How To Grow A Citrus Tree

How to grow a citrus tree

There is always a lot of confusion about fruit trees, and how exactly to make sure they carry fruit. Some, like apples, need another variety to pollinate them, but citrus do not. Just one tree will produce a big crop, with no need for a second one of a different variety.

How long does it take for a citrus plant to grow?

Citrus is a rather slow growing tree and it could take 10 to 15 years to reach its full height. A semi-dwarf citrus grows to about two-thirds the size of a standard tree. Depending on the citrus variety a mature semi-dwarf tree reaches between 15' and 20' tall.

How long does it take for citrus trees to bear fruit?

Seedling citrus trees of all types usually need seven to nine years of growth to flower and fruit. These trees tend to grow larger and thornier than a known variety. If you want a little fun with great anticipation, move the seedling to a full sun location and give normal care to produce its fruit.

What is the easiest citrus tree to grow?

Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree Arguably the easiest and most popular citrus plant to grow indoors, Meyer Lemon trees thrive on hours of direct sunlight and frequent watering schedules.

Can I grow citrus trees in pots?

A new citrus tree will grow fine in an 8-inch diameter container to start. Two to three year old trees will need a 10 to 12 inch diameter container. Eventually, you'll need a 16 to 20 gallon container or one-half whiskey barrel-sized container for long term growth.

What is the best time to plant citrus trees?

The best time to plant citrus is early spring after the danger of frost has passed and when nurseries stock the best selection. Early planting also allows the tree to establish itself before the hot weather hits.

Can a citrus tree survive indoors?

Regardless of your climate, you can grow a container lemon tree indoors and enjoy your own homegrown lemons. Growing indoor lemons isn't hard as long as you choose the right tree and meet its special needs. These basics on how to grow and care for an indoor lemon tree can have you drinking lemonade in no time.

How long can citrus trees live in pots?

How Long Do Lemon Trees live In Containers? Lemon trees can live almost as long in containers as in the ground. For long container life, repot the tree into a larger container every one to one-and-a-half years.

How long do potted citrus trees live?

For most citrus trees, the average lifespan of a growing tree is 50 years. This applies to lemon, orange, and even dwarf citrus trees. Fruit production generally begins between ages 2 and 5. Most trees will produce throughout their entire life once they reach maturity.

How often do you water citrus trees?

In General, deeply water newly planted young citrus trees about once or twice per week for most of the year. Water more often in sandy soils and when the weather is hot and windy. Reduce the frequency to weekly in clay soils during the winter.

Do citrus trees like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds change the nutrients available to soil in which the orange tree is planted, adding phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen, copper and potassium. The Infinite Kitchen reports that adding coffee grounds to the soil improves the soil structure immediately and over time as the grounds break down.

Where is the best place to plant citrus trees?

Citrus trees do not like standing water. They prefer sandy soils. A site that receives full sun works best, but at least 50% sun is needed. Planting on the southern side of a house, lake or other structure that offers wind protection will help protect your tree from cold.

Are citrus trees high maintenance?

Low maintenance fruit trees that thrive in the North Florida area includes citrus, persimmon, pawpaw, and olives. These trees have few pest problems, require basic pruning, are very precocious (start fruiting early), and are infrequently bothered by wild animals.

Do citrus trees survive winter?

Sour or- ange, tangerines and tangelos, sweet and navel oranges and grapefruit trees are partially cold hardy, and may survive temperatures as low as 20ºF without significant damage. Lemon, lime and citron trees are the least cold tolerant and will suffer at least some damage when tem- peratures drop below 25ºF.

Can citrus survive winter?

Sweet oranges and grapefruits are somewhat more cold-hardy and usually require temperatures in the mid 20s before incurring major damage to large branches. Tangerines and mandarins are quite cold-hardy, usually withstanding temperatures as low as the low 20s without significant wood damage.

How cold is too cold for potted citrus?

These ranges in temperature refer to leaf or wood damage. For fruit damage, 30 degrees Fahrenheit or below for 2 or more hours can damage satsuma fruit. On navels and other citrus, 26 degrees Fahrenheit or below for 2 or more hours can cause fruit damage.

How cold is too cold for citrus trees in pots?

Citrus trees may require protection even in warmer climates, when temperatures drop toward freezing; protect trees when temperatures drop to 29-32°F or below for 30 minutes or more. In USDA zones 8 and below, potted trees should be moved indoors when cold weather threatens.

Do citrus trees need full sun?

Understand the light and temperature requirements of citrus – Citrus trees need 8 hours of sun and a sunny, wind-free location is ideal. Citrus trees are also very frost-sensitive and must be protected or moved inside to a covered area in cold weather.

Is citrus difficult to grow?

The great thing is, citrus trees are not difficult to grow. With a little care they thrive in containers and home gardens. They'll bear fruit in winter and their glossy green leaves ensure your garden looks gorgeous all year round.

Can you plant citrus trees in potting soil?

The answer is yes if you consider dwarf varieties and grow citrus in pots or large containers. More important than garden space is access to lots of sun and warmth, which are two very important ingredients for growing a happy and healthy potted citrus.