How to Grow Citrus (Other Species)

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Citrus (Other Species)

Citrus spp. (various)

tree

A diverse group of citrus species beyond common oranges and lemons, including pomelos, citrons, tangelos, and specialty varieties. These evergreen trees produce fragrant flowers and vitamin C-rich fruits with varied flavors, sizes, and uses. Many are less cold-hardy than standard citrus but offer unique culinary and ornamental appeal.

Looking for a specific variety?

Pomelo Citron Tangelo Jaffa Blood Orange Seville Orange Calamondin

When should you plant Citrus (Other Species) in your zone?

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Example Citrus (Other Species) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Citrus (Other Species)
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Citrus (Other Species)
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Citrus (Other Species) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily (minimum 6 hours); morning sun preferred to dry dew and reduce disease

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Water: Deep, infrequent watering when soil is dry 2-3 inches below surface; mature trees need 1-1.5 inches weekly during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot.

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Spacing: 180-240 (15-20 feet apart for standard trees; 8-12 feet for dwarf varieties) inches

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Days to maturity: 1095-1460 days (3-4 years from nursery tree to first significant harvest)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as soil line in container; do not bury graft union (keep 2-3 inches above soil)

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam to loamy soil; avoid heavy clay

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for organic matter Citrus-specific fertilizer (higher potassium) Sulfur to lower pH if needed Perlite or coarse sand for drainage improvement

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 9-11; some cold-tolerant varieties survive to zone 8b with protection

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

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Growth Stages

Young Tree Establishment

6-12 months

New nursery tree developing root system and establishing canopy structure; minimal flowering.

Water regularly; remove early flowers to direct energy to growth; stake for support; apply 2-3 inch mulch ring (keep away from trunk).

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Rapid branching and leaf development; tree establishing mature canopy shape.

Prune to shape; maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced citrus fertilizer every 6-8 weeks in growing season; monitor for pests.

Flowering

2-4 weeks peak bloom

Abundant fragrant white or pink flowers appear in spring (late February to April in most zones); flowers attract pollinators.

Do not over-fertilize nitrogen (promotes vegetative growth over fruit). Ensure adequate water. Light hand-thinning of excessive flowers improves fruit size. Protect from late freezes.

Fruit Development

6-8 weeks

Marble-sized fruits develop and expand; most natural fruit drop occurs 4-8 weeks after bloom.

Thin fruit to one every 6 inches for larger fruits. Water consistently. Apply balanced or slightly higher potassium fertilizer. Protect from wind and excessive heat stress.

Ripening & Harvest

8-16 weeks depending on variety and temperature

Fruits increase in size, color develops (yellow, orange, pink depending on variety), sugar content increases, and flavor improves.

Maintain steady moisture to prevent fruit cracking. Do not harvest by color alone—taste-test or wait for full maturity. Pick individual fruits when ripe; citrus does not ripen further after harvest.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Nitrogen-fixing legumes (clover, alfalfa) Marigolds (pest deterrent) Nasturtiums (trap crop for aphids) Borage (pollinators and beneficial insects) Comfrey (green manure, nutrient accumulator) Garlic (fungal disease suppression)

Avoid planting near:

Walnut (juglone toxicity) Fennel (allelopathic, inhibits growth) Brassicas (competing nutrient needs in small spaces) Shallow-rooted plants in the immediate drip zone

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves on young trees; spray neem oil or spinosad on new growth; less damaging on mature trees. Maintain tree vigor.
Monitor for yellow mottling and psyllid nymphs on leaf undersides; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; remove heavily infested leaves.
Prune out heavily infested branches; spray horticultural oil in dormant season; use neem oil on new growth; introduce natural enemies like lady beetles.
Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; prune affected areas; encourage ants' natural predators; remove heavily infested branches.
Increase humidity; strong water spray to dislodge; spray neem oil or miticide if severe; encourage natural predators.
No cure; prevent with disease-resistant varieties; remove infected branches; disinfect tools; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation.
Use well-draining soil; avoid overwatering; improve drainage; use disease-resistant rootstocks; remove infected trees if systemic.

Uses

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Fresh juice, marmalade & preserves

Culinary

Many specialty citrus (pomelos, citrons, tangelos) make exceptional fresh-squeezed juice, marmalades, and candied peels due to unique flavor profiles and pectin content. Thick-skinned varieties are ideal for marmalade production. [source]

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Zest and cooking ingredient

Culinary

Fragrant zest adds intense flavor to desserts, savory dishes, and beverages. Some specialty citrus have distinctly floral or bitter aromatic profiles that elevate culinary applications beyond common citrus. [source]

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Vitamin C and immune support

Medicinal

All citrus species are rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid), supporting immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defense. Specialty varieties may contain unique phytonutrients. [source]

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Natural cleaner & fragrance

Household

Citrus peels and essential oils have natural degrasing and antimicrobial properties. Peel extracts can be used in homemade cleaners, and flowers are used in perfumery. [source]

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Pollinator & bird habitat

Wildlife

Fragrant spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Ripe fruits provide food for birds and wildlife, making specialty citrus valuable for biodiversity. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Most specialty citrus ripen late winter to spring (January-April). Color is not always reliable—taste-test or wait for full maturity. Citrus continues ripening on tree but stops after harvest, so pick when ripe. Use pruning shears or hand-twist gentle upward; avoid stem damage. Store at 50-60°F for extended shelf life; room temperature acceptable for 1-2 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Pomelos (Citrus maxima) are the largest citrus fruits and can weigh up to 2-3 pounds; they are ancestors of modern grapefruits.
🌱 Citron (Citrus medica) is one of the original three citrus species from Asia and is prized more for its thick, fragrant peel than juice content; it is sacred in Jewish Sukkot observance.
🌱 Many specialty citrus varieties produce flowers and fruit year-round in warm climates, with peak flowering in spring but continued blooming in fall/winter.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Mulch Thinning

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