One treat that my wife and I like to give our daughter when she’s being good is oranges. Its something quick and easy and she really thinks she’s getting something special. Now that we have settled into the area we are planning on growing satsumas and lemon trees for ourselves. As I was looking into how to get a few trees established, it occurred to me that it would be a good article topic. I know several people growing a few citrus varieties locally and thought others may be interested as well. With proper care and maintenance, citrus trees can be a rewarding hobby you can have at home.
We tend to eat more sweet citrus than acidic varieties, but we do enjoy making our own lemonade every once in a while. Down here in our part of the world, variety selection is very important. Many people grow Satsumas with a high level of success and for sweet citrus it is the go-to variety. For those that tend to lean for a more sour fruit, there are a few good options. In this region, Meyer lemons do well. If you’re interested in something a little different, look into Pondarosa lemons. They grow to the size of a softball and give a lot of juice. They make a cool talking point for visitors too.
So now that you’ve decided on a tree you can just put it right in the ground, right? Unfortunately, even though it is easy, its not quit that easy. Citrus trees require a fertilization routine in the first few years to get established. Regular 8-8-8 fertilizer can be used and is easily accessible at any garden store. Four applications should be made per year for the first three years. These applications start at 1/3 of a pound and increase by a quarter of a pound each time. The schedule goes March 1, April 15, June 1, July 1 for the first three years.
Now that you have your tree in the ground, fertilization schedule started and giving it plenty of water, you need to watch for environmental issues. Insects and diseases can easily destroy a young citrus tree without proper attention. Natural enemies tend to ward of many pests to citrus trees but scales and leaf miners can be a problem. Neem oil tends to do ok for citrus pest and fungus issues and is relatively safe. Always remember to wash your hands and any fruits treated as recommended on the label.
Now that you have a basic idea of what it takes to grow your own citrus, I hope you’ll feel more confident if you try your hand at it. However, know that this not an extensive list of requirements, but a general overview. Here at the extension office we have an entire citrus guide available for free to anyone interested. Feel free to call me anytime for citrus questions. Good luck and be safe out there!