SITE SELECTION AND CORRECT SPACING FOR CITRUS TREES
We can’t control the climate, but we can select planting sites that maximize the chances of success and minimize the need for freeze protection. In general, cold winds come from the north and west. Never plant citrus in the North wind! Cold air drains down slopes, so the tops and sides of hills are warmer than low spots. Overhanging trees help trap heat, as do ponds or other water bodies. Citrus on the south or east of buildings will be protected from north winds and will receive heat radiated from the house. As you plan your plantings, try to locate potential sites offering some cold protection combined with maximum sunlight and good drainage. Where do you like to be when the cold winds blow? Put your citrus in that spot.
Well-drained sandy loam soils are preferred, but citrus will grow on many soil types if good drainage is provided. Citrus will grow more vigorously and produce more fruit in full sun. By full sun we mean at least 6 hours of sun in the afternoon. You can also grow citrus under pine trees as long as you have shifting light all day long.
MATURE HEIGHT AND SPACING When thinking about where to place your citrus tree, it pays to think about how large the trees will get. With citrus the tree size is determined by fruit type and what root stock the tree is grafted on. See the chart for good guidelines.
MATURE HEIGHT AND SPACING OF CITRUS TREES
MATURE HEIGHT OF LARGE GROWERS 15 to 20 FOOT TALL
SPACE TREE 15 to 20 FOOT APART
– Not Grafted Lemons
– Grapefruit and Pummelos-Grafted on Swingle or Rubidoux Trifolite
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MATURE HEIGHT OF MEDIUM SIZE GROWERS 10 to 15 FOOT TALL
SPACE TREE 10 to 15 FOOT APART
– Grapefruit Grafted on Flying Dragon Trifoliate
– Oranges Grafted on Swingle or Rubidoux Trifoliate
– Tangerines Grafted on Swingle or Rubidoux Trifoliate
– Lemons Grafted on Swingle or Rubidoux Trifoliate
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MATURE HEIGHT OF SMALL GROWERS 8 to 10 FOOT TALL
SPACE TREES 10 FOOT PART
– Kumquats, Limequats, Orangequats Grafted on Rubidoux Trifoliate
– Limequats Not Grafted
– Oranges Grafted on Flying Dragon Trifoliate
– Tangerines Grafted on Flying Dragon Trifoliate
– Lemons Grafted on Flying Dragon Trifoliate
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GETTING THE SOIL RIGHT AND PLANTING CITRUS TREES
Citrus on trifoliate orange rootstock require a somewhat acid soil (pH 5.5-6.0). If you are in doubt about the pH of your soil, take a soil sample to the Cooperative Extension Agent in your county for a soil test. Adjust soil acidity as necessary. Citrus on its own root (no graft) like a more alkaline soil (6.0-6.5). Depending on the tree you have follow one of these two planting instructions.
PLANTING CITRUS TREES
Grafted Citrus
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Dig a planting hole approximately three times the width of the pot and at the same depth as the root ball. Enrich the planting hole with peat moss or composted pine bark mixed with soil dug from the hole (50:50 mix). Do NOT add mushroom compost or manure to the planting hole OR use it as mulch. Manure can make citrus on trifoliate rootstock very sick and could even kill the tree.
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Non-grafted Citrus
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Dig a planting hole approximately three times the width of the pot and at the same depth as the root ball. Enrich the planting hole with manure or mushroom compost mixed with soil dug from the hole (50:50 mix).
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Gently remove the plant from the pot and place in the planting hole. To avoid burying too deep, make sure plant is positioned with the top most roots at the soil line. Fill the planting hole with the mix of soil and organic matter; gently tamp it in. Water thoroughly to settle the roots and eliminate air pockets.
Do NOT put fertilizer in the planting hole. Only apply fertilizer if it is the correct time of year (see Fertilization section below).
If desired, construct a water basin around the base of the tree approximately 36 inches in diameter. Keep the area under the canopy of the tree clear of grass and weeds to minimize competition for water and nutrients.
MULCHING Mulch the area under the canopy with 2-3 inches of mulch, leaving an area about 6 inches from the trunk mulch free or at most only ½ inch thick. Citrus like their roots on top and slightly exposed. There seems to be some controversy on whether to mulch citrus or not. Some soil born fungus like Phytophthora are known to live in mulch and this can be a possible issue. The trifoliate orange root stocks like soils with high organic matter, so we feel mulching can be beneficial in sandy soils. When growing citrus in soils naturally high in organic matter like clay, it is advisable not to mulch the trees.