Planting citrus trees

Where to plant them? In the garden or in pots?

Citrus trees, typical of the Mediterranean region, can be planted in open ground in warm areas or in pots to be stored indoors during winter in cooler regions.

Their cultivation will be optimal in a very sunny and sheltered location from prevailing winds. While these fruit trees enjoy warmth, they are sensitive to both drought and stagnant moisture.

For pot cultivation, place the citrus tree outdoors as soon as temperatures allow, then bring it indoors before winter frosts to a cool (below 10 °C), bright location with no dry air.

In what soil or substrate?

Citrus trees appreciate light, well-drained soils with a sandy texture and no limestone.

They are quite demanding and require rich soil. When planting, add a large amount of compost or potting soil. You can also mix a bit of gravel into the soil, especially if it is heavy. In slightly calcareous soils, incorporate heather soil into the garden soil before planting. Once planting is done, regularly provide organic fertiliser.

If you are planting in a pot, opt for a special potting soil for citrus trees and Mediterranean plants.

When and how to plant them?

When to plant citrus trees?

Planting is preferably done in spring or, if not possible, in autumn.

How to plant citrus trees?

Whether planting in the ground or in a pot, it is advisable to soak the root ball in water for a few moments before planting.

1) Planting in the ground:

• Dig a hole (approximately three times the volume of the root ball), add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the planting hole, then place a mixture of well-matured compost and garden soil.
• Place the young plant, cover with soil without burying the collar, and firm it down well, forming a basin around the plant.
• Water generously at planting, regularly during the summer, then significantly reduce watering during the winter period.

Care:
when the vegetative phase starts (appearance of flowers), gradually increase watering. Apply organic fertiliser “special for citrus trees” in spring and summer. Supplement at the beginning of autumn with a supply of well-matured compost. At the end of autumn, protect the citrus trees with a winter cover. At the end of winter, add a handful of wood ash, rich in potash, to improve fruiting.

Oranges in the ground

2) Planting in a pot:

• Choose a pot 2 to 3 times larger than the volume of the root ball.
• Place a layer of gravel or clay balls at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage.
• Fill the pot with a mixture of special citrus soil and a little garden soil.
• Place the young plant without burying the collar and cover with soil.
• Firm it down well and water generously.

Care:
from October to April, bring the pot indoors to a cool, bright location with a temperature below 10°C, ideally between 0 and 5°C. Water regularly, twice a week in summer and once or twice a month in winter, if possible with rainwater (non-calcareous). Do not let water stagnate in the saucer. Apply organic fertiliser special for citrus trees once a month from March to October. In case of aphid or scale insect attacks, spray a mixture of water and black soap on the foliage. Repot your fruit tree approximately every 3 years.