Temperatures and falling and so are the leaves. But there is still plenty of time to get in the garden before the first …
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Citrus Care 101
Few plants bring as much joy, and fresh fragrance, as a citrus tree. Whether you’re growing lemons, limes, oranges, or kumquats, these sun-loving beauties reward you with glossy green leaves, fragrant blooms, and delicious fruit. While citrus trees are relatively easy to grow, they do have specific needs to stay healthy and productive. Here’s how to give your citrus the best care all year long.
Location is Everything
Citrus trees are true sun worshipers. To produce healthy foliage, blossoms, and fruit, they need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Outdoors, place your tree in a bright, sheltered location where it gets morning sun and some protection from strong afternoon winds.
If you’re growing indoors, choose the sunniest spot you have — a south- or southwest-facing window is ideal. For those with less natural light, consider supplementing with a full-spectrum grow light to mimic the sun’s rays. Consistent light exposure helps keep the tree from becoming leggy and encourages more blooms.
Container Counts
Citrus trees thrive in containers, which makes it easy to move them between indoor and outdoor locations as the seasons change. Choose a large pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the roots, which can cause rot.
A lightweight, well-draining potting mix is best, avoid heavy garden soil, which can compact and suffocate roots. Options like Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix, or Hoffman Cactus & Succulent Mix offer the right balance of drainage and moisture retention. As your tree grows, you may need to repot every 2–3 years into a slightly larger container to give roots more room.
Water Wisely
Citrus trees like deep, consistent watering but do not tolerate soggy soil. Water your tree when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. When you water, do so thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage holes.
Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which encourages weak root growth. During hot summer months, you may need to water more often; in cooler months, reduce frequency as the tree’s growth slows. Always check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering — citrus “doesn’t like wet feet.”
Feed for Fruit
Citrus trees are heavy feeders and need regular nutrition to produce healthy foliage and abundant fruit. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer, like Citrus Tone, every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall).
Prepare for Fall
As temperatures drop in late summer or early fall, keep an eye on nighttime lows. Bring your citrus indoors before temperatures consistently fall below 50°F to protect it from cold damage.
Once inside, place the tree near a sunny window or under a grow light for 10–12 hours of light each day. The change in environment can cause some leaf drop, which is normal as the plant adjusts. Keep the soil slightly on the dry side indoors, and avoid placing the tree near heat vents or drafts. When spring arrives and nights stay above 50°F, gradually reintroduce the tree to outdoor conditions by increasing sun exposure over a week or two.
A Little Extra TLC
- Pruning: Lightly prune to shape your tree and remove dead or crossing branches.
- Pollination: If your citrus is indoors when it blooms, gently shake branches or use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers.
- Pest Watch: Keep an eye out for aphids, scale, or spider mites — treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
With the right sunlight, water, nutrition, and seasonal care, your citrus tree can thrive for years. Come by any English Gardens location for more information.
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