I would put my vote in for some problem in the soil. Most likely too wet.
Another thing that happens is rootstock compatibility issues. Its well know that not all peach varieties are compatible with Citation. However, having said that, the odds of 2 different varieties both collapsing from incompatibility at the same time, would be very slim.
Definitely not some sort of early dormancy. What you have does not fit within the seasonal process of a peach tree regardless of rootstock.
Indian Free is an unknown to me but Frost has been shown to work well on Citation. Frost is very vigorous and with Citation will still make a fairly large tree.
There is a lot of bad mouthing of Citation and knee jerk reactions as to encounters with it. Very much so on this forum. But thats what we are here for, to lend advise. Citation is a very useful tool for peach growers. Unfortunately its being spread around everywhere now, box stores, cheesy mail order magazines, and most customers have no idea what they are getting into.
They are buying a peach on a dwarfing rootstock and like all dwarfing rootstock it takes special care.
People who think they can just buy a peach tree on Citation at their local hardware store, plop it in the middle of their lawn and forget about it are probably going to be disappointed.
Last Blushing Star of the season going to plant some of the seeds and hope for the best lol.
So far, all of Grandpaâs Orchard peaches have been delicious. Only 1 tree didnât make it in this yearâs order of 5-7 trees. May grab more next year because Iâm a sucker for standing in the hot sun, bagging fruits lol.
Since most everybody on here donât know a damn thing (except you) about Citation rootstock, please do tell all about this special care needed in the middle south and deep south.
Im afraid i wouldnt be the one to offer advice specific to your unique growing conditions.
Generally speaking though i think the problems we are experiencing with Citation will work themselves out.
Its more or less a timing issue. Right now the market is flooded with peaches on Citation. 10 years ago youâd be lucky to find 1 variety. The public is used to care free rootstock when it comes to peaches. So right now we are all in a learning curve. Just like the semi dwarf apple tree that doesnt come with a warning label telling you that the root system will be smaller, slallower and more brittle the peach on Citation is going to require the same amount of time before it becomes
accepted.
We may find out, after years of feedback, that it has a much narrower ideal growing range than advertised.
considering adding in a peach or nectarine: i see most are self fruitful, but i see mixed things regarding indian free. Generally prefer red fleshed varieites, any suggestions for a self fruitful red flesh?
Slightly prefer peach to nectarine but not too picky
going to plant some of the seeds and hope for the best lol.
peaches have been delicious. Only 1 tree didnât make it in this yearâs order of 5-7 trees. May grab more next year because Iâm a sucker for standing in the hot sun, bagging fruits lol.
