why aren’t my FRUIT TREES FLOWERING?

Having a fruit tree that doesn’t bear fruit is one thing, but if it won’t even produce flowers, then it’s totally perplexing. So, before you show your tree the axe, consider some of these possible reasons. SEED TREE When a fruit tree has been raised from seed, it may take anything from seven to 15 years to start flowering. This is one reason most garden centres sell trees that are grafted with reliable fruiting varieties. Normally, these will produce flowers in 1–3 years.

VARIETY If you’re growing a fruit tree outside of its preferred climate, it’s possible that it may not be getting what it needs to stimulate flower production. Good examples are deciduous fruits, such as peach, apple and pear. They need a certain number of chill hours (below 7°C) to initiate flowering.

If you can’t provide this, you may have more success with low chill varieties. Similarly, tropical fruits growing in cool areas may never bloom.

LACK OF SUN Most fruit trees demand at least 5–6 hours of direct sun a day. If not, they may not flower well. Also, when fruiting trees are grown too close together, the competition for light, moisture and nutrients may cause poor flowering.

POOR SOIL Low moisture retention, poor drainage and inadequate nutrition will stunt growth and limit flowering.

If your soil is below par, make it better before planting by mounding to improve drainage, incorporating organic matter to enhance moisture retention, and feeding regularly to boost fertility.

PRUNING Before pruning, it’s important to understand where flowers form to avoid removing all the productive wood. Keep in mind, too, that heavy pruning often causes lots of vegetative regrowth with no flowers. Regular light and targeted pruning will keep trees manageable and productive.