Use and Care Manual

Citrus Growing

When to plant

Generally, citrus trees can be planted any time of year, depending on the specific climate, but

should be planted so that the roots have a chance to acclimatize before extreme temperatures are

expected.

Where to plant

Citrus can be planted in containers indoors or outdoors, or in the ground. Soil pH should be

slightly acidic to about neutral (6.0 to 7.5) and soil depth should be a minimum of 18 inches

deep. Sandy to clay loam soils are best, with good drainage a must.

A site in full sun protected from severe wind is best. Be aware that some types, such as

grapefruit, require more heat to produce sweet, tasty fruit. Planting higher on a slope can provide

some protection from cold air.

Transplanting from a container to the ground

Handle the tree gently and protect the roots from damage. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the

rootball of the tree and about the same depth as the rootball. Save the soil for backfill; break up

large clumps. Soil amendments are not recommended unless the soil is extremely sandy or is

heavy clay.

Trees should be planted at the same depth as they were in the container. If planted too deep, soil

and water tend to stand against the trunk, which promotes root and crown rots such as

Phytophthora. If planted too high, the roots will dry out too quickly.

Planting in a Container

To create the ideal growing medium for citrus, start with a commercially available soil mix that

does not contain chemical wetting agents. Evenly combine a 1/4 – 1/3 volume of redwood or

cedar shavings with the commercial soil mix, cedar hamster bedding is widely available and

inexpensive.

Use a container that allows for good drainage and has at least five drainage holes. When planted

at the correct height the thicker woody “crown” roots will show just at or above the soil line and

the fine feeder roots below will be covered with soil. Do not cover the trunk with soil. Putting

gravel on the bottom of the pot can impede drainage, so is not recommended.

Watering

Citrus trees require consistently moist but not soggy soil and they do not like standing water. The

root system should not be allowed to dry out, which stresses the tree. Note however, that

overwatering and/or poor drainage are also problems, and equally stressful. Citrus trees are

evergreen, and should be irrigated year-round, especially during active growth periods, usually

late winter or early spring through summer. Young trees with a trunk diameter of less than an

inch are especially vulnerable to irrigation issues. Irrigation should be at the root zone area away

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Citrus Growing When to plant Generally, citrus trees can be planted any time of year, depending on the specific climate, but should be planted so that the roots have a chance to acclimatize before extreme temperatures are expected. Where to plant Citrus can be planted in containers indoors or outdoors, or in the ground. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to about neutral (6.0 to 7.5) and soil depth should be a minimum of 18 inches deep. Sandy to clay loam soils are best, with good drainage a must.
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from the trunk and the bud union to avoid fungal diseases. Newly planted trees should be irrigated well immediately after planting to ensure surface roots stay moist. Irrigation Frequency Irrigation frequency is influenced by weather, so the irrigation schedule should be adjusted throughout the year. Irrigation efficiency is also influenced by soil type. Generally, irrigate when the top few inches of the soil are dry and the rest of the root zone is slightly moist.
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away damaged parts until new growth is established in the spring. Do not use plastic to cover tree trunks or foliage.