Spring is ever slowly creeping closer. Our weather doesn't really show because we have loads of snow and very cold temperatures but the length of the daylight hours and sunny days count has been noticeably changed for the better. Thoughts of spring make me think more about the plants and what am I gonna grow in the upcoming season.
Two days ago I went to get some seeds but I got totally carried away when I saw the choice of absolutely gorgeous and interesting plant varieties there. I ended up spending an hour looking at different plants but in the end fixated on two different ones that I really wanted. My mind was made up and I got both of these.
Citrus Lemon
Yep, I got a citrus tree. There was something that really got me into this one and I had to get one. It's a tough one because as it turns out, it's not easy to grow and especially make it to produce the fruit. This particular tree is already a couple of years old and even has 3 lemons already growing on it. Lemons might look ready but these are hard as stone so it will take more time to actually take it off the tree.
It's hard to grow because it's extremely sensitive to any changes in temperature and humidity. Moreover, the root system is extremely susceptible to root rot. I'm known for over-watering plants so this will be a challenge. The problem is that citrus tree needs water often and cant dry out by any means. But where will I draw the line!? The soil of this tree needs to be very well draining, which it looks like it is.
I got a special citrus fertilizer which I have used already. Brochure says to fertilize after every 1 or 2 months but in the openings of the internet, I find contradictory information. For example, not to fertilize in the winter months at all, to not encourage new growth when the plant is stressed anyway due to lack of sunlight.
Sunlight is a huge problem in the winter months because it's non-existent. The citrus tree loves the sun and needs it to grow and produce fruit. I have read that at least 4 hours of sun per day, the more the better. Well, this is the part where I'm fucked. As I said we have no sun in the winter for 3 months straight. Only now in March, we are getting more of it and longer hours of daylight. In summer of course, we get almost 22 hours of daylight in mid-summer so then it's not a problem. Right now I'm relying on indoor led lights where the tree is under.
The plan is to bring the tree outside in the garden for summer and let it enjoy the sun it deserves. Still, I'm a bit worried that it might get a shock of a change of scenery. Especially when bringing it back into the house in the autumn. I have even heard that the tree might shed leaves due to stress and sudden change in humidity and temperature.
Right now I have many flowers on the tree. Heard they appear in the spring. The scent is really pleasing. Though if many more flowers start to appear, I might need to start cutting them off because all the flowers are extra resources the tree needs to spend on.
I truly hope that I will succeed in growing the citrus tree. At the moment it looks extremely healthy with all the fruits, flowers and dark green leaves. I god damn hate seeing my plants die after I have (in my mind) taken good care of them. The citrus tree wasn't exactly cheap either to buy.
Washington Robusta Palm
We get harsh, long dark and cold winters here in Estonia. Inevitably my mind drifts off to warmness and palms. So I got myself a palm tree too. Brings some warmth into the wintertime. Of course, the palm tree is also a sun-loving tree but fortunately, it doesn't mind some shade too, it can tolerate much more than the Lemon tree can.
After all, it's a tree and if planted in the yard it can grow more than 20 meters high. We don't have the climate to have it stay out during the winter. It can tolerate up to -5C temps but we get -20C sometimes and this will kill it. As the lemon tree, this will also mostly be an indoor plant but I will probably let it be outside longer. Hopefully, I can get it outside in late April when we don't get below zero temps at night.
Washington Robusta is a fast-growing palm tree and I should see a noticeable growth in a year's time. I will probably plant it in a larger pot too at some point because I think the roots might max themselves out in the current pot soon enough. I got a special fertilizer for this palm too but I'm not yet too sure how often should I use it.
I need to make sure that I don't overwater this one too. The brochure also says that I shouldn't let the soil to dry out but from many sources, I read that the soil SHOULD dry out before I water it again. Which one is right??? I guess it will be trial and error. Usually, the most important rule is not to over water. Plants can take dry soil for a time but they often can't take overwatering and this will damage them heavily.
The Seeds
After all, I went to the store just for some seeds. I didn't forget about it and got them too. I got three different types of seeds. Zinnia flowers, snapdragons, and Love-Lies-Bleeding. What an interesting name and plant, had to give it a go. I sowed them into the soil in small growing pots and will see if they germinate. It's still pretty early in March and I'm not too sure if I can get some results, time will tell. I didn't use all the seeds so I have the possibility to sow in April as well.
I will make an update later in the Spring on how all of these plants evolve. All I can hope is that not for the worse but I'm a bit pessimistic. I'm especially fearful about the citrus tree but let's see what happens, I can't wait until I can taste the fruit.
Many knowledgeable people here in this community so any pointers you might have for these plants, I'm all ears.
Stay tuned!
Don't forget to participate in my monthly weather guessing game here and you might win 10 HIVE. The game is open until the 17th of March.
