With their bright glossy foliage and bright fruits citrus fruits can make attractive patio plants. Growing them in containers means they can be given the right conditions in both summer and winter.

Citrus Fruits grow best in an organic nutrient-rich soil-based medium with about 20% horticultural sand added to improve drainage.

In summer place the container citrus plants outside in a warm, sheltered area. Water them freely, but make sure the containers drain well. Liquid – feed the plants regularly using a high nitrogen organic fertilizer from spring to midsummer, and then a general fertilizer until autumn.

There are specialized fertilizers on the market for citrus which contain the proper balance of nitrogen and other nutrients like iron, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, copper and boron. Slow release fertilizer that typically is applied every 2-3 months work best.. Discolored or misshapen leaves or sluggish growth can indicate a nutrient deficiency.

In winter, bring the container citrus plants into a greenhouse or sunroom. The minimum temperature varies with the type of citrus plant, but it is likely to be at least 45F(7C) at night and slightly higher during the day. Water less frequently, allowing the soil medium to partially dry out between waterings.

 

 

In areas where winters are cold, shelter the plants in a garage or basement that gets good bright light or bring them indoors and place no farther than 6 feet from a sunny window. The prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures is more harmful than a brief dip in temperature. If you only get occasional freezes, you can just wrap them with a frost blanket or spray them with an antitranspirant like Cloud Cover.
 

Topdress established plants with fresh soil medium in spring. Pruning can be done anytime except winter. To round out the shape of the tree, pinch back tips of new growth, which will force the growth down lower on the plant. If there is any fruit on your newly planted tree, remove it so energy will be directed into new growth rather than fruiting.

Citrus have very few pest problems. Scale, aphids or mites may invade, but adding parsley, dill, yarrow, alyssum, coreopsis and other plants to your garden that attract beneficial insects should control the pests. If necessary, spray aphids off with a strong jet of water or pinch them off with your fingers. Remove scale with your fingernail or a sharp knife. Scale and mites can be controlled by spraying light horticultural oil.

Plant a beautiful and fragrant container citrus tree on your patio, because there is nothing quite like picking that sparkling fruit you’ve grown yourself!