How to Grow a Citrus Tree
Most citrus trees are native to tropical regions and accustomed to warm climates. Even one severe frost during winter can kill a citrus tree. Gardeners in all but the coldest U.S. regions, however, can grow citrus trees with a little care and attention. Note that some citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and orange, will have difficulty growing in cooler climates. Lemon, lime and mandarins are some of the most robust citrus tree species. The most straightforward option is to use a small tree from a garden store. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Small citrus tree (such as lemon)
- Spade
- Compost
- Slow-release fertilizer
- Clear plastic sheet
Instructions
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Select a location for your tree. Choose a spot near your house. The added warmth created by the building in winter could help the tree survive cold temperatures. However, make sure the tree will get a lot of sunlight during the day, so avoid planting in a fully shaded area.
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Purchase a small citrus tree from a garden center or tree nursery. Fruit trees grown from seed can take many years to develop and may struggle to survive cool temperatures in the first year. Alternatively, take a cutting from a thriving citrus tree.
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Dig a hole at your chosen spot. Make the width at least twice the size of the root system of the small tree. Add some compost or organic manure to the base of the hole. Insert the tree. Fill in the gaps with planting soil and firm up the surface. Do not build up soil around the trunk or it could promote rotting. Add a layer of straw or mulch around the base of the tree to prevent water evaporation and weed development.
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Water the tree frequently in the summer months. Try for around 5 gallons per day for a tree with a 6-foot wide canopy in a well-mulched location. Stop watering for a few days if the soil is not drying out before the next watering. Look for shriveled, curling leaves as a sign that the tree needs more water. Add slow-release fertilizer two to three times per year. A cup or two of ammonium sulfate is usually enough, according to Texas A&M University.
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Use a frost protector each winter. Pre-made protectors are available from garden stores. Use a clear plastic sheet draped loosely over the tree and secured at the bottom for a suitable homemade alternative. This will help prevent the tree from perishing in cold temperatures.
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Tips & Warnings
Other hardy citrus varieties include lime, sweet orange, meyer lemon, kumquat and satsuma mandarin.
Most citrus trees will not bear fruit for at least three years after planting, according to the Washington State University.
References
- Photo Credit lemons and lemon tree image by jc from Fotolia.com
