Citrus trees are made for the Aussie backyard, but if you don’t have a garden, can you still enjoy the delights of home-grown citrus? The answer is yes if you consider dwarf varieties and grow citrus in pots or large containers. More important than garden space is access to lots of sun and warmth, which are two very important elements for growing a happy and healthy potted citrus.
SELECTING YOUR TREES
If you can provide full sun (that’s sun for at least six hours a day, but ideally sun from morning until early afternoon), select a citrus variety that’s grafted on dwarfing rootstock (usually ‘Flying Dragon’). Grafted citrus for pots include varieties of lemon, lime, mandarin, and orange. Kumquats are also well suited to growing in pots and naturally form very decorative small potted trees.
SELECTING YOUR POTS*
When you decide to grow citrus in pots, the pots you choose need to be large enough. Large pots mean pots that are at least 60cm in diameter with good root depth. While any pot with good drainage holes in its base will give dwarf citrus trees the space to grow, a glazed pot is an ideal choice as it has reduced water loss (especially compared to unglazed terracotta), can support the weight of a mature citrus and is long-lasting. Slightly elevate the pot by standing it on pot feet or on bricks. This helps water to drain from the base of the pot and allows the gardener to check that drainage holes aren’t blocked by root growth as the plant matures.
An important note and something to consider*: Citrus trees need to be re-potted if they outgrow their container, or when the potting mix in the container starts to slump as its bulk reduces. Re-potting is usually required every three years. Plants can be moved into a slightly larger pot if still growing or replanted in the same pot with fresh potting mix. For more tips on repotting ask one of our friendly staff.
GETTING STARTED
There are a few steps to follow when you choose to grow citrus in pots. At planting or when re-potting, fill the container with good-quality potting mix to ensure strong growth and good drainage, as citrus don’t tolerate poorly drained conditions. Always plant the citrus at the same depth that the tree was growing in its original pot.
Don’t skimp on watering, especially when the trees are first planted and when they are forming fruit. Plants growing in pots tend to dry out faster than the same plant growing in soil, so it is vital to check the potting mix and water if it is starting to dry out. Plants dry out quickly in hot or windy weather. Regular watering is also important when the tree is in flower or forming fruit.
A thin layer of organic mulch such as sugar cane mulch spread over the surface of the potting mix helps to keep the potting mix moist and cool.
ONGOING MAINTENANCE
Pruning is not required to produce fruiting wood, but citrus can be pruned to remove dead growth, create a bushier shape (which may be desirable for a potted plant), and to thin fruit if the crop is too heavy. Young trees may not have a strong enough branch structure to support lots of fruit, so it may be necessary to remove a lot of the crop in the first year or so after planting. This will help to direct the plant’s energy into growth and develop a strong framework. If pruning is needed, prune in spring.
Main pests that potted citrus face are leaf miner and scale. To combat citrus leaf miner during the growing season, we recommend organic Success Ultra. Check branches and leaves for any sign of scale too and treat with horticultural oil (such as PestOil). Ants climbing on the trunk and branches are indicators of scale pests. You can also apply horticultural oil regularly during winter to reduce the numbers of summer bugs such as stink bugs.
Keep trees growing strongly with regular applications of fertiliser. These are timed just before flowering at the end of winter (usually August) and again in late summer (usually February) for citrus growing in the ground. For containerised plants, use a slow-release product or spread out the recommended dose in small monthly applications. Always apply fertiliser to moist soil and water well after the fertiliser is applied. For a year-round citrus care guide tailored to the Manning Valley, stay tuned for the next edition.
Happy gardening,
Caitlin
Wingham Nursery & Florist (02) 655 34570
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