How To Grow and Care for Citrus Trees

Growing citrus trees can be a lot of fun! Not only do these plants make beautiful ornamental additions to a garden or patio area, but they can also provide tasty, nutritious fruits that can be incorporated into a healthy diet. The cooler months tend to be when citrus trees produce their fruit, so it’s a good idea to give your trees a little extra attention during this time. 

Citrus trees are generally pretty easy-going and don’t take a lot of effort to grow. They can be grown directly in the ground, or in pots on patios or balconies. Below are a few tips for caring for and growing citrus. 

Choose the right spot

Like all plants, it’s important to choose the right spot for your citrus to grow in. Citrus plants generally like a fair bit of sun – around 5 hours a day is ideal – and should be planted in soil that drains well. If you have a smaller space such as a patio, you may like to grow your citrus trees in a pot. Citrus plants tend to do well in pots, which makes them ideal for small spaces. When placed in pots, they can be positioned either side of a feature piece to draw attention, or lined up to make a magnificent walkway. If planting your citrus trees directly in the ground, leave a few metres each side for them to spread out as they grow. Try not to plant your citrus trees in a spot where they’ll be continuously shaded by other plants or structures, as this isn’t great for the trees.

Select your variety

One element to consider when learning how to grow citrus trees is the variety you wish to grow. There are lots of different citrus trees to choose from, and picking the ones you’d like to bring into your garden can be an exciting time. Different types can require different care requirements, so when choosing the variety you wish to grow, you should also look into the specific type of care required. For example, lime tree care can differ slightly from lemon tree care. For more information on some of the different types of citrus trees out there, take a look at Our Recommendations For The Best Backyard Citrus Tree.

Don’t forget to mulch

Mulching can have many benefits for growing citrus trees. It can help shelter the root system, cooling it down against the hot summer sun, and hold moisture in, meaning you can water your tree a little less. Mulch also breaks down over time, providing a slow release of additional nutrients for your citrus plant. When laying your mulch, place it a little way from the trunk of the tree so that it does not touch. If your mulch is resting up against the trunk, it might lead to rot, which is bad news for your tree.

Keep an eye out for diseases and deficiencies

While citrus trees are generally pretty hardy, there are a few diseases they can be susceptible to. Some diseases that might affect your citrus tree include brown rot, collar rot, and greasy spot. The region you are in can also play a part in the types of diseases that may appear on your tree. Often, proper pruning to remove dead wood can help limit diseases and promote circulation for the plant. You may also notice the leaves of your citrus tree turning yellow. This can be caused by a few things, including an iron or magnesium deficiency or lack of fertiliser. For more information on yellow leaves, check out our article on Eradicating Yellow Leaves on Citrus Plants. 

When should citrus trees be pruned?

While you don’t necessarily have to prune your citrus tree regularly, there can be a few reasons why you may want to. For example, pruning the deadwood from your tree can help improve air circulation, reducing its disease risk. You may also wish to prune your citrus tree if it’s beginning to grow too big for your backyard, or if it has been producing fruit for several years and hasn’t been cut back at all during that time. Citrus plants that are growing in pots should have their roots pruned every few years to maximise fruit production. If you would like a hand with pruning your citrus trees, call in the professionals at Jim’s Mowing for a helping hand!