HUMIDITY - Citrus plants require humidity to grow their best and resist insect infestations. Citrus roots should not be sitting in water. Be sure to empty any excess water from the bottom saucer.
After a few waterings, you will know what “time to water” feels like. One quick method for testing soil moisture is to lift the pot slightly to check its weight - once you know how light the pot feels when it’s empty, and how heavy it feels right after watering. Then add water until you see it running out of the bottom of the pot. The top 2 inches of sandy soil should be dry, but not the entire pot. WATER - Citrus use water at a faster rate during flower and fruit production. Any significant change in temperature can cause flower and fruit drop. This also may occur for several weeks when citrus plants are brought indoors for the winter. TEMPERATURE - Citrus prefer temperatures of 70-75✯ during the day and 55-65✯ at night. They may tolerate temps as cold as 40º but may drop flower buds and fruit as a result. Note that watering needs will increase with increasing light levels. Slowly move the plant into brighter spots over the first few weeks until the plant is acclimated to full sun. Protect plants from hot afternoon sun when you first move them outside. They can be moved outdoors from May - September. LIGHT - Citrus plants require as much bright light as you can give them, such as a west- or south-facing window, especially over the winter months. The fruit is quite bitter, often used in making marmalade or as a substitute for lemon or lime, but typically the calamondin is grown as an ornamental plant. Swanson’s most popular variety is the ‘Meyer Improved’ lemon, which is virus-free and heavily produces 3-inch diameter yellow fruit.ĬALAMONDIN ORANGE Citrus mitis - profusely bears white flowers and 1- inch diameter, bright orange fruit. It can be grown as a shrub or trained as a tree up to 4 feet tall. LEMON Citrus limon - can bloom frequently if the conditions are ideal. Prolific white flowers are followed by green-yellow fruits. LIME Citrus aurantifolia - is a shrub or small tree, typically growing to 4-5 feet tall in a pot.
Here are some of the basics of Swanson’s citrus varieties and cultural requirements. In fact, the modern greenhouse was developed primarily to grow citrus indoors for such cheery souls as Louis XIV, who had the first “orangerie” built at Versailles and demanded that his gardeners have orange trees in bloom at all times. The sweetly scented blooms, colorful, edible fruit, and glossy leaves can brighten up almost any room with a touch of the sunnier climes. You may not live in the subtropics, but you can still enjoy the wonderfully fragrant essence of citrus trees and shrubs inside your home (and outside in summertime).
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