Citrus on Swingle rootstock (forum)

bobDal starts with ...
Hi. Does any one have any experience or knowledge about Lime/ Orange trees or citrus trees in general on Swingle rootstock in Melbourne? Top soil is around 20cm and below that is clay. I will create a mound for better drainage. Thanks in advance.

Time: 25th March 2023 3:58pm

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Original Post was last edited: 26th March 2023 11:18pm
About the Author bobDal
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jakfruit etiquette says...
I have grown both Tahiti Lime and Naval Orange on Swingle, the graft combination seems fine. Not sure about the clay soil. It is probably a better choice than some other rootstocks. There should be rootstock info from NSW DPI or SA DPI / dept AG.

Time: 26th March 2023 2:09pm

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MERBEIN,3505,VIC
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bobDal says...
Thanks for your comment. I have a Valencia orange and Meyer lemon on Trifoliata rootstock . Trifoliata is highly recommended for Melbourne but my problem is that my lemon and orange trees grow very slowly. I was thinking to try other rootstocks for new lime and navel orange trees. Between Citrange and Swingle rootstocks I am not sure which one to choose. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Time: 31st March 2023 12:38pm

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Original Post was last edited: 31st March 2023 12:39pm
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bobDal says...
Also, how old are your lime and orange trees? Thanks

Time: 1st April 2023 7:55pm

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jakfruit etiquette says...
Around 20 years old,

Time: 7th April 2023 8:51am

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QRcode says...
You would be well advised to avoid Swingle rootstock. They are overall a bad rootstock.
They produce trees that are very large and not compact at all for home gardens.
They have known incompatibility issues with some navel oranges, leading to tree death.
They also don't tolerate poor drainage or alkaline soils.
I have a grapefruit on Swingle because it is primarily recommended for them, but the tree wants to be an Oak tree.
Tri is far superior, especially for Melbourne.
Ian Tolley, who was responsible for importing and trialling citrus rootstocks in Australia does not recommend this rootstock either and doesn't have much good things to say about its use.

Time: 9th April 2023 10:19pm

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Original Post was last edited: 9th April 2023 10:21pm
About the Author QRcode
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jakfruit etiquette says...
All Citrus rootstocks have their pros and cons. There is a lot of info available on this topic.

Time: 16th April 2023 12:41am

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