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Growing citrus isn't as complicated as many gardeners think, even for those who live in areas where citrus can't stay outside year-round. With some good advice from our friend Byron Martin, of Logee's Tropical Plants in Danielson, Connecticut, and the right care, you can grow lemons, limes, kumquats, and oranges.
All citrus need plenty of light to develop and maintain a healthy root system.
The root systems of citrus grown in containers require a period of dry-down to help prevent root disease. Avoid potting into a container that is too large. Even when planting up a rootbound plant, do not increase the pot size by more than an inch or two in diameter. Also, planting in terra-cotta pots helps plants to dry down properly between watering. It's best to water only when the surface of the soil is visibly dry.
The best growing temperature is from slightly above freezing up to 80 or 90 degrees F., with the exception of Key line, which needs temperatures above 60 degrees F. Before setting citrus out for the summer, adjust the plant slowly to full sun and any change in temperature- otherwise the leaves will scald from the sun or go into shock from too quick a temperature change.
Citrus have problems with micronutrient deficiencies, so be sure to use a balanced fertilizer. Ferilizer can help induce flowers, but too much can promote leafy growth over flowers. Therefore, fertilize plants only during active growth, never in dormant periods. And when you get lemons, make lemonade!
Special Thanks:
Byron Martin
www.logees.com