Originally comes from Asia
Citrus trees originally come from Southeast Asia. Only in Roman times did they reach the Mediterranean via Persia, the region they are now most associated with.
Citrus trees
Citrus trees
Everything you need to know about the Citrus tree. Varieties, care, ideal location and our XXL Citrus tree collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Citrus tree (Citrus) is a Mediterranean fruit tree from Southeast Asia
- Loves full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for flowering and fruit
- Pet-friendly and non-toxic to dogs and cats
- Produces white fragrant blossoms in spring and edible fruits after 2 to 3 years
- Must overwinter frost-free between 5 and 10 degrees in a bright room
- Fertilize every 2 weeks during the growing season with special citrus fertilizer for best results
About this Citrus tree planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Citrus tree that you may not have known yet.
Blossom and fruit at the same time
A unique feature of citrus trees is that they can carry blossom and ripe fruit on the same branch at once. A lovely symbolic plant for growth and abundance.
Moet vorstvrij overwinteren
Citrus trees are not hardy in northern Europe. They must overwinter in a cool, bright room at 5 to 10 degrees, for example a conservatory, a garage with a window or a cool hallway.
Citrus tree types and differences
Lemon tree Citrus Limon (80 to 150 cm)
The classic lemon tree with fragrant white blossom and yellow fruit. A Mediterranean look and a real mood-setter on the terrace or in the conservatory.
Orange tree Citrus Sinensis (100 to 180 cm)
Orange tree with glossy dark green foliage and sweet orange fruit. It gives a tropical look and is a little tougher than the lemon.
Mandarin tree Citrus Reticulata (80 to 140 cm)
Compact mandarin tree with small, easy-to-peel fruit. Ideal in a pot on a terrace or balcony and overwintered indoors.
Top 5 Citrus tree
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Citrus tree care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Citrus tree healthy.
- 1
Watergift
Water your citrus tree regularly during the growing season, about 2 to 3 times a week. Let the top 3 cm dry out between waterings. In winter water less, about once every 2 weeks. Preferably use rainwater or decalcified water.
- 2
Light and location
A citrus tree needs full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. In summer place the tree in a sheltered spot on a terrace or balcony. A Mediterranean spot against a south-facing wall is ideal.
- 3
Bemesting
Feed your citrus tree every 2 weeks from March to October with special citrus feed. It contains extra iron and magnesium the tree needs for healthy growth and flowering. No feed is needed in winter.
- 4
Verpotten
Repot your citrus tree every 2 to 3 years in March or April. Choose a pot 5 cm larger in diameter and use airy citrus compost with good drainage. Avoid oversized pots, as they hold too much moisture.
- 5
Pruning and overwintering
Prune your citrus tree in spring for a nicely compact shape and better fruit set. Overwinter the tree frost-free in a bright room at 5 to 10 degrees, such as a conservatory, cool hallway or garage with a window.
Frequently asked questions about the Citrus tree
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Citrus tree.
How often should I water my citrus tree?
A citrus tree in a pot wants water 2 to 3 times a week during the growing season and once every 2 weeks in winter. Let the top 3 cm of compost dry out between waterings. Preferably use rainwater, as citrus is sensitive to lime.
Is a citrus tree toxic to dogs and cats?
No, the citrus tree itself is not toxic to dogs and cats. The fruit and leaves do contain a lot of essential oils, which in large amounts can cause stomach upset. If your pet eats the peel that is no problem, but it is better avoided.
What is the difference between a lemon, orange and mandarin tree?
A lemon tree bears yellow sour fruit and has elongated leaves. The orange tree has glossy dark green foliage and sweet orange fruit. The mandarin is smaller with easy-to-peel fruit and is a little tougher in winter than the other two.
How long does a citrus tree live?
A citrus tree can live 50 to 100 years in good conditions. In the Mediterranean, in open ground, they live even longer. In a pot the lifespan is shorter, on average 20 to 40 years with good care and regular repotting.
Why is my citrus tree getting yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on a citrus tree usually indicate too much water, too little feed or iron deficiency. Check that the pot drains well and reduce watering. Give special citrus feed with iron and magnesium to restore the deep green foliage.
Can a citrus tree stand in the shade?
No, a citrus tree needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for healthy growth and flowering. In shade the tree grows sparse, produces no blossom and will bear no fruit. Always place it in a sunny spot on a terrace or in a conservatory.
Hoe verpot ik mijn Citrusboom?
Repot your citrus tree in March or April when the roots come out of the pot. Choose a pot 5 cm larger in diameter with large drainage holes. Use airy citrus compost or Mediterranean compost. Water sparingly in the first week after repotting to avoid root damage.
Which size citrus tree fits my space?
For a balcony or small terrace choose a citrus tree of 80 to 120 cm. For a Mediterranean corner or large conservatory, 150 to 200 cm works beautifully. Remember the tree must come indoors in winter, so choose a size that also fits your overwintering spot.
Plant concepts explained
- Rutaceae
- The scientific family name to which all citrus species belong, including lemon, orange and mandarin.
- Cultivar
- A human-selected variety of a plant with specific traits, such as a large fruit or a sweet flavour.
- Ent
- A technique in which a fine citrus variety is grafted onto a stronger rootstock to fruit sooner and be more resilient.
- Overwinteren
- Overwintering a citrus tree frost-free between October and April in a bright room at 5 to 10 degrees.
- Citrusvoeding
- Special fertiliser for citrus plants with extra iron and magnesium for deep green leaves and healthy fruit set.
- Bloesem
- The white fragrant flowers of a citrus tree that appear in spring and, after pollination, grow into fruit.
Resources and further reading
-
Wageningen University
Scientific information on citrus cultivation
-
Royal Horticultural Society
Care information for citrus indoors and outdoors
-
Wikipedia
General encyclopedia information about Citrus
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