Water Irrigation for flowering citrus tree

Question

Located in Las Vegas. Extreme hot in the summer and cold in the winter with 40-50 mile per hour winds. Also, the ground has the worst soil that is filled with caleechi, rocks, stones and hardly ant dirt. I usually dig at least 2 ft wide and 3 ft deep before planting.

My citrus trees usually have heavy flowering in the spring, but most of them fall off and the few that develop to a fruit, they start falling at marble ball size. I usually feed them with fruit and nuts tree food ( 13-7-7) and also with Dr, Qs Citrus food almost every month except in June and July.

I was told that I need to cut the water off completely when the trees start flowering and turn the water back on when the flow turn into fruit. Is that true?
Also, since the water drainage in is not at best, should I water the trees with minimum time and more often?

Answer 1

You are growing citrus in an area that can be tough to grow citrus trees.
A warm spot in your yard with shelter from wind is the best location.
Cold hardy varieties of orange hybids such as citrange, yuzu, and orangequat may be more successful.

The best soil is well draining and good water run off in rains.
You will need to water for your soil conditions,
The ph should be between 6-8.
The roots of the citrus should never dry out, but the ground should not be soggy.
Water should never be cut off from the citrus.

Here are some articles for you with more care information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/tip-on-water-requirements-for-citrus-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/fertilizing-citrus-trees-best-practices-for-citrus-fertilizing.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/leaves-falling-off-citrus-tree.htm