Hello,

I planted a small kumquat in my yard in southern California (Irvine) about 3 or 4 months ago. It is getting progressively more unhappy, with yellowing at the edges of leaves. I applied a citrus fertilizer approximately 3 weeks ago without much effect (our dirt is pretty much devoid of nutrients-- all our plants require regular fertilization). Our winter has been pretty wet. Our soil doesn't drain the best. I've stopped watering the tree with our normal sprinkler system, and was going to water the tree every 2 weeks deeply to see if this helps. Any advice?

Thanks so much!!!



Here is a link to a photo-- I'm unable to get the picture to post here. Sorry...

http://www.geocities.com/disco_madman/PICT0054.JPG

Thoffman, Citrus in the grass is not good, citrus on a regular timed sprinkler system is not good, especially when the tree is placed inches from the sprinkler head. It looks to me that the tree is in need of some magnesium, and probably other trace elements. Even though you fertilized, and gave the tree some trace minerals, the trace element magnesium is usually not encluded in a trace mineral package. Much of the nutrients that you are attempting to feed the tree is surely being absorbed by the grass. Deep watering of the young tree will not do all that much good, as the root system of your Kumquat , in fact all citrus, is quite shallow. You can apply nurishment, especially trace minerals plus magnesium as a foliar spray. Apply the spray early in the morning or late in the afternoon. - Millet