Don’t worry if young lemon trees

aren’t flowering, says Plant Doctor Tom MacCubbin. They need sufficient growth to support a good crop.

Two approximately 4-year-old lemon trees have not flowered in spite of giving them citrus fertilizer. What is wrong?

Don’t be in a hurry to push these lemon trees into bloom. Your email went on to note the trees are about 3-feet tall, which is relatively small for a fruiting tree. It’s best your trees make more growth so they can support a good crop. Most citrus trees come into production between 5 and 7 years of age. Keep up the good feedings once in March, May, August and early October with a citrus fertilizer to get fruits as soon as possible.

My container-grown curly leaf croton is rapidly losing its leaves even thought it gets water when the soil dries. What should I do?

Do a little detective work and dig down in the soil to make sure the root ball is being thoroughly moistened. Sometimes water runs around the outside of the root ball without wetting the soil. If the soil is dry, try setting the contain in a saucer to hold moisture and redirect it up into the root ball. Also, try watering a little sooner each time as the soil starts to dry.

Next check for mites or scale insects. These pests can be small and hidden among the leaves and stems. They suck the juices from crotons that can lead to leaf drop. If one of these pests is present, try a horticultural oil spray following label instructions to treat both sides of the leaves and stems of your plant.