Growing Citrus Fruit Trees

In temperate climates, grow citrus trees in a greenhouse, or varieties recommended for outdoor use in tubs of diameter at least 18 in, with soil-based potting compost at 45°F or more. Water well during growing season, but allow to dry out between each watering. In summer, spray foliage every morning until flowering; keep plants drier in winter. Feed weekly during growing season with liquid seaweed fertilizer. Thin out crossing, overcrowded, dead, or diseased branches, and fruited shoots after harvesting.

Kumquat Trees

Can be grown outdoors in warmer areas. In temperate zones, grow in pots or tubs in a heated greenhouse. Try Marumi and Nagami.

Tree shapes: Always bush.
Soil and site: Medium heavy, well-drained loam ideal, working in organic matter for water-retention. Raised beds in heavier soils. pH 6.0-6.5. Open, sunny site. Planting Plant container-grown or balled trees at any time, 15 ft apart.
Maintenance: Mulch with compost or manure. Water well while fruit swelling. After harvest prune current season's growth.
Harvesting: Crops from 7-8 years. Pick when orange. Eat raw, or make into marmalade.
Pests and diseases: Gall wasp, little leaf, lemon scab, red spider mite, aphids, scale insects.

Lemon and Lime Trees

Usually need frost-free areas; with shelter the Meyer hybrid lemon tolerates 15°F. Other lemons are Lisbon and Eureka. Try Florida Key and Tahitian limes.

Tree shapes: Bush.
Soil and site: Slightly heavy soils are best, beds raised at least 18 in. Enrich with compost or manure. Prefer slightly acid conditions: pH 6.0-6.5. Outside, need very sunny, sheltered site.
Planting: Plant container-grown or balled trees at any time of year; if outside, spring or autumn are best. For most light, space 15 ft apart.
Maintenance: Young roots are easily scorched by excess
fertilizer: feed only manure mulches, or one handful all-purpose organic fertilizer per sq. yd early spring; repeat summer, watering in well. Roots need plenty of water, especially the first few years. Prune lemons to keep compact, removing inward-pointing, straggling shoots, and those that have borne fruit. Thin lime trees, removing dead, diseased, or crossing wood.
Harvesting: Both fruits crop from 7-8 years and fruit all year. Cut with primers when ripe; store in cool place in paper-lined crates, covering the fruit with dry sand.
Pests and diseases: Gall wasp, little leaf, lemon scab, red spider mite, aphids, scale insects.

Orange Trees

In temperate areas, oranges must be grown inside. Sweet eating oranges are Jaffa, Majorca, Valencia, Washington Navel. Seville is a sour orange for marmalade-making.

Tree shapes: Bush.
Soil and site: Light and sandy soil: oranges abhor bad drainage. On heavier soils raise planting area at least 18 in. Enrich with plenty of well-rotted compost or manure. Prefer slightly acid conditions: pH 6.0-6.5. As sunny and sheltered a site as possible (with a windbreak if necessary).
Planting: Same as lemons and limes, but spaced 25 ft apart.
Maintenance: Same as lemons.
Harvesting: Crops from 7-8 years. Leave fruits on tree -- they can stay for up to six months until ready to use. Pick when well colored. Store the same as lemons.
Pests and diseases: Same as lemons.

Grapefruit

Try Marsh's Seedless, Ruby or Redblush, 2nd Duncan.

Tree shapes: Bush trees.
Soil and site: Sun, shelter, and good drainage: dig deeply; add compost or manure. Raise heavy soil 18 in. pH 6.0-6.5.
Planting: Same as lemons, but spaced at least 30 ft apart.
Maintenance: Same as lemons.
Harvesting: Same as oranges.
Pests and diseases: Same as lemons.