Citrus

Citrus trees not only provide fruit but are also highly ornamental with their attractive form, fragrant flowers and colorful fruit. Our Southern California climate is ideal for growing most varieties of citrus which require warm summers and mild winters. Some varieties might be more sensitive to freezes and should not be grown in regions where prolonged frosts occur. Conversely some varieties which require more heat to ripen and produce good flavor are best not planted in cool coastal areas. Citrus trees are available as standard, semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties depending on what rootstock they are grafted on. Semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties are more manageable for home gardens in regards to pruning and harvesting. Citrus require good drainage and will benefit from raised bed planting in heavy soils. Water newly planted trees regularly in hot weather. When established, they need deep watering once a week in the summer, preferably in a basin at the drip line of the tree. Fertilize 3-4 times a year with a fertilizer formulated especially for citrus. Watch out for Scale insects, Mealy-bugs, and Citrus Leaf Miner. Prune only to remove weak growth and to shape the tree. Dwarf Citrus make great potted plants provided they are watered more often and fed regularly.

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