It’s hard to ignore the colours of citrus during winter. The long fruiting run – that commences way back at the peak of summer (with a burst of white flowers and citrus scents) – is one of the most drawn out gardening processes. In fact it is so long winded that it’s almost forgotten about…. until the bright colours burst through the winter gloom.
Anyone without orange or lemon trees notices this phenomena more than most. For one, you should immediately commit it to the memory map of where to find free food (however a door knock for permission is preferable). But it’s also that seasonal reminder of the joy you should be experiencing, if only you had planted that tree when you intended.
PLANTING
Start by digging a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, and slightly deeper. Like any plant out, water is critical. Water the tree before planting, water the ground, and water again once finished planting. Before planting add some organic palletised fertiliser to the hole. As the tree is likely to have been grown in a pot, make sure to loosen up the tree roots using strong fingers or a knife, this will allow roots to sprawl outwards rather than bind and constrict on themselves. Once the tree is in ground, add some fresh compost and top it off with whatever soil is remaining. Be sure to clear away soil from the base of the tree, which can cause the trunk to rot.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of the warm season, and then cut back to watering every second day during the cooler times of the year.
MAINTENANCE
Citrus lose their vibrancy throughout the cool season, particularly if you live somewhere cold. Without fail, citrus owners will rush into a garden centre concerned about their sick plants and buy up an array of citrus fertilisers to address the problem. So, first thing is first, don’t be concerned by a winter yellowing off.
Because citrus fruit in winter the plants can become exhausted from their production. Add to that the colder temperatures that restrict the flow of water through the plants’ roots and you have plants in mild distress – but it’s natural. As soon as spring and the warmer temperatures arrive, the flow of water increases through the plants veins. Most fruit will then be freed from the branches and they begin to regain their vibrancy.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: Grafted rootstock will fruit in the first year, but expect a few years before the tree really pays dividends.
How to harvest: Harvest when fruit has bright colour. Snip just above the stem for best preservation.
TIP
To learn how to best care for citrus and treat for a variety of pests including leaf miner, scale, gall wasp, check out our article here.
