Growing Guide: Citrus Trees

Planting, cultural care, pruning, and harvesting are similar for all citrus plants, with a few slight variations. Generally, they are best planted in filtered sun with well-drained soil that can hold moisture and nutrients. Citrus trees a particularly high demand for nitrogen. If you’re fantasizing about long afternoons of picking fresh fruit from your personal citrus grove, keep this in mind: The key to growing citrus is setting it up for success from the start.

Plant Type:
Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree

Harvest Season:
Winter, Spring, Year-round

Main citrus fruit production will take place in late winter through spring, but may produce throughout the year

Mature Size:
7-30 ft

Mature size varies by citrus tree type. Overall, citrus varieties can be grown in containers and maintained at smaller sizes.

Soil & Moisture:
Well-drained, high fertility and good moisture-holding capacity; High nitrogen demands. Regular watering throughout the first year and throughout flowering and fruiting season.

Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade

Overall, citrus prefers slightly shady areas and has better fruit production in part shade lighting conditions.

Self-Fertile:
Yes

Growth Rate:
Medium 

Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 8-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+

Although their fruit provides a distinctly tropical twist to any drink or dish, Citrus trees trees are actually very cold hardy fruit trees, taking temperatures down to the low 20's!

Propagation:
Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 1 year.

See More:
Sow Exotic offers many different unique varieties of Citrus trees. Shop the Citrus Collection!