Citrus In Containers

Citrus in containers

Look for dwarf varieties of citrus, such as 'Improved Meyer' lemon, 'Bearss' lime, 'Kaffir' lime, kumquats, 'Trovita' orange, 'Calamondin' orange, and 'Buddha's Hand' orange for container growing. These tend to stay between 6 and 12 feet tall at maturity outdoors and can be kept even at a smaller height in a container.

What size container for citrus trees?

Choosing Containers for Citrus Trees For small trees, a 12-inch-diameter container — what nurseries call a 5-gallon pot — is perfect for starters. Mature trees need pots double that width and at least 18 to 24 inches deep. This gives roots growing room and prevents tippy, top-heavy trees.

How long can citrus trees live in pots?

How Long Do Lemon Trees live In Containers? Lemon trees can live almost as long in containers as in the ground. For long container life, repot the tree into a larger container every one to one-and-a-half years.

How cold is too cold for citrus trees in pots?

Citrus are subtropical plants and will not survive freezing temperatures. To protect plants, they will need to be covered one way or another. If temperatures dip down to 30 degrees, it's time to take action. This is especially important for young citrus trees.

Can you grow full size citrus in pots?

Citrus will grow fine in pots. The new dwarf varieties are especially suited to container growing. All citrus require full sun, therefore choose a bright sunny position. Eventually a citrus will require a large pot like half a wine barrel.

Do citrus trees do well in pots?

Choose a citrus variety suited to containers – Almost any citrus tree can be grown in containers, but many types that are large trees such as grapefruit and types of lemons, will outgrow their container quickly.

Do you need 2 citrus trees to produce fruit?

There is always a lot of confusion about fruit trees, and how exactly to make sure they carry fruit. Some, like apples, need another variety to pollinate them, but citrus do not. Just one tree will produce a big crop, with no need for a second one of a different variety.

How often should citrus in pots be watered?

Potted citrus need to be watered two to three times a week. In very hot or windy weather, particularly if this type of weather occurs when your tree is in flower or forming small fruit, it may need daily watering. Always make sure the water soaks into the potting mix and doesn't simply run through without soaking in.

Do lemon trees need deep pots?

When the tree is potted, there should be at least an inch of room between the soil and the top of the planter or pot. 8 to 12 inches is the recommended diameter, and the planter should also provide proper drainage for the soil.

How long does it take for citrus trees to bear fruit?

Most citrus varieties are self-fertile, so only one tree is typically needed for fruit production. On average, fruit bearing begins when the trees are between 3 and 6 years old. However, exact timing will depend on the type of citrus, the cultivar, your climate, the health of the plant and its care, and other factors.

Can you keep fruit trees in pots forever?

Even if you have limited space, you can still enjoy fresh fruit. Although not all fruit trees thrive in containers for long periods of time, you can grow any fruit tree in a container for a few years and then transplant it. You can also choose a dwarf variety, which is well suited to living in a container.

How do you winterize citrus trees?

Several days prior to an expected freeze, water deeply underneath the tree and surrounding area. For extra protection, wrap trunks and consider banking soil up on trunks of small trees. Drape lightweight material over entire trees, making sure it goes all the way to the ground and is vented on sunny or milder days.

Can I leave my potted lemon tree outside in winter?

Leave the tree outside for as long as possible and put it back outside as early as possible in spring. In particular in late winter and early spring, you can place the tree in a protected location outside.

Can citrus survive 40 degrees?

Most citrus trees can handle a light frost, but any temperature below 32°F can be detrimental to its health. Keep your tree inside until you are sure the last spring frost in your area has passed, and the average nightly temperature is above 40°F before preparing to move your citrus tree outside.

Do you water citrus trees in the winter?

In winter, you only need to water your citrus tree once every 3–4 weeks! It might not seem like enough, considering that you need to water multiple times per week in spring and summer. But this will help your tree to remain in dormancy and build up the energy for next year's growth spurt.

Can citrus trees take full sun?

As a citrus variety, lemon trees require full sun, which means about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor growth, simply place them in front of a south-facing or sunny window. Once you've scouted your chosen area and selected your favorite lemon tree, it's easy to plant.

Can citrus plants get too much sun?

What Causes Citrus Sunscald? Citrus sunburn occurs when soft, vulnerable parts of the tree are exposed to too much intense sunlight. While it also affects fruit and leaves, the problem is the most serious when it reaches the bark, since it cannot be replaced and may never completely heal.

Can you grow a Meyer lemon tree in a container?

Lemon trees are happy in containers, provided they have enough root room and good drainage. We recommend 'Improved Meyer' (USDA Zones 9–11) as one of the best varieties to grow in a pot, because it is naturally dwarfed. It will mature to just 3 to 5 feet.

What is the best time to plant citrus trees?

The best time to plant citrus is early spring after the danger of frost has passed and when nurseries stock the best selection. Early planting also allows the tree to establish itself before the hot weather hits.

How long does it take for a Meyer lemon tree to bear fruit?

How long does it take for a Meyer lemon tree to bear fruit? The amount of time it takes depends on how the tree was grown. A grafted tree can bear fruit in as little as two years, while seed-grown Meyer lemon trees can take anywhere from three to seven years to produce fruit.