What makes citrus fruit whither up when they are half-grown?

Question

I have a dwarf lemon tree in a large pot on the patio, I kept it watered well this summer, excited to watch the four lemons developing. But now it looks like they are drying up. They are about the size of ping-pong balls.

Answer 1

Sounds like a lime tree to me. If it is they won't grow bigger than that. If it is a lemon tree, I found refreshing the soil with fertilizer works well. Sometimes one batch might not be so good , but the next time around they are better.

Answer 2

Citrus trees like Lemons and Oranges love the heat and need a really sunny spot to develop fully grown fruit. Depending where you live, you might consider changing the location of the pot to a sunny spot next to a wall of the house or fence where the tree can enjoy reflected light and warmth from the adjacent structure. Afternoon sun is best.

Answer 3

Might want to take a soil sample to your local agriculture extension office to be tested. The soil may need amended and they'll have some good info for you for a successful crop (ok 4 may not actually be considered a crop, but you get the idea)

Answer 4

If you stopped watering when the fruit came on that would do it or if it is moved like from outside to the inside that would also do it. They are very sensitive so any little thing can cause them to dry up and drop the fruit.

Answer 5

Maybe the roots are too crowded.