Citrus Care

Siting
Citrus trees need as much light as possible. It is preferable to keep them outside after the spring frosts have ended which is usually about the end of May. Particular care is needed in the spring when there are extremes of temperature, and before the plants have adapted to the new temperatures. Before the the first frosts of winter the plants must be moved back inside to warmer conditions (so, at the very least the plants are always in temperatures above freezing). It is essential to maintain ventilation when the plants are kept inside a heated conservatory or greenhouse. Small plants (calamondins are particularly suitable) may be kept in the house on a south facing window sill. For most citrus, it is advisable to avoid keeping the plants in overheated rooms, as the air will become too dry and most varieties will shed their leaves


Watering
The plants should be watered so as to flush the soil thoroughly, and normally best results may be achieved by watering a second time within a few minutes to ensure there are no air spaces in the soil. Also, a squirt of soapy detergent in the water may assist the process. The plants should then be allowed to almost dry out before the next watering. In summer this may be just a few days, and in winter a few weeks. It all depends on temperature, light, humidity of the atmosphere, amount of foliage and fruit, and pot size relative to the plant. Indications of drying out are wilting and curling of leaves from side to side, weight of the pot (it can be lifted or tipped it to its side to guage its weight), and if the fruit is too soft. Please do not allow the tree to stand in water as the roots will soon rot. It is best to utilise pot feet to elevate the pots to facilitate drainage. To avoid shock to the root system it is always best keep a watering can full so as to keep the temperature of the water at the ambient temperature. Using water that is too cold may result in leaf curl from the tip to the stalk.


Feeding
The pot soil is textured to allow free drainage of water, and is not rich in nutrients. It is therefore advisable to feed the plant with special citrus fertiliser. We provide seasonal fertiliser for both the summer and winter, in order to balance the nutrients for the particular stages of development. Additional foliar feeding in the winter and spring will increase fruit set and health of plants.



Pots
Ceramic pots are more aesthetic and allow the soil to transpire more efficiently. But, this very fact does allow the pots to dry out more quickly, and the pots are more heavy and difficult to transport. Plastic pots, conversely, retain the moisture; and provided the plants are maintained as described above there will be no difficulty in cultivation. The plastic pot could always be kept within a ceramic pot to maintain the aesthetic appearance. Compost should always allow drainage and be at a pH of about 6.5. John Innes 3 is suitable for topping up, but is too heavy on its own, and multipurpose compost is too acidic. It is therefore best to purchase specialised compost at the time of re-potting. A suitable home-made compost could be composed of 35% coir, 35% sterilised soil, 20% bark chippings and 10% grit.


Propagation
Citrus plants cultivated from seed will not produce fruit for many years, and plants are normally sold which have been grafted to disease resistant root stock. The variety of root stock will determine the resistance and also other characteristics such as growth rate of the grafted plant. Citrus trees are self -pollinating, and the fruits normally ripen in the winter during the cooler temperatures. Some varieties of lemon trees will continuously fruit, and so give instant access for plucking to add to your Gin and Tonic.


Picking the Fruit
Citrus plants have ripening periods during the course of the year, and in some species the fruits may remain on the plant for several months. The colour of the fruit is an indication of ripeness. Generally, on younger plants it is better to pick the fruit when it is ripe so as to encourage the plant to flower again and bear more fruit. The more mature trees can retain their fruit for much longer.


Pests and Diseases,
A spray of water with liquid soap in water will remove most pests. If there are heavy infestations, then washing the leaves by hand is the most effective.


Leaf Fall
It is not uncommon for citrus trees to yellow and/or lose their leaves and cause their owner some despair. This can be due to shock of temperature changes, over-watering, dry roots or incorrect nutrition. Normally, the trees will recover once the problem is corrected and spring arrives with new growth.

Citrus trees are quite hardy, contrary to belief. But they do require a caring approach, a consistent method of watering and the use of fertiliser. And then you will enjoy the tree for many years.