Growing a dwarf citrus tree without a grow light?

Question

I am in New Jersey and have two dwarf citrus trees (one Washington Navel Orange, and the other a Dancy Tangerine tree) and I am not going to blow over 100$ on a grow light. The trees themselfs coast me over 100$. Anyone know of any alternatives to grow lights? Rite now I have a flourecent light over the two of them, very close to the top of the trees, the trees are only 2 feet tall and are 3 years old and have yet to bloom or bear fruit. I am hoping to have them bloom as soon as possible and I think the problem may be due to the fact that they are'nt getting enough light. They have been in sun for most of their lifes and I just recently , a week ago, moved them to the flourecent light. Please, any alternatives are welcome! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

The unfortunate thing about citrus is that for it to bear fruit, you have to duplicate its natural environment. Fluorescent lights simply do not put out the spectrum or intensity you need. However, once it warms up (I'd say now would be safe) you can set them outside in the daytime, and bring them in at night, until it's warm throughout the night. Start off with filtered light at first so you don't burn out your leaves, they're not used to the harsh sunlight. Once acclimated, they will take off. Don't forget to feed them regularly; I use a weakened solution of Peters' and feed more frequently. I did a Meyer lemon this way and it bore plenty of fruit (in NC; that's roughly the same USDA region as NJ).

Answer 2

I paid about $6 for a GE Plant light bulb at Walmart. It is 65 watt with a 2000 hour lifespan. I do have some more expensive light set-ups but I also have about 35 citrus trees in a bedroom. Are you keeping the soil at 70 degrees? I wrap mini Christmas light strings around the pots for this.