Citrus Plant

Quick facts

Common name Citrus
Botanical Name Citrus
Group Conservatory plant, fruit.
Flowering time Throughout the year depending on cultivar
Planting time Repot in spring as necessary
Height and spread Up to 6m (20ft) depending on variety and pot size
Hardiness Frost tender
Difficulty Easy

Cultivation notes

Citrus are frost tender plants and temperatures below 7°C (45°F) may cause damage or even death. For this reason, in most parts of the UK, it is best to grow citrus in containers that can be moved to a warmer position over winter.

Watering

Citrus originate from regions of free-draining soil but high air humidity, and it is important to keep the air humidity up year-round. The best way to do this, is to stand plants on large saucers or trays filled with ‘Hortag’ or gravel and keep the water level just below the surface of the gravel.  Mist the leaves in early morning in summer and make sure that there is good circulation of fresh air.

In summer, water freely but do not allow the base of the container to stand in water.

In winter, allow the surface to partially dry out before watering, then water thoroughly with rainwater, allowing excess moisture to drain away.  Overwatering in winter is one of the commonest causes of stress in citrus, so keep them on the dry side.

Feeding

Citrus require feeding throughout the year. From late March to late October, use a summer feed high in nitrogen. Use a more balanced winter feed from late October to late March. These are available from nurseries and garden centres, including fertilisers specifically formulated for citrus.