Citrus plants

Citrus are definitely a plant choice for containers as they will need to come inside to a cool unheated space in the winter months. 

Citrus love being planted in pots and are also self-pollinating so no need for any pollinators as with many other fruit trees.  However Citrus always look great in pairs on either side of an entrance to a garden or summer feature.  The scent of the flowers in the summer is second to none and reminiscent of many a Mediterranean holiday in the sun. 

Citrus are happy once given all of the needs they require and as long as you follow the basic care instructions you will be rewarded with fruit in the autumn.  When placed outside in the summer months the bees will do the work for you and pollinate the highly scented white flowers. 

Basic care is as follows:

• Citrus like to be planted in containers in John Innes compost which can happily carry the plants through for at least 3 years or so.  After 3 year the soil around the plant should be refreshed or the plant potted on. 

• Water freely in the summer when in growth.  Do not allow the plants roots to stand in water so it is good practice to lift the containers off the ground on pot feet or something similar. 
• Feed in the summer with SUMMER Citrus feed.  Summer Citrus feed promotes strong healthy growth and improved fruiting.  Feed at least every 10 days in the summer. 
• Excess fruit can be picked off to ensure a good healthy crop.
• Unlike most other plants all Citrus need to be fed in the winter months with WINTER Citrus Feed.  Winter Citrus feed helps to prevent leaf drop and maintain a certain amount of growth in the winter period.
• Prune back the canopy by about a third in late winter or spring.  Wear gloves when pruning as Citrus do have spines on their branches.

There really is nothing better than popping a home grown Lemon into your G & T on a summers evening.  Give one a try – you may need to put a bit of extra work in but you will reap the rewards. 

• Citrus japonica (Kumquat) bear small ovoid orange coloured fruits
• Citrus limon (Lemon).  This is by far the most popular Citrus available and deservedly so. 
• Citrus medica Digitata.  Otherwise known as Buddha’s Hand, this Citrus is one for the connoisseur.  The fruit is not edible but with the bizarre unusual shaped fruit it is a real talking point. 
• Citrus sinensis (Orange).  Another popular Citrus.  Be sure to thin out the fruit to prevent stem damage from the weight of too many fruit. 

Citrus are available as standard forms usually with a good clear stem and a dense head of foliage on top. 

Citrus medica Digitata	Citrus Limon	Citrus sinensis