in SE Alabama (8a) and I have a question about my changsha. It is a young tree only about 3' tall and own its own roots. This is their first winter in the ground. I know they are very cold tolerant when dormant but one of my trees has put on a new growth spurt. How tender is the new growth and what kind of protection do I need to give it this winter? Last time the trees were fertilized was back in August.

Thank you
Jack

Well, first it would be best not to fertilize after July 4 and even better, not after June 1. You can cover, cover with a heater, depends on the expected coldest temperature. The new growth will freeze. For most safety, bank dirt around the trunk so it doesn't get killed to the ground and may not come back from the roots.

Since you are 90 miles from the coast, I'd recommend the following:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/mr-tx/CitrusGreenhouse.jpg

And since you'll have to protect your citrus anyway(changsha or satsuma), why don't you grow satsuma, a much better fruit and a lot less seedy than changsha?

Thanks for the reply. I was using a guide that said not to fertilize after August. I guess I need to go back at least another month or so on my fertilizer schedule. I do have other citrus in the ground (3 satsumas and 1 Thomasville). They have done well with the August fertilizer schedule. That was why I was surprised when I had a new growth flush on just 1 changsha. For winter protection I use a sprinkler system to mist the satsumas. It has worked very well so far with the satsumas withstanding 17 degree temps 2 years ago with no damage. This is my first year with changshas though. I purchased them mainly because everyone around here are getting satsumas and I wanted something different for my collection. Also I was looking for something edible that will withstand a normal winter here without protection. BTW Mr Texas, I checked your website out. Great Info on grafting. Be careful on that bike.