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Citrus Delight

© Kathy Reiffenstein

How To Grow Them

Use a soil mix that is lightweight and drains well, as citrus need to be moist but not soggy. Being gentle with the root ball, set it in the bottom of the new container on about an inch of soil mix. Press more soil around the root ball and fill the container. Loosely stake the tree if necessary and water well. Do NOT let it sit in a saucer of water! Raise the container off the ground, either by putting it on a wheeled platform or on small, upturned saucers or pots, so air will be able to circulate.

How To Maintain Them

Watering consistency is the key to having a healthy citrus tree. If the tree wilts and then perks up after watering, the roots have gotten too dry. If the tree has yellow or droopy leaves after watering, it’s getting too much water. Fluctuating moisture levels can promote fruit splitting. Citrus prefer infrequent but deep watering as this encourages deeper root growth. Try to water in the morning, one to two times a week, depending on your conditions.

Citrus are heavy nitrogen feeders, so your fertilizer should be at least a 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 ratio. There are specialized fertilizers on the market for citrus which contain the proper balance of nitrogen and other nutrients like iron, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, copper and boron. I prefer a slow release fertilizer which typically is applied every 2-3 months. Discolored or misshapen leaves or sluggish growth can indicate a nutrient deficiency.

Pruning can be done anytime except winter. To round out the shape of the tree, pinch back tips of new growth, which will force the growth down lower on the plant. If there is any fruit on your newly planted tree, remove it so energy will be directed into new growth rather than fruiting.

Citrus have very few pest problems. Scale, aphids or mites may invade, but adding parsley, dill, yarrow, alyssum, coreopsis and other plants to your garden that attract beneficial insects should control the pests. If necessary, spray aphids off with a strong jet of water or pinch them off with your fingers. Remove scale with your fingernail or a sharp knife. Scale and mites can be controlled by spraying light horticultural oil.

Take the plunge. Plant a beautiful and fragrant citrus tree on your patio, because there is nothing quite like picking that sparkling fruit you’ve grown yourself!