How to Plant Dwarf Citrus Trees
Simply put, dwarf citrus trees produce regular-sized fruit on tinier trees. Dwarf cultivars make growing citrus trees less challenging for gardeners who lack the yard space to accommodate a full-size tree. Among dwarf citrus varieties available for planting are oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, citrons and kumquats. Many gardeners choose to grow dwarf citrus trees in containers, indoors. But most varieties also can grow outdoors within USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, where winter temperatures remain above 20 degrees F. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soil-testing kit
- Pitchfork or sturdy shovel
- Lime or peat moss
- Hammer
- Stakes
- Soaker hose
- Fertilizer
- Mulch
Instructions
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Locate an area in your yard for spring planting after the final thaw. The site should contain sunny, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5. Test the pH of your soil using a soil-testing kit.
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Break up the soil with a pitchfork or sturdy shovel and amend if necessary. Add lime to the soil if the pH is below 6.5 or peat moss if the pH is above 6.5. Follow label instructions for allocation amounts and application recommendations.
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Dig a hole for the dwarf citrus tree that is twice as wide as its nursery container. The depth of the hole should match the height of the container. Remove the dwarf citrus tree from the nursery container, leaving the roots and dirt intact.
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Set the dwarf citrus tree in the center of the hole. Make sure the graft union (transition point where the roots meet the trunk) rests above the soil line. Backfill the hole and pat the soil around the tree to remove air pockets.
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Hammer in a 4-foot stake behind the dwarf citrus tree to add support to the young trunk. Attach the trunk to the stake using elastic twine or strips of cotton fabric, which will not harm the wood.
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Water the dwarf citrus tree once a week using a soaker hose. Provide at least one inch of water per week. Maintain moist soil at a depth of one inch at all times during the first year of growth. Once established, the dwarf citrus tree will only require supplemental waterings during a drought.
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Fertilize the dwarf citrus tree once it begins to show signs of growth. Use a 2-1-1 fertilizer, applied per label instructions. Most dwarf citrus trees grow best with a slow-release, granular formula applied in the spring.
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Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of bark mulch around the dwarf citrus tree to reduce the growth of weeds and improve drainage. Mulching also will keep the roots warm in the winter. Spread the mulch at least six inches from the trunk of the tree to prevent pest infestations.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact a professional arborist if you notice signs of pest infestations or disease. An arborist will know how to diagnose the problem and rectify the situation.
Keep extra blankets or sheets on hand for unexpected frosts. Gently draping the dwarf citrus tree will help protect it from frost damage.
Remove dead, damaged or inward-growing branches with a pruning saw. Pruning is fine any time of year except during the winter.
Do not over-water the dwarf citrus tree because standing water can cause root diseases. If the soil feels moist at a 1-inch depth, do not add more water. Instead, check the soil again in a few days.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit florida citrus fruit image by Edward Cooper from Fotolia.com
