General Citrus Tree Care & Rootstock Guide

Here is a succinct guide that covers the general care aspects suitable for the unique citrus varieties we carry, especially considering the climate in Florida. The mature size of each type can vary, but I'll mention general expectations.

General Care for Citrus Trees in Florida:

Sunlight: Full sun is essential – at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering: Young trees need consistent watering as they establish. Mature trees require watering every 1-2 weeks, more frequently in dry conditions. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal. Florida's sandy soil can be amended with organic matter to improve nutrient content.
Fertilization: Regular feeding with a citrus-specific fertilizer, typically three to four times a year, is crucial for health and fruit production.
Pruning: Light pruning to remove dead or crossing branches can be done anytime, but major pruning should be done in late winter or early spring.
Pest Management: Monitor for common pests like citrus mites, aphids, and scale. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps as needed.

Mature Size Expectations (General Range):

Small Trees (Kumquats, Calamondin, Limequat): 6-10 feet tall and wide. Compact, ideal for small spaces or containers.
Medium Trees (Mandarins, Meyer Lemon, Persian Lime): 10-15 feet tall and wide. Can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Large Trees (Standard Oranges, Grapefruits, Ponderosa Lemon): Can reach over 20 feet tall and wide if not pruned to maintain a manageable size.

Specific Notes on Selected Varieties:

Blood Orange, Cara Cara, Valencia: These oranges typically reach 15-20 feet in height. They prefer warm temperatures and are sensitive to frost.
Dancy Tangerine, Sunburst Tangerine: Expect these tangerines to grow 12-15 feet tall. They're known for their sweet, juicy fruit.
Lisbon Lemon, Meyer Lemon, Bearss Lemon: These lemon varieties can vary in size but generally grow up to 10-20 feet tall, depending on pruning and environmental conditions.
Satsuma, Clementine, Tango Mandarin: These mandarins are smaller, usually around 10-15 feet tall, and are cold-hardier than most citrus.
Ruby Red Grapefruit, White Grapefruit: Grapefruit trees can become quite large, reaching upwards of 20-30 feet, so ample space is a must.

For each specific citrus variety you're growing, it's recommended to look up detailed care instructions, particularly if you're growing them in unique conditions or aiming for specific cultivation goals like container growing or espalier. Remember, the local climate, soil type, and water availability can all influence the specific care needs and ultimate size of your citrus trees.

Rootstock Guide:

Rootstocks play a crucial role in the cultivation of citrus trees, influencing their disease resistance, tolerance to soil conditions, size, and even fruit quality. Different rootstocks are favored for various reasons, including their adaptability to soil types, resistance to pests and diseases, and impact on the scion's growth and productivity. Here are some of the most common rootstocks used for citrus trees, which are likely relevant to the extensive list of citrus varieties you've mentioned:

Trifoliate Orange (Poncirus trifoliata)

Characteristics: Cold hardy, disease-resistant, and well-suited for well-drained soils. It's commonly used for many citrus types but can lead to a smaller tree size, which is often desirable for easier harvesting and maintenance.
Common Use: Widely used for oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.

Carrizo Citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata)

Characteristics: Offers good disease resistance, particularly to Phytophthora and citrus tristeza virus. It's well-adapted to various soil types and conditions.
Common Use: Popular for oranges, mandarins, and tangors, providing a balance of size control and vigor.

Swingle Citrumelo (Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata)

Characteristics: Highly resistant to root rot and other soil-borne diseases, tolerant to cold, and adaptable to a range of soil conditions, including those that are less than ideal.
Common Use: Often used for grapefruit and sweet oranges, but also compatible with a variety of other citrus types.

Cleopatra Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Characteristics: Known for good tolerance to salinity, drought, and various soil conditions. It's slow-growing, which can be beneficial for managing tree size.
Common Use: A versatile rootstock for many citrus varieties, including mandarins, oranges, and grapefruits.

Sour Orange (Citrus aurantium)

Characteristics: Once the standard rootstock for its well-rounded qualities including good yield, fruit quality, and resistance to certain soil issues. However, its susceptibility to citrus tristeza virus has reduced its popularity.
Common Use: Historically used for a wide range of citrus, including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.

US-897 (Citrus reticulata × Poncirus trifoliata)

Characteristics: Produces a smaller tree, is fast-growing, and shows good tolerance to various soil conditions, including salinity.
Common Use: Suitable for small spaces and high-density plantings, used for oranges, mandarins, and lemons.

Rootstocks for Limes & Kumquats

For limes and kumquats, rootstocks like 'Flying Dragon' (a dwarfing type of Poncirus trifoliata) are often used to control tree size and enhance cold hardiness.

The choice of rootstock can significantly impact the success of your citrus cultivation, influencing everything from the tree's size, fruit yield and quality, to its overall health and longevity. In Florida, the selection often leans towards rootstocks that offer resistance to local soil pathogens, adaptability to the sandy soils, and resilience to environmental stressors. It's always recommended to consider the specific conditions of your orchard, including soil type, local pests and diseases, and climate, when selecting a rootstock for your citrus trees.