How to Grow Citrina
Wikimedia Commons
Citrina
Citrus limon 'Citrina'
treeCitrina is a compact lemon tree cultivar prized for ornamental and culinary use, producing bright yellow lemons with aromatic foliage. It's an excellent choice for container growing and smaller landscapes. The tree bears fragrant white flowers followed by abundant fruit production year-round in ideal conditions.
When should you plant Citrina in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Citrina timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Citrina
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Citrina
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Citrina dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11, with protection recommended in zone 9
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Get my Citrina timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung tree with developing root system and initial foliage growth
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide protection from wind. Avoid fertilizing first 6 weeks. Stake if necessary for wind support.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsTree develops canopy structure with glossy green foliage and new branch formation
Prune to shape and remove crossing branches. Apply balanced citrus fertilizer monthly during growing season. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Pre-Flowering
2-4 weeks before floweringTree matures with denser foliage; flower buds begin forming on branch tips
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering. Maintain consistent watering. Provide full sun exposure. Trees typically reach this stage year 2-3.
Flowering
3-4 weeksAbundant fragrant white flowers with pink tinges appear on branch terminals
Do not over-fertilize or overly prune during flowering. Maintain consistent moisture. Ensure adequate pollination (bees or hand-pollinate if needed). Expect some flower drop.
Fruiting & Harvest
4-6 months from fruit set to harvestSmall green fruits develop and gradually enlarge and turn bright yellow over 4-6 months
Thin fruit if necessary to promote larger lemons. Maintain regular watering and balanced fertilizer. Harvest when fully yellow and slightly soft to pressure.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves, apply neem oil, maintain tree vigor, use reflective mulch
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Spray with strong water stream, apply horticultural oil or neem oil, increase humidity
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs, apply insecticidal soap, introduce natural predators
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Prune affected branches, apply horticultural oil during dormancy, use neem oil during growing season
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Monitor closely, remove affected leaves, apply neem oil, ensure tree health
Uses
Juice, zest & fresh cooking
CulinaryCitrina lemons produce abundant juice and aromatic zest for cooking, baking, beverages, and marinades. The fruit is versatile for both sweet and savory applications. [source]
Preservation & preservation
CulinaryLemons preserve well and can be fermented, candied, or made into marmalades, curds, and preserves for year-round use. [source]
Vitamin C & immune support
MedicinalRich in vitamin C and antioxidants, citrina lemons support immune function and overall health when consumed fresh or as tea. [source]
Natural cleaning & deodorizing
HouseholdLemon juice and peel are effective natural cleaners and deodorizers for household surfaces, and can be used to freshen air when simmered. [source]
Garden decoration & fragrance
OrnamentalThe compact citrina tree is attractive in landscapes and containers, with fragrant white flowers and bright yellow fruit providing visual and olfactory appeal. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest lemons when fully yellow and skin yields slightly to gentle pressure—typically 4-6 months after flowering. Cut with pruners rather than pulling to avoid branch damage. Lemons can remain on tree for several weeks without quality loss. For maximum juice content, harvest in morning. Citrina produces fruit year-round in warm climates, with heavier crops in spring and fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Citrina is sometimes called the 'four seasons lemon' because in tropical and subtropical climates it can produce flowers and fruit simultaneously year-round, providing continuous harvests.
- 🌱 The fragrant white flowers of citrina are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators; the plant can self-pollinate but benefits from bee visitation for higher fruit set.
- 🌱 Citrina trees are exceptionally well-suited to container growing and can thrive in pots on patios, balconies, and indoors near bright windows, making them ideal for colder climates where outdoor cultivation isn't possible.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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