How to Grow Citrus - Other Varieties
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Citrus - Other Varieties
Citrus spp.
treeCitrus encompasses a diverse group of tropical and subtropical fruit trees including tangerines, tangelos, pomelos, citrons, and specialty hybrids. These trees produce fragrant flowers and vitamin C-rich fruits with varying sweetness, acidity, and seediness depending on variety. Most citrus trees are evergreen and can live 50+ years with proper care.
When should you plant Citrus - Other Varieties in your zone?
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Example Citrus - Other Varieties timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Citrus - Other Varieties
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 Citrus - Other Varieties
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; some hardy varieties survive zone 8b with protection
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Get my Citrus - Other Varieties timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
3-6 monthsYoung tree focuses on root development and canopy establishment. Limited flowering; foliage is tender and susceptible to stress.
Water deeply and consistently. Protect from harsh winds and extreme temperatures. Remove early flowers to redirect energy to growth. Stake for support if needed.
Young Growth (Years 2-3)
1-2 yearsTree increases in height and branch structure. Begins producing some flowers and small fruit sets.
Prune to establish strong branch framework. Thin fruit if setting heavily—remove smaller fruit to encourage larger development. Continue regular fertilization.
Flowering
2-4 weeks per bloom cycleFragrant white or pale pink blossoms appear in spring (or year-round in tropical regions). Flowers are highly attractive to pollinators.
Avoid pruning during bloom. Ensure consistent watering—irregular water stresses flowers. Light hand-thinning of excess blooms improves fruit size.
Fruit Development & Maturation
4-9 months depending on varietyImmature green fruit enlarges over several months. Color develops—tangerines orange, pomelos golden, tangelos deep orange-red. Sugars concentrate.
Maintain steady water and nutrient supply. Thin competing fruit if needed. Begin reducing nitrogen in late summer to shift energy to fruit. Inspect for pests.
Ripeness & Harvest
Variable; can extend 1-3 months depending on market timing desiredFruit reaches full color and is fragrant. Skin yields slightly to gentle pressure. Flavor is optimal.
Harvest by cutting or twisting fruit from tree. Fruit ripens on tree—do not pick early expecting continued ripening. Allow fully ripe fruit to remain on tree for 2-4 weeks more for maximum sweetness.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; apply horticultural oil or spinosad; use yellow sticky traps; encourage natural parasitoids
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Prune heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil during dormancy; spray neem oil during growing season; introduce natural predators
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Increase humidity with overhead irrigation; apply miticide or neem oil; prune lower canopy for air circulation; introduce predatory mites
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Spray with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; release ladybugs or parasitic wasps
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Quarantine infected trees; remove affected branches; apply systemic insecticide if necessary; vector of Huanglongbing—must control aggressively
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Use yellow sticky traps; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; spray neem oil; encourage parasitoid wasps
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; apply horticultural oil; spray neem oil; prune heavily infested growth
Uses
Fresh eating and juicing
CulinaryMost specialty citrus varieties are enjoyed fresh for their unique flavors—tangerines for easy peeling, pomelos for large segments, tangelos for sweet-tart balance. Juice is rich in vitamin C and used in beverages, marinades, and cooking. [source]
Marmalade and preserves
CulinaryBitter citrons and tangelos make excellent marmalade; pomelos produce thick-set preserves. Pectin-rich pith requires longer cooking. [source]
Essential oils and zest
HouseholdCitrus peel yields fragrant essential oils used in perfumery, cleaning products, and aromatherapy. Zest adds flavor to cooking and baking without bitterness. [source]
Immune support
MedicinalHigh vitamin C content supports immune function and collagen synthesis. Some citrus varieties contain bioactive flavonoids with antioxidant properties. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeFragrant citrus blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in spring. Flowering trees provide essential nectar resources. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruit ripens on the tree over many weeks or months. Harvest by cutting with pruning shears or twisting gently—do not drop from height as citrus bruises easily. Different varieties mature at different times: most tangerines ripen fall-winter, pomelos winter-spring, tangelos late fall. Ripe fruit has fragrant aroma and yields slightly to palm pressure. Leave fully ripe fruit on tree to maximize sugar content—commercial harvesting often occurs slightly early for transport and storage. Wash hands after handling to avoid skin irritation from citrus oils. Harvest when fruit color is fully developed and skin feels waxy-smooth, not bumpy or hard.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Citrus flowers are incredibly fragrant—a single citrus tree in bloom can perfume an entire neighborhood and attract bees from miles away.
- 🌱 The pomelo is the largest citrus fruit, sometimes reaching 12+ inches in diameter and weighing 4-5 pounds; it is thought to be a parent of modern grapefruit.
- 🌱 Tangelos are hybrids (tangerine × pomelo) developed in the 20th century; some varieties like 'Honeybelle' ripen early and naturally have few seeds.
- 🌱 Citrus trees can live 50-100+ years and continue producing fruit; some ornamental and heirloom varieties have been cultivated for centuries.
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