How to Grow Citrus Fruits That Resist Hard Cold Temperature

Orange Tree

Citrus varieties have different resistance to cold, but in general citrus trees cannot withstand sustained cold temperatures below 23 degrees F. For short cold spells, trees and fruit can be protected from the cold. In areas with sustained periods of cold, citrus can be grown in containers and moved to a greenhouse or indoors during the winter months.

Instructions

Growing Cold Hardy Citrus Outdoors

1. Citrus grows well in tropical and semi-tropical areas, and can be grown in subtropical regions with protection during colder weather. Hardier varieties of citrus can be grown in zone 8 with protection from the cold. In most cold areas, the citrus can be successfully grown indoors during the winter.

2. Choose the best variety for your area. Special cold hardy varieties are available, but in general do not have the flavor of the more popular varieties and do not offer much more in cold hardiness. The kumquat is hardy to 10 degrees F, but should receive protection from cold during sustained cold weather to prevent damage to the tree. Citrumelos, citandarins and ichang lemon are specially bred to be cold hardy. The Tahiti lime or Persian lime is the hardiest of the limes. Satsuma mandarin oranges are cold hardy as well.

3. When the temperature drops below freezing for any length of time, citrus trees need to be protected from the cold. Trees can be covered with old blankets, plastic or cloth. Alternately, turning on the sprinklers to wet the trees down a few hours before the freeze is expected and keeping them on until the freeze is over will help protect the trees and fruit. A layer of ice will insulate the tree and protect it from colder temperatures. Make sure the ice doesn't build up so thick that the branches break under the weight.

Growing Citrus Indoors

1. In cooler climates, citrus can be successfully grown in a container and moved into a greenhouse or indoors as the weather begins to cool.

2. Don't move the tree indoors all at once to avoid shocking the tree Instead, move it to a cooler shady area for a few weeks first. Try to transition it indoors as naturally as possible. In the greenhouse or indoors, avoid freezing the tree, but cold temperatures are best to encourage the fruit growth.

3. Check the tree and its container for pests before bringing it inside While indoors, fertilize lightly, and use a humidifier. Transition it back outdoors gradually when the weather warms up.

References

• Citrus Complete Guide to Selecting & Growing More than 100 Varieties, Lance Walheim, 1996