Citrus trees bring a burst of sunshine to any garden with their glossy leaves, fragrant blooms, and delicious fruit. Whether you dream of growing lemons, oranges, limes, or more exotic varieties like kumquats or kaffir limes, it’s possible to cultivate citrus trees in almost any climate with the right approach. Here’s an expert guide, featuring tips from citrus-growing guru Dr. Shahnaz Camatchee.
Best Citrus for Beginners
For first-time citrus growers, lemons are the top choice:
- Hardy and Resilient: Lemons can tolerate temperatures as low as 23°F (-5°C).
- Continuous Production: Lemon trees often have buds, flowers, young fruits, and mature fruits all at once, ensuring a steady supply of fresh lemons year-round.
Where to Grow Citrus
Warm Climates
- Ground Planting: If your climate allows, plant citrus directly in the ground where they’ll thrive in full sun and free-draining soil.
- Green Lemons: In warm regions, lemons may remain green when ripe, as cooler winter temperatures trigger the yellow color.
Cooler Climates
- Container Growing: Citrus grows well in pots, allowing for easy relocation to protect against frost.
- Use a soil-based potting mix with 20% grit for drainage.
- Repot gradually as the plant becomes root-bound, ideally in spring.
- Winter Protection: In frost-prone areas, move citrus indoors or to a greenhouse during winter. Use garden fleece or bubble wrap for extra insulation.
- Light Needs: Citrus requires plenty of sunlight, so position them in a sunroom, bright greenhouse, or the sunniest part of your garden.
Watering Citrus
Proper watering is crucial for healthy citrus plants:
- Rainwater Preferred: Whenever possible, use collected rainwater, as tap water can sometimes be too alkaline.
- Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil moist but never soggy. In summer, check containers daily, especially in warm weather.
- Winter Care: Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the roots.
- Moisture Meters: Use a moisture meter to avoid overwatering, one of the most common causes of citrus problems.
Feeding Citrus
Citrus requires careful feeding to thrive:
- Year-Round Feeding: Feed citrus during every summer watering but reduce to once a month in winter.
- Specialized Fertilizers: Use citrus-specific feeds in winter to support fruit development.
- Alternative Fertilizer: Dr. Shahnaz recommends fish tank water for feeding citrus. Its high nutrient content has dramatically boosted her plants’ growth and fruit production.
Pest Management
Mealybugs are a common citrus pest:
- Organic Solution: Use diluted Castile soap (15ml per liter of water) and apply with a pressure sprayer to affected areas.
Taking Citrus Cuttings
Propagate citrus easily with these steps:
- Select Healthy Cuttings: Take 5-8 inch (13-20 cm) cuttings from non-flowering branches in the cool morning hours.
- Prepare the Cuttings:
- Trim just below a leaf joint and remove all but the top few leaves.
- Dip the cutting ends in hormone rooting powder.
- Plant the Cuttings:
- Use a free-draining potting mix with added perlite.
- Insert the cuttings and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity.
- Place in bright, indirect light until new growth indicates rooting.
Harvesting and Using Citrus
- Harvest Timing: Ripe citrus fruits will dent slightly when pressed. Twist and gently pull to pick.
- Uses Beyond Fruit:
- Boil leaves for aromatic citrus tea.
- Use crushed leaves to flavor salads, rice, and other dishes.
Health Benefits of Growing Citrus
Beyond providing fresh produce, citrus gardening offers significant mental and physical health benefits:
- Mental Well-Being: The act of nurturing plants releases positive chemicals that reduce stress and promote happiness.
- Physical Activity: Gardening keeps you active and engaged with nature, improving overall health.
Tips for Success
- Start with lemons for reliability and ease.
- Ensure your citrus has plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.
- Be vigilant with watering and feeding schedules to avoid overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
- Protect your plants from frost and pests, and enjoy the process of growing your citrus collection.
Whether you’re growing citrus in a backyard, on a balcony, or in a greenhouse, these tips will help you cultivate healthy, productive trees and enjoy the vibrant fruits of your labor.
4o