Love the look, smell and convenience of having citrus trees around your home, but don’t have enough space in your yard to plant one? Never fear – you can grow many of them quite well in containers or pots. Plus, if you move, you can take them with you! Here’s what you need to know about growing citrus in pots or containers.
Choosing the right citrus tree
Choosing the right citrus tree is a critical first step container gardening. Consider the climate of your area and choose a variety that thrives in your specific conditions. Common choices include lemons, limes, oranges and tangerines. It’s a good idea to choose something that you will use regularly in the kitchen!
Dwarf or miniature citrus are an excellent choice as they are more suitable for container growing and especially convenient for small garden spaces. Make sure you understand how big the full size tree will be and that it will fit comfortably on your patio or balcony.
When choosing fruit trees to growmake sure you choose one with healthy leaves with no discoloration, visible new growth and no signs of disease. Citrus trees are susceptible to many different types of diseases, so it’s important to start with a healthy plant.
Choosing the right container
The next step is to choose a container that is suitable for your tree. Make sure the container has plenty of drainage, as citrus trees need to be in a quick-draining environment with proper root aeration. Also, make sure it matches the atmosphere of your home!
A ceramic pot is a great choice. Nice Gardening recommends using a terracotta pot, but feel free to get creative and choose one that suits your personal style. Be careful with large plastic pots because they don’t always hold up well over time and it’s a big pain to transplant a large plant like citrus. Make sure the container it is large enough for the tree’s roots, with plenty of extra room for growth.
Pot your citrus tree
Potting your tree is probably the most important part growing it healthily in a container. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for citrus, as it drains well and has the right nutrients.
- (Optional): Place a layer of rocks or broken pieces of terracotta in the bottom of the pot. Some swear by doing this with plants that need extra drainage, while others say it will do more harm than good.
- Carefully remove the tree from its old pot without the roots. Center the tree in the new pot, making sure it sits at the same depth as the original pot.
- Gradually fill the container with potting mix, making sure to pack it gently around the roots. Leave about an inch of space from the top of the container to allow for watering.
- Water the tree immediately after potting to settle the soil. Make sure water drains freely from the bottom of the container, indicating proper drainage.
- Apply a layer of organic mulch to the surface to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. This helps conserve water and promote a healthier root system.
Placement and sunlight
Citrus trees traditionally grow in warm, sunny climates, and yours will be happiest in a location that is at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Be aware of the specific microclimates in your area and shield the tree from strong winds and extreme temperatures, especially during periods of frost, to prevent stress on the plant.
Rotate the container periodically to ensure that all sides of the citrus tree are exposed to sunlight equally. This helps to maintain balanced growth and uniform fruit development. If you’re concerned that the tree isn’t getting enough light, place reflective surfaces, such as light-colored walls or mirrors, strategically around the container.
Watering and feeding
Even once established, citrus trees will require more frequent watering and feeding than those planted directly in the ground. The amount of water your tree needs will depend on your climate, soil, container size, and how much sunlight the tree receives each day.
Check the moisture level regularly and water when the top of the soil is dry. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly and deeply, allowing the water to drain freely from the bottom of the container to prevent overflow.
Use a balanced citrus fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Home Depot usually these are available, but there are many other options if you want to try different brands. Follow the recommended application rates and timing based on the variety of citrus you are growing and the directions for the specific fertilizer you are using. Apply fertilizer during the growing season for best results and delicious fruit!
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and regulate temperature. Mulching contributes to overall water conservation and supports a healthy root system.
Pruning and Maintenance
Some citrus trees grow quite quickly and need regular pruning, while others grow more slowly. Be sure to prune your citrus tree as needed, removing dead or diseased branches and shaping your tree nicely as you go.
Remove overcrowded branches for better sunlight penetration and airflow, improving the overall health of your tree. He wonders when to prune your tree? Get your shears out after harvesting so you don’t miss out on any delicious fruit! Homes and Gardens has some great pruning tips if you’re looking for more detailed instructions.
Other citrus maintenance includes removing any corms or shoots that emerge from the base of the tree and reapplying mulch periodically to keep weeds at bay and stop the soil from drying out so quickly.
Winter care for citrus
Depending on your climate, winter can be a difficult time for citrus. If you live in an area where winter frosts are common, you may need to move your citrus tree indoors or DIY greenhouse to protect your tree in the cooler months.
Even if you don’t have frost, make sure your citrus tree is protected from wind and heavy rain. Reduce your watering (or stop watering altogether) if the soil is constantly wet. If you do move your tree inside, make sure it still gets enough sunlight and watch out for pests that may thrive in an indoor environment.
Harvest your citrus fruits
The best thing about having a citrus tree is that it doesn’t just look pretty on your balcony, it is adding an edible garden! Understand what to look for in ripe fruit, as it will vary from plant to plant. If you are not sure, just pick a fruit and see if it is ripe. Most citrus fruits do not continue to ripen after they are harvested, so wait until they are fully ripe for the best taste.
Do not pull the fruit – use garden shears or kitchen shears. Clean them before and after use. Harvest fruit regularly to encourage your tree to keep producing. Most citrus fruits last quite well after they are harvested and should be kept indoors for at least several weeks. You’d be surprised how much fruit you can get from a single tree once it’s ripe!
Grow citrus even when your garden is full!
All you need is a sunny balcony to keep a citrus tree healthy and happy. Citrus fruits are beautifully ornamental, pleasantly aromatic and produce versatile, juicy fruit that you can use in 100 different ways. Even if you don’t have a lot of space, a citrus tree is a great addition to your home garden. Good luck! Want another fun container garden project? Essay growing tomatoes in pots this summer! Then be sure to check out how to grow mushrooms to really make your kitchen garden! And don’t forget to plant some vegetables for autumn harvest– these are often my favorites!
