How to grow...

CLIMATE:

Citrus thrive in warm gardens, where summer is hot and winter is mild. While most prefer warm conditions, there are varieties that can tolerate cooler conditions, such as makrut (kaffir) lime, calamondin and Satsuma mandarin. Other citrus can be grown, but they require frost protection.

ASPECT:

Position in a spot with at least six hours of sunlight and protection from strong winds.

SOIL:

Citrus need well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Improve the soil by digging in home-made compost or store-bought soil conditioner. If soil drainage is poor, consider growing in a 40–50cm pot filled with quality potting mix.

FERTILISER:

To keep your citrus happy, keep it well fed. Apply citrus fertiliser, chook pellets or well-rotted manure at the start of every season, and supplement this during very wet weather with a fast-acting liquid feed such as fish emulsion. Alternate fertilisers each season. Spread fertiliser evenly out to the tree’s drip line—the outer edge of the canopy—and water it in.

TOP TIP 

Citrus trees don’t like to share! Keep the area under them clear of other plants and weeds so they’re not competing for water or nutrients. A clean patch

means better fruit.

 

WATER:

Established citrus need regular deep watering in hot weather. Always check before you water; if the soil is, moist don’t water. Potted citrus need careful monitoring of moisture. A deep watering once a week in summer should be adequate. Do not allow your potted citrus to completely dry out, but do not over water as roots will rot.

PRUNING:

Citrus produce new growth near pruning cuts, so you can confidently shape them to suit yourspace. Train your tree as an espalier, clip it into a topiary, or let it grow naturally in an open vase shape. Every 10 years or so, a renovation prune may be needed – cutting the tree back to a bare trunk and branches, leaving a skeleton with no leaves. This intensive prune is best done in August.

 

5 MUST-HAVE CITRUS FOR YOUR GARDEN 

1. EUREKA LEMON:

Tall and vigorous (up to 6m), produces juicy, acidic lemons nearly year-round. Also available as adwarf tree, 2–3m.

2. WASHINGTON NAVEL ORANGE:

Medium tree (3–4m), seedless, juicy and easy to peel with a classic sweet orange flavour. Also available as adwarf tree, 1.5–2m. 

3. IMPERIAL MANDARIN:

Medium tree (2–4m), early season fruit, sweet and easy to peel. It’s the perfect lunchbox snack. Also available as a dwarf tree, 1–1.5m.

4. TAHITIAN LIME:

Medium size (3–4m), seedless with a sharp, clean flavour. Great for drinks and cooking. Also available as a dwarf tree, 1.5–2m.

5. NAGAMI CUMQUAT:

Compact tree (1.5–2m), tangy-sweet fruit eaten whole or turned into marmalade. 

MORE CITRUS FOR YOU TO TRY...

VALENCIA ORANGE:

Tall grower (up to 5m), excellent for juicing with a sweet-tart flavour and plenty of juice. Also available as adwarf tree, 1.5–2m tall.

EMPEROR MANDARIN:

Medium tree (3.5–4m), rich flavour, larger fruit, and late harvest keeps mandarins coming longer. Also available as a dwarf tree, reaching 1.5–2m.

MAKRUT (KAFFIR) LIME:

Small tree (2–3m), grown mainly for its fragrant leaves used in curries and soups.

FINGER LIME:

Shrubby native (2–3m), zesty citrus “pearls” inside, bursting with flavour and perfect for seafood or as a salad garnish.