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Tag Archive for: citrus tree

Citrus Trees Dropping Tiny, Green Fruit

Arizona garden, Citrus, desert gardening, Southwest garden, Trees
Citrus Trees Dropping Tiny, Green Fruit

The Joy of Growing Citrus Trees

Do you have a citrus trees in your garden? I do.

I have two trees – a Meyer lemon and a brand new ‘Trovita’ orange tree. I use the citrus in all kinds of fun ways and the trees have become a family pleasure.

Nostalgic Citrus Memories

As a child in California, we always had citrus trees in our backyard.  I would pick lemons from my favorite tree just off the back patio. Later, we moved to a larger ranch-style home that had several citrus. I honestly never paid much attention to them, because as a teenager I had more important things to think about – like boys and how to get perfect-perm for my hair (it was the 80’s).

Embracing Citrus Trees After the Bloom

Now as an adult (with permed hair thankfully in my past), I do pay attention to my trees. Consequently, I look forward to the fragrant blossoms that cover citrus trees in mid-winter.

As the blooms fade, tiny green fruit is left behind, which are baby citrus fruit. When spring progresses, some of the small, green fruit drop to the ground. Not surprisingly, this concerns gardeners who don’t understand why.

Citrus Trees Dropping Tiny, Green Fruit

Understanding Citrus Tree Behavior

The Natural Process of Citrus Fruit Drop

Well, let me put all your worries to rest. This is a normal occurrence and not a citrus disease. Citrus trees produce more blossoms than it can grow into mature fruit. They do this in order to attract the most pollinators and after the flower petals drop, little green fruit is left behind, which ideally grow into large delicious fruit ready to harvest in winter. However, the tree cannot support that much fruit, so the tree figures out how much fruit it can grow to maturity and then drops the rest.

Managing Expectations with Young Trees

For those of you who have young citrus trees, I want to warn you that most of the little green fruit will drop. Citrus tree need a large root system and a lot of leaves to support a good amount of fruit and that only comes with age. So, if you see tiny, green citrus on the ground every spring – don’t panic. It is all part of the normal cycle of growing citrus.

https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tiny-citrus-fruit-1.jpg 1024 848 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2019-05-21 07:25:502023-09-18 16:01:42Citrus Trees Dropping Tiny, Green Fruit

Do You Have A Plant That Doesn’t Bring You Joy?

Citrus, desert gardening, Fruit Trees

Replacing a Troublesome Plant

Making Room for a Healthy Plant

We all have that one plant that just doesn’t bring us joy anymore. In my case, it was a particular plant that had been causing frustration for years. I finally decided to take action, as I explain in this video: Watch Video.

Bidding Farewell to an Underperformer

The years of underperformance in my garden had left me ready to say goodbye.

Removing a healthy plant

Removing a healthy plant

Out with the Old Tree, In with the New

Although it doesn’t show in this photo, there was a healthy root system on this tiny orange tree.

A new tree in the same location

A new tree in the same location

I took a comfortable seat nearby and enjoyed the show as they got to work planting my brand-new tree. I have to say, they really nailed it and made the whole process look effortless!

Welcoming a Promising Healthy Plant

A brand new tree with great potential!

A brand new tree with great potential!

After carefully excavating a hole and gently nestling the young orange tree into its new home, they showered it with a refreshing drink of water. I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop about its progress. The anticipation of waiting for two years to enjoy the sweet fruits of this tree may be a test of patience, but I have a feeling the reward will make it all worthwhile!

Now, I’m curious, do you have any plants in your garden that have lost their charm over time?

Book Review: Living With Air Plants

https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/replacing_citrus_tree.jpg 800 600 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2019-02-22 07:30:512023-10-04 15:17:09Do You Have A Plant That Doesn’t Bring You Joy?

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noelle-johnson-az-plant-ladyNoelle Johnson: AZ PLANT LADY®

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