Yesterday, I went to an Open House at a nursery in the next state (17 miles) but ordered online first (as I usually do) but I picked them up at the nursery's open house yesterday. I am not completely sure why I didn't say anything when I picked them up; when I saw that the leaves are all yellow -anemic looking with some brown edges; it was dropping and has some tiny holes in some of the leaves.

I have ordered from this nursery since 2017; and pick up the trees myself in order not to pay shipping. This was the first time I attended their open house; but I must say it was impressive.

I am attaching photos that show the two trees still in the box they gave me to carry them home in; as well as a photo showing them with one of my trees I purchased in 2017, which was healthy when I purchased it and still is healthy (If you click on the picture you can see the tree in the background with flowers and tiny lemons on it).

I emailed the nursery when I got home last night; but told them to recuperate from the Open House before worrying about answering my questions concerning the two Meyer Lemon Trees. I may hear back in a few days. However, I would like the opinion of the members of Garden.org in the meantime.

I asked him in the email; and will propose the questions to you. I also am attaching a picture of the package of Vigoro Fertilizer Spikes that I use on my Fig, Pomegranate and Citrus trees.

One of these trees that I picked up yesterday, was to be a gift for a friend and her husband; who wants a citrus tree. I was going to re-pot it and keep it about a month before giving it to her. If you can, I would like for you to tell me –without me spending a lot on two new (for me) trees; and still ending up with one that isn't healthy and productive –if the following will help the trees? Even if he says they will exchange them -I would rather not go back over there; but get them to where I am proud of them myself, if I can.

1. I already planned to repot them –so I can do that; if that will help;

2. Use a combination of Miracle grow Potting Mix; Perlite and Sphagnum Peat Moss (I use this for all of my fruit trees that are in containers);

3· Use ½ of one of the Vigoro fertilizer spikes for each tree (since they aren't very large yet);

4. Water them well and put in the sunshine.

Thanks for any advice you can share; so if possible, I can have two more nice and healthy trees to join my others; and/or give to a friend.

Pat Morris

Re: Previous message about this same subject: Meyer Lemon Trees; purchased yesterday -they are anemic looking.

After giving this more thought; I am taking the two Meyer Lemon Trees back to the nursery where I purchased them on Saturday. I can't give anything like this as a gift; and if they are diseased they may affect the fruit trees that I already have. If I had not purchased citrus trees from them in the past and know that I have gotten very healthy and nicely green trees; I would just decide that the nursery is not for me and they have inferior plants for sale. Since I know that is not the case; I will take the little trip back over there tomorrow and ask to reimbursed for the purchase or receive different and healthy plants. Thanks.

Hi Pat, Take the trip and return the trees. Why waste your money on less than healthy trees?

RE: Fertilizer stakes. This may work for a small pot but, putting fertilizer in just one spot feeds just one part of the root system. In the future, find a granulated version of citrus food.

At least they have good taste in boxes.

LOL! Thanks, DaisyI!! I agreed with you and took the trees back. He tried to talk me in to keeping them; saying they weren't over wintered out of the cold and that they will recuperate. He said, "See, some of the leaves are coming back." I told him that I couldn't give either of them as a gift (which I had planned on doing so).

I have air-layered my friend a Pomegranate tree and a Fig tree. They look so good. I started air-layering a small Meyer Lemon, but it is going to be so little. That is why I was going to get one from the nursery. I may just tell her that by next year; the one I am air-layering will be ready for her to take it -or, I may purchase one at a different nursery. Thanks for your feedback! Pat

Figs and Pomegranites root easily from cuttings. No need to go to all the work of air layering.

It could be the guy at the nursery is right and they just haven't recovered from winter (but its still better to let him get them healthy again). Maybe go back in a couple weeks and see how they look then. What time of year have you gone in the past to buy citrus trees?

Thanks. I just love to air layer the Pomegranate and Fig trees and have good luck. I did take the Meyer Lemon trees back. I thought I would let him nurse them back to their green, healthy looking state.