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Citrus

Instructions

Citrus trees are subtropical plants. They can survive temperatures of 28 degrees F for several hours without permanent damage. Most will not survive temperatures below 28 degrees F for any significant duration.

If you live in USDA Hardiness Zone 8, you may be able to, depending on your location and the variety you choose, plant your citrus tree outside. However, you will need to protect your tree from frost and freezing during extreme cold periods.

If you live in USDA Zone 7 or North, for survival of your tree, we strongly recommend you plant in a movable container which will allow you to move your citrus tree indoors during the winter. You can be as creative as you like in finding a pot for your tree. It can be decorative or just functional.

Planting in Ground

  1. Choose your planting site. Trees should be planted 15 feet apart and 15 feet away from house or other large trees. Citrus trees do not like standing water. They prefer sandy soils. A site that receives full sun works best, but at least 50% sun is needed. Planting on the southern side of a house, lake or other structure that offers wind protection will help protect your tree from cold.
  2. Clear away weeds and grass. Dig a hole 8 – 10 inches larger than the root ball of the tree.
  3. IMPORTANT: Fill hole with water.
  4. Remove tree from pot and place in water filled hole. Plant at the level it was grown in the nursery (the same level as the top of the root ball). Do not put the bud union (graft) below the soil.
  5. Add soil back to the hole filling all air pockets under and around the root ball.
  6. Newly planted trees should be watered regularly for the first three months, if rains are inadequate. The soil should dry down between watering.
  7. DO NOT MIX FERTILIZER IN HOLE BEFORE PLANTING. Fertilize every 3 – 4 months (November, March, June, and August). Use a citrus fertilizer at a rate of 1 – 2 lbs. For every year of age. Fertilizer should be applied around drip line of tree. Do not put up next to the trunk. Fertilizer should contain minor elements, not just N-P-K. You can also use slow release fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the bag.

 

Planting in Containers – Choose a container that is 5 to 15 gallon size.

  1. Select a soil mix. You want a well-drained soil, not heavy topsoil. We use 30% Canadian Peat and 70% composted Pine Bark. You can add sand if you want.
  2. Place soil in bottom of pot so that the tree is placed in the pot with the existing soil level at the top of the new soil level.
  3. Finish filling pot with soil, taking care to pack well so all air is removed.
  4. Water thoroughly. Watering will probably be more frequent since your tree is not planted in the ground. Let soil dry between watering. If tree stands in water, it will get root disease.
  5. Fertilize every 3 – 4 months using a citrus fertilizer as described above. Again, minor elements are key to a good citrus fertilizer. Slow release fertilizers work great with container trees.

While some citrus varieties are cold tolerant, most citrus is not. Citrus is a sub-tropical plant. Regardless of where you live, it may be necessary to protect your tree during freezing conditions.

If the plant is still in a container, set the plant indoors if there is the possibility of a frost or freeze.

If a freeze is forecast, cover the tree with a sheet or blanket. Covering should be removed when outside temperature reaches 36 degrees or more. If several freezing nights are expected, you can build a “mini-greenhouse” out of PVC pipe around your tree and then cover with blankets or plastic. This would not have to be removed until cold weather was past. Just don’t let the covering touch the leaves.

Some leaf droppage can be expected following a freeze, but this should be a temporary situation.

NEVER prune the tree after a hard freeze until the new growth is well underway. If no new growth appears on the tree by late spring, the tree has sustained severe damage. Any new growth above the graft is new flush and is a good sign the tree has survived the freeze and should continue to produce. Any new growth below the graft (bud union) will be citrus rootstock and should be removed.

If you think your tree has a disease or other problem, contact your local county extension agent for a diagnosis.

Newly planted trees should be watered regularly for the first three months, if rains are inadequate. The soil should dry down between waterings.

For trees in containers, watering will need to be more frequent since tree isn’t planted in the ground. Let soil dry between watering. If tree stands in water, it will get root disease.

Fertilize every 3 – 4 months (November, March, June, August). Use a citrus fertilizer at a rate of 1 – 2 lbs. for every year of age. Fertilizer should be applied around drip line of tree. Do not put up next to the trunk. Slow release fertilizers work well and can be used less frequently; follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

Citrus trees require full sun year round. It is best to plant your tree such that it will get as much available sunlight as possible. If you live in a northern climate where you must move your tree indoors, try to place in a sunny location. Morning sun is the most beneficial for your tree. The south side of your house will usually provide the most sunlight.

Citrus trees respond well to pruning. You can do it almost anytime. It is best to prune when the tree is not blooming to avoid cutting off future fruit production.

Download Pruning Guide

Recipes