| I bought a house with a lemon tree. It has varigated leaves and is pink on the inside What kind of tree is this and how do I care for it. It does have large lemons on it now. Are they good to eat? |
| From your description, it sounds like a Variegated Pink Eureka. It is a fairly new introduction with white variegated leaves. Fruit flesh is light pink. It is fine to eat. Citrus trees thrive on consistent moisture, so apply enough water slowly and deeply to thoroughly soak the root mass to a depth of 3 feet. How often to water depends on your soil characteristics, rainfall and weather. For mature established citrus that has been in the ground for 4 years or more, water every 30 days in winter months (Nov-Jan); every 21 days from Feb-May; every 10-14 days from June-August; and every 14-21 days from Sept.?Oct. Younger trees and newly planted trees will need more frequent watering. Use a soil probe to help determine how often to apply water (such as a pointed stick or metal rod) and poke it into the soil. It will move easily through moist soil and stop at dry soil. As trees mature, be sure to water out to their canopy or drip line, where new roots are growing. To keep water from evaporating too quickly, mulch over the root area. This will also help suppress weeds. Citrus are also heavy "feeders." Apply fertilizer three times per year, using 1/3 of their total annual nitrogen requirements. Apply in Jan/Feb, April/May, and Aug/Sept. Follow package instructions and water thoroughly before and after fertilizing. For handy watering and fertilizing charts for citrus of different ages, check out ?Desert Landscaping for Beginners? (Arizona Master Gardener Press). Good luck with your citrus! |
