Citrus Guide
Planting Instructions
Follow the same planting instructions as you would for other houseplants.
• Remove citrus tree from box, remove any wrapping from around the pot, stand it up, water if soil is dry.
• Place your new citrus tree in a spot with indirect but bright light.
• After 1-2 weeks of environmental transition, provide the tree with full sun.
NOTE: Some leaf yellowing and dropping should be expected as the tree transitions to an indoor environment. Likewise, leaf drop can also occur when trees transition back indoors at the end of the summer season.
• After the transition period, is best time to up-pot your new tree into a larger, permanent container, if needed.
• Choose a pot that is 12-15 inches wide and deep, with good drainage holes. Avoid too large of a pot.
NOTE: A terra-cotta clay pot is ideal due to its breathability, but other material types can also be used.
• Use new, pre-moistened citrus potting mix, if you can find it, otherwise use regular potting soil in the pot. Do not add rocks or other debris at the bottom, only soil.
• Remove from its nursery pot, gently loosen the roots, set into pot and gently backfill and firm with soil.
• Water it thoroughly outside or in the sink to allow the water to drain.
• Once potted, place your citrus tree in the ideal location for your current climate, either indoors or out.
• Citrus trees should be kept in a warm frost-free, wind-free location with at least 6 hrs. of direct sunlight.
NOTE: For citrus trees kept indoors during the winter, a south-facing window is ideal sunlight. If the light exposure is less than adequate, consider using grow lights while the tree is indoors.
• As with other fruit trees, pinching off any flowers or fruits that set for the first year or two allows the tree to put all its energy into root and foliage growth which benefits establishment.
• First harvestable fruits usually occur 3-4 yrs. from planting. In rare cases, sometimes sooner.
• Citrus fruits often take up to 6 months to fully ripen. Be patient once fruits are produced
NOTE: Healthy growing citrus trees can be re-pot every couple of years into a container approx. 4-6 inches larger.
Watering
Thorough watering is important for containerized citrus trees.
• Each watering should allow water to saturate and run through the entire root ball.
• Avoid frequent, light waterings, which lead to a buildup of salts or unwanted minerals on the roots that cause leaf burning or other harmful effects.
• Ideally, watering should be done in the sink or outdoors as the weather permits.
• While indoors, place a large saucer under the pot, which will allow water to drain but still help protect surfaces.
Fertilizing
• Fertilize potted citrus trees once during active growing periods during spring to early summer.
• For in-ground trees, apply granulated, slow-release all-purpose (10-10-10) once in early spring. OR apply fruit tree appropriate, complete water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks from April to July, then stop.
Troubleshooting
Why no fruit? Number 1 most common issue, because there are so many potential causes.
1. Tree maturity – Citrus trees take 2-5 years to begin bearing fruit. If your tree is mature enough to bear, is it flowering? Are the flowers healthy and being pollinated? Dropping flowers is a sign of health issues or a lack of proper pollination (see below). Likewise, if the tree is not producing blooms at all, this is a sign of general tree health issues.
2. Lack of adequate sunlight – Fruit trees require at least 8hrs of direct sunlight. The more the better. Move the tree into a location that receives more light or utilize LED grow lights.
3. Temperature – Citrus trees are tropical plants and prefer a consistent ambient temperature to succeed. They do not produce if it is too cold or if they are in a drafty location.
4. Tree health & growth rate: watering & nutrients – Water consistently and thoroughly when the soil dries. Inconsistent watering or overwatering can lead to health issues, such as flower or fruit drop, leaf discoloring and drop and eventually root rot. Dry soils cause a general lack of vigor. Citrus trees are survivors and can grow with limited nutrient resources. However, without adequate soil pH or nutrient availability these trees will not have what they need to flower or set fruits. Feed your tree consistently, following instructions on the instructions on the fertilizer you choose, whether that is a granulated or water-soluble type. Do choose a complete, balanced food to ensure necessary micronutrients are also being provided.
5. Container size – Ensure the pot size is commensurate with the size of the tree. If the pot is too large the tree uses its energy growing roots not fruits. Once the tree roots fill the pot, normal flowering & fruiting functions will eventually resume.
6. Proper Pollination – Citrus flowers are perfect, meaning they can self-pollinate, but they may need help, especially indoors. Hand pollinate using a Q-tip, natural bristled craft brush, or an individual flower to transfer pollen from one flower to another. One flower can pollinate up to 5 others. You can also gently shake the tree every now and again during flowering to try to transfer adequate amounts of pollen to the other flowers, but hand-pollination is most efficient.
7. Root Suckering – All citrus trees are grafted and can therefore produce suckers from the rootstock that will not flower or bear fruit and will also sap the strength for fruiting from the rest of the fruit-bearing portion of the tree. Watch the base of the tree to make sure suckers have not formed. If suckers are discovered, prune them off. Suckers can be pruned anytime without harm to the mother tree.
8. Over pruning – Too much pruning or over pruning the top canopy can lead to increased vegetative growth which then decreases the strength of the tree to flower or fruit. Flowering and fruiting require a great deal of energy. If the tree is spending its available energy producing branches & more foliage, no fruit.
9. Pests – Citrus trees can be susceptible to common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealy bugs, various scales, aphids and whiteflies. Generally, Safer® brand insecticidal soap can help rid your plant of these pests, but hand wiping with non-citrus dish soap and warm water on a clean rag is also beneficial. Pest infestations will disrupt the plants’ ability to function and grow properly. Again, putting resources to fighting off pests, rather than producing flowers for eventual fruits.
