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Citrus trees are popular in Australian gardens, with many people growing lemons, oranges, mandarins, limes, cumquats, and grapefruit. They are evergreen, with most varieties flowering in spring and ripening in late summer, although some will fruit throughout the year. They are easy to grow and will produce an abundant harvest in a couple of years. To get the best crops, they need attention throughout the year, and there are several things to consider when caring for them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Citrus trees can be grown in any temperate part of Australia with full sun and good drainage. |
| Soil | Prepare the soil with compost before planting. Dig a hole at least twice as large as the pot to avoid damaging the roots. |
| Sunlight | Citrus trees require at least 5-6 hours of sunlight per day. |
| Watering | Water citrus trees deeply twice a week during establishment. Once established, water only during dry periods and when fruits are developing. |
| Fertiliser | Fertilise at the start of every season with organic fertiliser such as blood and bone or composted manure. |
| Pruning | Pruning is not necessary to encourage fruiting. If pruning is needed to control the size of the tree, do so in spring, avoiding summer as exposed wood can become sunburnt. |
| Pests | Common pests include scale, leaf miners, aphids, stink bugs, and fruit flies. Treat with an environmentally-friendly oil spray or an organic control spray. |
| Harvest | Harvest citrus fruit when it is the correct colour and ripe. Unlike many other fruits, citrus will not ripen or become sweeter after picking. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right citrus tree for your location
When choosing a citrus tree for your garden, there are several factors to consider, including the climate, soil, sunlight, and size of your backyard.
Lemon trees (Citrus x limon) are well-suited to many parts of Australia and are a versatile option that can tolerate a range of conditions. Lisbon and Eureka lemon trees can grow quite large, reaching up to 8m and 4m in height, respectively, so they are better suited to larger gardens. If you have a smaller garden, consider the Meyer lemon tree, which grows to about 3m tall, or a dwarf form of Lisbon or Eureka.
Oranges (Citrus x sinensis) are another popular choice for Australian gardens. Navel oranges are typically seedless, while Valencia oranges are known for their juiciness. Both varieties can be left on the tree for several months, and their sweetness and juiciness will increase over time.
If you live in a particularly cold area, such as Tasmania or the Snowy Mountains, consider growing your citrus tree in a pot so that you can bring it indoors during the winter. Tahitian and West Indian limes love the tropics and subtropics but suffer in the cold, so they may not be the best choice for these colder regions.
When selecting a citrus tree, consider the size of the tree at maturity and choose a variety that will fit well in your space. In addition, make sure you choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. Citrus trees require regular care and maintenance, including watering, fertilising, and pest control, to ensure a healthy harvest.
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How to plant a citrus tree
Citrus trees are among the most popular of all backyard fruit trees in Australia. They are evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round, and they can be grown in pots or in the ground. They require full sun and good drainage to grow well.
When planting a citrus tree, start by choosing a variety that suits your location, including the climate, soil, sunlight, and size of your backyard. For example, lemon trees are well-suited to many parts of Australia and can tolerate a range of conditions. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the pot the tree comes in to prevent root damage. Prepare the soil by enriching it with compost. Remove the tree from its pot and gently tease out the roots, orienting them in all directions. Cut off any roots that have started to spiral, as these can affect the growth of your tree. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, being careful not to bury it too deep. Do not cover the graft, as this can cause collar rot.
Water your tree regularly, especially during the establishment phase, when you should water deeply twice a week. The frequency of watering can be reduced once the tree is established, but be sure to water during dry periods and when fruits are developing. Fertilise your tree at the start of every season with organic fertiliser. Keep the area beneath the tree clear of grass and other competition, and consider mulching with lucerne, sugar-cane, or home-grown compost.
Citrus trees do not generally need to be pruned to encourage fruiting, but pruning can be necessary to control the size of the tree. If pruning is required, it is best done in spring, avoiding summer as exposed wood can become sunburnt. Dead wood can be removed at any time, and hard pruning can help rejuvenate older trees by promoting new growth and improving air circulation.
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How to care for potted citrus trees
Potted citrus trees are a great option for those with limited space, as they can be grown in any temperate part of Australia. Here are some detailed instructions on how to care for potted citrus trees:
Choosing the Right Variety
First, select a citrus variety that suits your location and climate. For example, lemons (Citrus x limon) are versatile and can tolerate a range of conditions, making them well-suited to many parts of Australia. If you have a small garden or balcony, consider a dwarf form of Lisbon or Eureka lemon, or a Meyer lemon, which grows about 3m high by 2m wide. Other popular citrus fruits to grow in Australia include oranges (Citrus x sinensis), limes, blood oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, and cumquats.
Planting
Citrus trees thrive in full sun, so choose a spot that receives at least 5-6 hours of sunlight per day. Ensure the container has good drainage by placing it on pot feet or bricks. Use a premium potting mix with the Australian Standard red logo and five ticks. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot to accommodate the roots, being careful not to bury the tree too deep. Cut off any roots that have started to spiral, as this will hinder growth. Backfill with soil and water generously.
Watering
Water your potted citrus tree deeply and regularly, especially during the establishment phase. Potted citrus trees require more frequent watering than those in the ground. Watering can be reduced once the tree is established, focusing on dry periods and when fruits are developing. Check the soil moisture before watering and avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fruit split.
Feeding and Fertilising
Citrus trees benefit from regular feeding and fertilising. Apply a complete citrus food or an organic fertiliser, such as blood and bone, composted manure, or poultry manure, at the start of each season and after harvesting. Water the fertiliser well and replenish the mulch.
Pruning
Citrus trees generally do not require pruning to encourage fruiting. However, pruning may be necessary to control the size of the tree or to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Hard pruning involves removing up to one-third of the tree's branches to promote new growth and improve air circulation. It is best done in spring, avoiding summer to prevent sunburn on exposed wood.
Pest Control
Citrus trees are susceptible to pests such as aphids, leaf miners, scale insects, stink bugs, and fruit flies. Regularly inspect your tree for signs of infestation and treat with environmentally friendly oil sprays, insecticidal soap, or natural pest control products. Remove any affected fruit and practice good garden hygiene to prevent pest proliferation.
Harvesting
Citrus fruits will not ripen or sweeten after picking, so it is crucial to harvest them at the right time. Taste-test the fruit to determine ripeness, and pick when it is at its desired sweetness and juiciness. Enjoy your freshly picked citrus fruits, and remember to share them with your friends and family!
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Seasonal citrus tree care
Citrus trees are evergreen, which means they keep their leaves all year round. Most varieties flower in spring, with fruit ripening from late summer, although some will fruit throughout the year. They require regular care and maintenance.
Spring
In spring, citrus trees should be watered with trace elements. Iron chelates should also be added to the water to prevent leaves from yellowing and falling off. If your tree has not been fed in late winter, apply a complete citrus food in early spring. Remove weeds from around the tree and apply a light layer of organic mulch. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and citrus leaf miners, which can be treated with an organic spray.
Summer
Citrus trees should be watered regularly to avoid drying out. Feed your trees with either seaweed or a flower and fruit fertiliser every fortnight. Avoid feeding citrus while they are in flower, as this will result in more leaves and less fruit.
Autumn
Autumn is the time to give your citrus trees some extra care and attention. Start by giving the soil beneath the tree a good soaking, then spread a fruit and citrus fertiliser over the area, following the recommended rate on the packet. Water again to help direct the nutrients down to the tree roots.
Winter
Citrus trees can become less productive as they age, but with proper care, they can be encouraged to produce more fruit during the winter months. Hard pruning can help rejuvenate the tree by promoting new growth and improving air circulation. This involves cutting back a significant portion of the tree's branches, typically up to one-third of its growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, as well as any branches that are too close together.
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Common pests and diseases
Citrus trees in Australia are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can affect their health and fruit production. While Western Australia has a low prevalence of citrus pests and diseases compared to other countries, it is still important to be vigilant and proactive in managing potential issues.
One of the most common pests affecting citrus trees is the Citrus Gall Wasp. This tiny native Australian wasp lays its eggs in the branches of citrus trees, causing the tree to develop large swellings or bulges. The traditional method of controlling this pest is to prune the affected galls or branches during winter. However, some believe this approach exacerbates the problem and negatively impacts the tree. Alternative methods, such as those suggested in the gall wasp blog post, should be explored.
Other common pests include scale insects, aphids, leaf miners, and stink bugs. Scale insects come in two varieties: hard scale and soft scale. They are generally found on the undersides of leaves and soft growth and can be identified by their shell-like covering. While they rarely cause major damage, they can be treated with an environmentally friendly oil spray. Aphids and leaf miners are also minor pests that can be treated with the same oil spray. Stink bugs, on the other hand, can cause more significant damage to trees and harvests.
Citrus trees can also be affected by various diseases, often caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. One such disease occurs around the graft union of the plant, a point of weakness where fungal infections can take hold if the graft is damaged or too close to the soil. This can be treated with a fungicidal poultice. Phytophthora, a common fungus, can cause root rot in citrus trees. Additionally, root diseases, lack of nitrogen, and trace elements can contribute to the sudden drop of small fruit during summer.
To minimize the impact of pests and diseases, it is essential to maintain the health and nutrition of your citrus trees. A well-fed tree is less prone to these issues. Regular care and maintenance, such as proper watering, fertilizing, and providing optimal sunlight, can help prevent and manage potential problems.
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