Citrus Fruits: Planting and Care

Where to plant citrus trees and overwintering

Citrus trees are typical fruit trees from the Mediterranean region. They can be planted directly in the ground in warm climates or grown in pots to be moved indoors during winter in cooler areas.

Citrus cultivation (oranges, lemons, kumquats, calamondins, mandarins, clementines…) thrives best in a very sunny spot sheltered from prevailing winds.

While citrus trees love warmth, they are sensitive to drought as well as waterlogged conditions.

For container growing, place your citrus tree outdoors as soon as temperatures allow, then bring it indoors before winter frosts in a cool (below 10°C), bright location away from dry air.

Growing citrus trees in containers

When and how to plant?

The planting of citrus trees is preferably done in spring or, alternatively, in autumn. These fruit trees thrive in light, well-drained soils with a sandy tendency and non-calcareous composition. They are quite demanding and require rich soil.

Whether you plant them in the ground or in pots, it is advisable to soak the root ball in water for a few moments before planting. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom to improve drainage. Grow citrus trees in a mix of special citrus compost (or well-rotted compost), garden soil, and sand. In slightly calcareous soils, incorporate heather soil into the garden soil before planting.

Care tips, whether in pots or in the ground

Growing Citrus Trees in the Ground:

• Water regularly during summer, then significantly reduce watering in winter.
• When the vegetative phase begins (flowering), increase watering very gradually.
• Apply organic ‘citrus-specific’ fertiliser in spring and summer. Supplement in early autumn with well-rotted compost.
• In late autumn, protect citrus trees with winter fleece.
• At the end of winter, add a spadeful of wood ash, rich in potash, to improve fruiting.

Orange tree grown in the ground

Growing Citrus Trees in Pots:

• Water regularly, twice a week in summer and once to twice a month in winter, preferably with rainwater (non-calcareous). Do not let water stagnate in the saucer.
• Apply organic ‘citrus-specific’ fertiliser once a month from March to October.
• From October to April, move the pot to a cool, bright room with temperatures below 10°C, ideally between 0 and 5°C.
• In case of aphid or scale insect infestation, spray a mixture of water and black soap on the foliage.
• Repot your citrus tree every 3 years or so.

Citrus tree size

Pruning citrus trees should be done in late winter, after the frosts but before new growth begins.

It’s a simple process that involves:

• Removing dead wood and crossing branches in the centre to allow air and light to circulate.
• Pinching back the tips of secondary shoots two to three times a year.

Orange tree grown in open ground