I planted a key lime tree 2 years ago which was about 6 ft high from the nursery. It's a pretty established tree even having some fruits when I bought it. The problem is, I get an average of 6-8 key limes that actually stay in the branch allowing enough time to ripen each year. I think this is extremely low for an established tree. I get a ton of flowers and eventually turn into the small seed looking limes. The problem is, they tend to fall of and don't stay on the tree. I notice the fruit droppings in the morning. I live in So. Cal so it gets plenty of sun. Here's some of the steps I've done. - I minimized my watering to once a week. This is what the Home Depot expert suggested. - I prune the thin branches. Once that can't really hold fruits or the ones that shoot up high in the sky. - I fertilize in early spring. - An finally I do see a few bees for pollination. Don't know what what else to do. can some post for help. Thanks!!!!
It is always hard to suggest watering patterns for other areas and soil types, but once a week works for me in NW FL sandy soil--and I only do that from bloom to end of June when new fruitlets normally drop. The rest of the year, I rarely water my inground trees. The only other thing you can do is spray the tree with saltpeter. I have read that up to 5% solution can be used, but I use about 1% and do it several times between the month before bloom until a month or so after bloom. You may also have been affected by the extreme heat this yr in CA which caused a lot of fruit to drop.
