The Lime and Orange Citrus Splitzer is a clever solution for small space gardening, featuring two distinct citrus varieties (a Lime, such as Tahitian, and a Sweet Orange, such as Navel) grafted onto a single, robust rootstock. This allows the gardener to harvest both fruits from the same compact tree, providing juicy, tart limes and sweet, refreshing oranges. This evergreen tree is highly ornamental, offering glossy green foliage, intensely fragrant flowers, and a colourful, staggered harvest.
Care Tips (Essential for Grafted Plants):
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Position: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) to ensure both the flowering and fruiting of the Lime (which often fruits year-round) and the Orange (which fruits in winter).
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The Graft Point: Crucially, the two graft unions (the jointed areas where the scions meet the rootstock) must be kept well above the soil line when planting to prevent the top varieties from failing.
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Rootstock Suckers: Vigilantly remove any shoots (suckers) that emerge from the trunk below the two graft unions. These shoots belong to the less desirable rootstock and will quickly outcompete and starve the productive Lime and Orange varieties if not removed immediately and cleanly.
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Watering: Citrus are heavy drinkers. Water deeply and regularly, especially when the tree is flowering and fruiting. Water stress can cause fruit drop. Use mulch, but keep it clear of the trunk.
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Soil & Feeding: Citrus are heavy feeders. Apply a slow-release fertiliser specifically designed for citrus in early spring, mid-summer, and early autumn. Ensure the soil or potting mix is rich and well-drained.
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Pruning & Balance: It is important to monitor the vigour of the two varieties. The Orange and Lime are often fairly similar in vigour, but if one side begins to dominate, prune it back more heavily than the other to maintain a balanced, aesthetically pleasing, and productive tree.
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Usage: Perfect for planting directly in the garden or growing in a large pot (at least 50L) on a sunny patio.
