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Legend has it that ancient Grecians assumed certain foods had special qualities. One such legend suggests that oranges and other Citrus warmed the body, and therefore should be eaten in the morning to get the body moving. It is because of this belief that orange juice, grapefruits and other Citrus are such popular breakfast foods/drinks.
Native to South Eastern Asia and Eastern Pacific islands, Citrus species and hybrids are well known fruit trees. In frost-free areas all can be grown outside. They can also be grown in containers and moved inside for the winter.
| Plant Types: | Herb, Perennial, Shrub, Tree, Tropical |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Height: | 8 feet to 10 feet |
| Zones: | 10a to 11b |
| Bloom Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Oval |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Continuous Release Citrus, Avocado, & Mango Plant Food, Miracle-Gro® Nursery Select Miracid® Water Soluble Plant Food, Chelated Iron |
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Sow seeds in spring. Can also propagate by rooting semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Semi-ripe cuttings are cuttings taken from semi-mature wood.
The only sure-fire way to know when your Citrus fruit is ready for harvest is to sample it. Most varieties’ rinds may appear fully colored months before they have sufficiently ripened on the tree. For this reason it is best to err on the side of caution, as most varieties’ fruits can be left on the tree for weeks after they have ripened with little effect on quality.
Lemons and limes are notable exceptions: both lemons and limes can be harvested for consumption upon reaching an acceptable size.
Evergreen trees and shrubs. There are many different varieties of citrus, such as, grapefruits, lemons, limes, limequats, mandarin oranges (tangerines), oranges, etc.; however, they all need heat and need to be hardy plants in order to prosper. Citrus can be grown in places where the temperature does not fall below 20°F. Otherwise, grow Citrus in a cool greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 35°F (2°C). During the day, set temperatures between 41-50°F (5-10°C), and at night, keep the temperature at 36°F (2°C).
Produces fragrant white flowers followed by ovoid, yellow, or orange fruit. Fruits may take around 1 year to mature. Bloom times vary among species.
Citrus trees require moist soil, but the soil needs to have fast drainage. Newly planted trees should be watered twice a week while established trees should be watered every other week.
Often times Citrus fruits will start dropping as a result of high heat and low humidity. This is sometimes unavoidable, but is exacerbated by very dry soil. If you have extensive fruit drop (especially in summer), be sure that the soil is moist.
Fertilize mature citrus trees by giving it 1-1 ½ lbs. of actual nitrogen. Do this by using one-third of the fertilizer in late winter, one-third in June, and one-third in August. Be sure to fertilize not only right under the tree but well beyond the tree's branch spread. Afterwards, water the tree deeply.
Remove crossing or wayward shoots, annually, in late winter or early spring, to maintain a healthy framework. May need extensive pruning during winter or early spring if grown indoors.
Citrus is susceptible to aphids, mites, scale insects, and mealybugs.