How Often Should I Water?

In the ground, water deeply once a week.
In outdoor containers, water deeply once or twice a week.
Indoors, water with 1/4 - 1/2 gallon every 5-7 days or less.

Please bear in mind that each environmental condition is slightly different so it is important to monitor your plants to learn what they desire. Eventually you will find a consistent schedule that changes with the seasons and learn what works between you and your plants. Each watering practice may also vary slightly as sun, wind and temperature conditions change. Watering a containerized tree can be challenging, but correct soil mix conditions will make caring for your tree easy.

Citrus trees like deep, infrequent watering so that the conditions move towards dryness and REMAIN ON THE DRY SIDE OF MOIST! Watering frequency will vary with soil porosity, tree size, and temperature. Allowing the top of the soil to become dry will not hurt the tree. It is important to access soil water levels from deeper down where the roots are. A moisture meter can be used to read moisture at the root level. This inexpensive tool will assist you in the temptations that lead to over watering. A wilted tree that perks up within 24 hours after watering indicates the roots got too dry. Adjust watering schedule accordingly. A tree with yellow or cupped leaves, or leaves that don't look perky AFTER watering can indicate excessive watering and soggy roots. In this case one should, water less frequently.

For heavy/clay soil: Air spaces are tiny in clay soil, making it impossible for water to drain away rapidly. You should adjust your watering schedule to be somewhat less frequent. Allow time for the soil to drain and the surface to dry out, but don't go so far as to let new growth wilt. You can also amend your soil before planting with compost, potting mix or wood shavings.

Leaf drop: If you observe excessive leaf drop a few days after a heavy watering, the tree became too dry before it was watered. In the future, be consistent in your watering schedule. Leaf drop may also be caused by watering too often and/or poor soil conditions.

Q: Why do blooms or fruit drop off?
A: Some fruit drop is normal, especially in hot summer months. If fruit or bloom drop is excessive, proper watering is often the solution. Extremely hot, dry, windy weather will trigger fruit drop. Be sure trees are well watered in these situations. If you observe excessive fruit and leaf drop a few days after a heavy watering, the tree became too dry before it was watered. In the future, be consistent in your watering schedule.

Q: Why do leaves drop off or twigs die back?
A: Leaf drop and twig dieback can be caused by lack of light or too much water.

Q: My tree grows at a rapid rate and has for years, but it doesn't fruit. Why?
A: Possibly a rootstock sucker has taken over.

Q: Why is the foliage yellow?
A: Two possibilities exist. Yellowed foliage can indicate lack of fertilizer, or overwatering to the point that the root tips are rotting and are not taking up nutrients. Cut back on watering to recommended rates, and be sure to fertilize appropriately.

Q: How do I tell if fruit is ripe?
A: Keep in mind that all citrus fruits only ripen on the tree. The best way to determine ripeness for oranges is to watch for the color to change to orange, then check for a slight softening of the fruit. Sometimes a opaque sheen will develop on the skin. Lemons are ready when yellow, and generally hold the tree for months. Limes are smaller and ready when green; again, watch for a slight softening