How to Grow a Hybrid Citrus Fruit

Lemon tree hybrids are hardier to cold than true lemon trees.

Citrus trees like lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges are subtropical trees, and are among the most cold-sensitive fruit trees available. Long-term breeding and gardening programs have produced hybrid fruit trees in many varieties, with a range of cold hardiness, fruitfulness and disease resistance. Although hybrids are sometimes hardier to cold, they still require bright sun, nutritious soil and moderate warmth. If you're growing a hybrid citrus fruit tree, check its independent needs and satisfy them for success.

Things You'll Need

• 30- to 40-gallon pot
• Quick-draining soil
• Organic compost
• Fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Check your tree's hardiness level. Most citrus trees are hardy only to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and suffer in heavy frost. If you live in USDA growing zones 9 to 11, you may be able to grow your hybrid citrus outdoors. If you live in a colder zone, grow the trees in 30- to 40-gallon pots with drainage holes, so you can take them indoors in cold weather.

2. Find an outdoor site that receives six to eight hours of full sun every day, with quick drainage. Hybrid citrus trees will grow in shade, but may not bloom fully or bear fruit.

3. Prepare your planting site or pot, depending on how you're going to plant the hybrid citrus seedling. Mix 3 inches of quick-draining soil and 3 inches of organic compost into the top 1 foot of soil in your outdoor planting site, or fill a pot 3/4 full of this same soil mixture. The soil will ensure good drainage and proper nutrition for the seedling at planting.

4. Water hybrid citrus trees with 2 inches of water every week, whether they're planted in the ground or in pots. Keep potted citrus trees outdoors during summer, in areas where they get eight hours of full light every day.

5. Move potted hybrid citrus trees into the garage or house when temperatures drop under 40 degrees Fahrenheit, to protect them from cold winter temperatures. Keep them in a place where they'll still get adequate light.

6. Prune hybrid citrus fruit trees in early spring, before growth starts. Cut off any wood that is dead, diseased or broken, and any branches that grow through the center of the tree.

References

• Purdue University: Lemon
• Aggie Horticulture: Texas Citrus: Home Fruit Production--Oranges
• Purdue University: Tahiti Lime

Resources

• The United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map