← Plant Guides

How to Grow Citrus (Oranges and Lemons)

Wikimedia Commons

Citrus (Oranges and Lemons)

Citrus sinensis (Orange) and Citrus limon (Lemon)

tree

Citrus trees are evergreen woody plants that produce fragrant flowers and bright, juicy fruits. Oranges and lemons are among the most widely cultivated citrus species, thriving in warm climates and offering year-round foliage with seasonal fruit production. Both are long-lived trees that can produce fruit for decades with proper care.

Looking for a specific variety?

Valencia Navel Blood Orange Eureka Lisbon Ponderosa

When should you plant Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) 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.

Get my Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) timeline →

Example Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Citrus (Oranges and Lemons)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Citrus (Oranges and Lemons)

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, minimum 8 hours daily; 12+ hours optimal for fruit production
💧
Water: Regular watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times weekly during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Citrus needs good drainage to prevent root rot.
📏
Spacing: 180-240 inches (15-20 feet apart for standard trees; 8-10 feet for dwarf varieties) inches
📅
Days to maturity: 1095-1825 days (3-5 years to first fruit; peak production at 5-8 years)
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at soil line; top of root ball level with ground. For seeds, plant 1 inch deep.

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam to loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost Citrus-specific fertilizer with micronutrients Sulfur to lower pH if needed Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Oranges thrive in zones 9-11; lemons in zones 8-11. Both can be grown in containers in colder zones and brought indoors.

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Sign up free to see if Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree with small canopy establishing root system; minimal flowering.

Focus on root development. Water regularly and deeply. Avoid heavy fertilizing. Remove any early flowers to direct energy to growth. Stake for support if needed.

2

Growth & Development (Years 2-3)

24 months

Tree expands canopy, develops stronger branch structure; light flowering may begin.

Prune to establish strong framework. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Continue deep watering. Begin light pruning to shape tree.

3

Flowering (Spring, March-May)

4-6 weeks

Fragrant white or pale pink flowers bloom on branches; flowers attract pollinators.

Ensure adequate water during flowering. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer. Do not prune during flowering. Maintain bee-friendly conditions for pollination.

4

Fruit Development (Summer-Fall)

12-16 weeks

Flowers set fruit; small green fruits grow and begin color change (gradual for oranges/lemons).

Thin excessive fruit to 6-8 inches apart for larger fruit size. Water consistently; irregular watering causes fruit splitting. Apply citrus-specific fertilizer with potassium and phosphorus.

5

Ripening & Harvest (Fall-Winter)

6-12 weeks (varies by variety and climate)

Fruit develops full color and flavor; ready for harvest when fully mature and slightly soft to gentle squeeze.

Avoid harvesting immature fruit. Lemons can be picked green for cooking uses. Allow oranges to fully ripen on tree for best sweetness. Harvest gently to avoid bruising.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Marigold Nasturtium Borage Chives Lavender

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut Fennel Cabbage family plants at close range

Common Pests

  • Remove affected leaves; use reflective mulch; release parasitic wasps; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

  • Spray with strong water spray; apply neem oil or sulfur; maintain humidity; introduce predatory mites

  • Prune heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil; use insecticidal soap; introduce natural predators like ladybugs

  • Monitor carefully; remove affected growth; use neem oil; control ants that protect psyllids; use sticky traps

  • Prune affected areas; spray with insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce parasitic wasps

  • and

    Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; apply copper fungicide; maintain tree health

Uses

🍳

Fresh juice and table fruit

Culinary

Oranges and lemons are quintessential citrus fruits for juicing, eating fresh, and using in beverages. Their high vitamin C content and refreshing flavor make them kitchen staples. [source]

🍳

Zest and cooking ingredient

Culinary

Lemon and orange zest (colored outer peel) adds bright, concentrated citrus flavor to baking, sauces, and marinades. Both fruits enhance savory and sweet dishes. [source]

💊

Immune support and digestive health

Medicinal

Citrus fruits are traditional remedies for colds due to vitamin C; lemon water is traditionally used for digestive support. Both contain flavonoids and polyphenols with antioxidant properties. [source]

🏠

Natural cleaning agent

Household

Lemon juice's citric acid makes it an effective natural cleaner for surfaces, cutting grease, and removing stains. Orange peel can be used similarly and adds pleasant fragrance. [source]

🎨

Ornamental and fragrance

Craft

Citrus blossoms and foliage make attractive ornamental trees; the flowers are highly fragrant and used in perfumery and floral arrangements. Trees add year-round visual interest. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Oranges: Pick when fully colored and slightly soft; flavor peaks when mature (typically December-April depending on variety). Lemons: Can harvest at green stage for cooking or wait for full yellow color (May-September primarily). Use pruning shears to cut fruit with short stem attached to avoid damaging tree. Citrus will not ripen further after picking, so ensure full maturity before harvest.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 A mature citrus tree can produce 200-300 oranges or lemons per year, and some trees have been documented producing fruit for over 100 years.
  • 🌱 Lemon trees can flower and produce fruit year-round in ideal climates, unlike many other fruit trees, making them valuable for continuous harvesting.
  • 🌱 The white pith under citrus peel is rich in bioflavonoids and pectin; rather than discarding it, many people now recognize its health benefits.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun pH Pollination
Shop Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Citrus (Oranges and Lemons) timeline →