Hello everyone,

I have a pair of Meyer lemon trees in containers, and I'm fairly certain the largest part of both trees is growing up from the root stock. When I say "fairly certain" I mean two years ago I thought it looked sort of strange that these spindly branches shot up, and even more so last year when the foliage didn't resemble the portion of the tree that actually blossoms and bears fruit. The trees have been repotted each fall as they grow, and I move them into the garage from late November til February.

So here are my questions:
Am I correct in assuming that the tall growth here is coming from below the graft line?
I really don't have the space to protect them outside in the winter, and I intend to move within relatively soon. Is it okay for me to keep them in larger planters for the next couple of years?
Assuming I need to do some pruning, should I wait until fall?
As far as post-pruning, should I do anything specific to treat the trees?

Please let me know if my pictures aren't quite descriptive, and I'll try to do better :)





I bought these trees at Lowe's on one of those crazy clearance sales where you think "heck if it grows, awesome!" And they have produced a small number of lemons each year since.

Thank you

On the citrus I have that have sent up suckers from the roots, the thorns are much bigger than the grafted plant.. an inch plus long... Most of the citrus we get in northern California comes from 2 different growers.. I'm not sure what they graft on, or if a different rootstock is used in your part of the country. I can't see the graft line in your picture, but it's usually fairly obvious. If stuff is growing below the graft, it's a sucker, and you don't want it..
Four Winds Nursery has a good FAQ page on their site: https://www.fourwindsgrowers.c...