How to Grow Dwarf Citrus Trees

Dwarf citrus trees are easy to grow. They are small enough that they can be grown indoors with very little trouble, even if the temperature outside is below freezing. Best of all, they add color and a tasty treat to your home.The hardest part is choosing what type of tree you want to grow.

Things You'll Need

• 1 citrus tree (approximately 1 year old)
• 1 6"-to-9"-diameter container
• Potting soil without sphagnum peat moss
• Saucer full of pebbles
• Moisture meter
• 2-1-1 fertilizer

Instructions

Planting Your Dwarf Citrus Tree

1. Select the right size pot for your tree. For a 1-year-old tree, a 6"-to-9"-diameter pot will do fine. In a year, you will need to replant it to a 10" to14" pot. Mature trees will need a pot with a diameter of about 16" to 20". The pot should have adequate drainage holes.

2. Fill the pot approximately 3/4 full with a light, well-drained commercial soil mix. Do not use potting soil with sphagnum peat moss.

3. Gently spread out the roots of your tree over the soil. Slowly add soil until the roots are just below the surface and the graft (diagonal scar on the tree) is 1" to 2" above the surface.

4. Place the pot on a saucer of pebbles to allow air and water to flow through the roots.

5. Press the soil around the root ball lightly to help stabilize the tree.

6. Water thoroughly.

7. Add a good quality fertilizer that has at least a 2-1-1 ratio.

8. Place the tree in a spot that gets between 8 to 12 hours of sunlight per day. The temperature should remain between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Caring for Your Dwarf Citrus Tree

1. Water your citrus tree approximately every 5 to 7 days. Soil should stay moist but not soggy. Allow the first 2" of soil to dry out before watering.

2. Fertilize your tree about once or twice a month with a good quality fertilizer that has at least a 2-1-1 ratio.

3. Remove any suckers that appear on your tree. Suckers are shoot growths that appear below the graft (a diagonal scar on the trunk of the tree).

4. Prune your trees as needed. Citrus trees can be pruned at any time of the year, except in the winter if they are grown outside.

5. Although citrus trees will self-pollinate, you can help them along by using a soft paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen among the flowers.

6. Most insects will not harm citrus trees. However watch for ants, scales, aphids or mites. Use a mixture of dish soap and water or a 1 percent solution of light horticultural oil to treat.

7. Citrus trees like humidity. Spray them with water or use a humidifier in the winter to help them thrive.

Tips & Warnings

• Yellowing leaves indicate either a lack of fertilizer or poor drainage.