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
Planting in Containers – Choose a container that is 5 to 15 gallon size.
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.
Easy Key Lime Pie
Preheat oven to 325°.
Beat egg yolks until well combined.
Add condensed milk and lime juice and whisk until well blended.
Pour mixture into pie shell.
Bake in oven for 15 minutes.
Allow to cool on wire rack, then place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours prior to serving.
When pie has chilled, combine sour cream and powdered sugar. Spread evenly over pie with spatula . Sprinkle with lime zest if desired.
-or-
Pipe whipped cream around outer edge of pie for a decorative border and place a dollop of whipped cream in the center of the pie. Sprinkle lime zest onto whipped cream as desired.
Serve Chilled
Raw Olive Tapenade
Place all ingredients into container of food processor. Process for a few seconds until ingredients are blended but not smooth. Serve with crackers or flat bread. Use as a spread on sandwiches for a unique taste treat.
Blend until creamy. Enjoy!
No Fuss Blueberry Shortcake
Preheat oven to 400°
Combine blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and extract in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until bubbly and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
Lightly grease baking sheet. Separate biscuits and flatten into 3” circles. Place on baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and press sugar onto biscuits.
Bake for 8 minutes or until lightly browned.
Using only 10 biscuits, place 1 onto serving plate,spoon blueberry mixture on top, cover each with remaining biscuit.
Serve with whipped cream.