How to Plant Citrus Trees in Containers
Finding new and interesting plants to keep in containers can be a challenge. Instead of looking for something new to grow in a container, consider choosing a common plant that you would not usually put in a pot. Prime examples of such plants are citrus trees. Though it may surprise you, orange trees and lemon trees can grow to be thick and healthy in a container. They can even continue to produce fruit like a full-sized tree planted directly into the ground. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Fill a large pot with loamy, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. You'll want a larger pot because your tree is going to need room to spread it's roots as it grows. Dig a small hole in the soil (about a half-inch deep), and place your fresh citrus fruit seed in the hole. Cover the seed, and gently press down the soil. Unlike most seeds, a citrus tree seed has the capability to start growing right after you remove it from the fruit. Most other seeds need time to dry. Water the seed with a slow, steady stream of water.
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Place your citrus tree's container in a sunny location. Like most fruit trees, a citrus tree needs plenty of sunlight to produce a healthy and bountiful harvest. Make sure the location you choose gets at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Check your tree's soil on a regular basis to see if it needs water. The top layer of soil should be dry before you water the tree. Let a steady stream of water saturate the soil until the water leaks from the bottom of the container. Let the leakage cease, and then move the container to a dry location. Leaving the bottom of the container in water can lead to root rot.
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Fertilize your tree once a week during the early growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Mix the nitrogen fertilizer with your tree's normal water ration in order to save some time.
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Examine the branches and leaves of your citrus tree carefully for any signs of scale insects. Scale insects look like small white dots on the branches and the leaves. To eradicate the scale insects in their early stages, take a Q-tip, soak it in rubbing alcohol and rub it across the afflicted area of your tree. If the infection is beyond the early stages, you may need to consider using a fungicide.
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Tips & Warnings
Every few years you should change out the soil in your tree's container. Citrus trees, like most plants, generally prefer loamy, well-drained soil with a high concentrate of organic matter.
If the leaves on your plant start to fall off before the fall season, consider changing its location. This may be a result of fluctuating temperatures.
Keep citrus trees away from heat sources like stoves and vents. The heat may cause the leaves on your plant to lose their color or fall off.
If a fungicide is necessary, make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully in order to protect yourself from poisoning.
Seeds may take years to grow into a fruit-producing tree, so if you do not want to wait that long, you may consider purchasing a sapling citrus tree from your local tree nursery.
