Introduction

Every home should have it’s own instant supply of vitamin C! The best time for planting citrus is in spring or autumn.

Position

Citrus like warm, sunny situations, with some shelter from winds. They particularly need well-drained soil and cannot abide waterlogged sites. If your site is particularly damp, try digging through compost or peat to help break up clay soils. If necessary you may need to plant the citrus on a raised mound to aid soil drainage. In less than ideal situations Lemons cope better than other citrus.

Planting

The best time for planting citrus is in spring or autumn, avoid planting during the cold of winter. Water the plant thoroughly in its container and allow to drain. Dig a hole slightly larger than the container and deep enough that the citrus will sit at its present depth. Transfer the plant from its container to the new site. Fill in the hole with soil or compost and water well. Never fertilise newly planted citrus.

Feeding & Watering

Citrus trees are gross feeders and require being fed regularly with a specific Citrus fertiliser. Water the tree well before feeding, apply the fertiliser around the drip line of the tree not too close to the trunk. Water in the fertiliser well. Citrus trees in containers should be fed with a slow release citrus fertiliser.
Citrus have a shallow, fibrous rooting system, therefore care is required with watering over the summer period. If rainfall is not adequate the trees should be watered deeply twice a week. Mulching with compost or peat will help conserve moisture.

Pruning

Citrus require little pruning. Dense growing varieties such as Mandarins may need some thinning - usually when the fruit is picked. Otherwise pruning usually consists of the removal of dead or broken branches or the shaping of the tree.

Harvesting

For the first two years after planting it is advisable to remove all fruit before it gets much bigger than a pea, this helps the tree to become established. When you pick the fruit it is advisable to leave a little stem so that the fruit will keep longer. Remember to leave a clean cut otherwise diseases may enter through torn wood.