Citrus Planting and Care

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Citrus Planting and Care

Citrus are subtropical plants that can survive temperatures of twenty eight degrees for short periods. These trees can be one of the best trees to grow in the southwest and other subtropical climates. Since many of the commercial growers extend from Southern California to Florida The durability of these trees have been proven. Almost all types of citrus can be grown without many problems, there are a few varieties such as the mandarin and similar tangerines that take a bit of extra care. These varieties are more susceptible to frost damage. Citrus can be pruned anytime of the year. The bark of the tree can sustain damage if pruned and not protected during high heat or heavy frost. This damage can be seen as a pealing or splitting. If this does occur the tree may be damaged and some of the structure may die back. To protect the bark of citrus during these periods I recommend wrapping the trunks with a fibrous mesh such as burlap, or use tree paint. I personally don’t like the look of white tree paint.

Suckers or the rapid growing branches that appear below the graft should be removed whenever they are present. These suckers deplete the main body of the tree from vital nutrients and can cause the tree to decline.

Citrus should be watered on a scheduled basis with deep watering approximately every ten days. Fertilization should occur in late Winter or early spring. This first period fertilizer helps promote new growth and blossom development. The second Application should be applied in late May this application helps maintain growth. Followed by a light application in August. With the final fertilization being in late October or early November. Fertilize at the rate of one and one half pounds for every year of age applying to the root zone under the canopy of the tree. Never apply next to the trunk. Over fertilization may cause leaf burn or defoliation. When applying fertilizer make sure that you water thoroughly. In hot months you should water the day before fertilization and then once again after the fertilizer has been applied. This method will allow hydration of the tree and lessen any burn that may happen. Citrus require fifteen elements for good growth, three of these elements are provided from water and air, the other elements are taken from soil or fertilizer. Citrus fertilizer should contain all the trace elements such as Iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, chlorine, and sodium. In the southwest region the soils contain many of these elements so supplemental fertilization may need to be specialized for these areas. Many nurseries carry citrus fertilizer blended just for your area.

Don’t be afraid to prune just be aware of the sun and frost conditions that may affect your citrus. In the past I have seen trees cropped and the canopy raised several feet without any problems.