Why lemon fruits dehisce on plant automatically?

Question

In my garden lemon fruits are dehiscing(breaking open),How can I solve this problem to prevent it?

Answer 1

Citrus don't like sudden environmental changes.  For example big temperature swings, high humidity dropping to very dry maybe due to wind, changes in soil moisture levels......maybe too much rain that floods the soil.  

While you can't control the weather you can control the soil moisture by keeping the soil evenly moist but not to where there's standing water.  If your soil had a hard layer underneath impeding drainage, for heavens sake don't plant in the lowest part of your garden where storm runoff accumulates.  Mulching is not something often done with citrus, but if you can cover the soil.....even with rock...you'll r****d excessive evaporation from the soil and help keep the soil a bit cooler.

Answer 2

Usually when citrus fruits split and crack prematurely it is generally do to horticulture practices or contrasts of hot and cold weather.

Horticulture requirements for lemon fruits are maintaining moisture on a regular basis, evenly and regularly. To much moisture can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. Let them dry out lightly between watering's. Check the soil moisture by digging a small hole in the soil.

Hard pan soils can also be a problem and the roots can become root bound and rot from the lack of oxygen and to much water, which cause fruits to split and the tree to die, by cutting off the circulatory system of the plants ability to feed from the root system. This problem would require a root pruning to free the roots and use compost to loosen the soil.

Sun is a requirement at least 6-8 hours per day to ripen and sweeten fruits. Not enough sun can cause the  issue of breaking open.

Calcium and other essential minerals and nutrients in the soil is essential to maintain a healthy thick protective outer skin or shell to protect the fruit.

Also protect from invasions of insects. Some insects can cause fruit splitting. Check with your local nursery for special fertilizers designed just for citrus.Happy gardening!