How to Grow Citrus Trees (Other Varieties)

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Citrus Trees (Other Varieties)

Citrus spp.

tree

Other citrus trees encompass a diverse group beyond common oranges and lemons, including tangerines, grapefruits, pomelos, citrons, and specialty varieties. These evergreen fruit trees thrive in warm climates and produce fragrant flowers followed by vitamin C-rich fruits. They range from small ornamental types to large commercial producers.

Looking for a specific variety?

Tangelo Tangor Pomelo Citron Satsuma Sweetie

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

Plant Citrus Trees (Other Varieties)
Around Apr 17

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

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

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily; minimum 6 hours for fruit production

💧

Water: Regular watering during growing season (spring-summer), keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root development. Container trees need more frequent watering.

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Spacing: 180-240 inches (15-20 feet) between trees, depending on variety and intended canopy size inches

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Days to maturity: 3-5 years for first fruit production; full production at 5-8 years

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Planting depth: Plant with graft union 2-6 inches above soil line (prevents root rot and disease); top of rootball level with ground

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Peat moss for acidic adjustment Sulfur if pH too high Calcium (lime) if pH too low

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 8b-11 are ideal; some cold-hardy varieties tolerate zone 8a with protection

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

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Growth Stages

Seedling/Nursery

1-2 years

Young grafted trees with 1-2 year old wood, budbreak beginning in spring with tender new growth

Protect from frost and harsh winds. Stake for stability. Begin light fertilizing. Remove any fruit that sets in first 1-2 years to encourage root and canopy development.

Establishment

2-3 years

Tree grows vigorously with expanding canopy, glossy evergreen foliage, occasional flowering but mostly vegetative growth

Water deeply and regularly. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Prune to shape; remove crossing or downward-growing branches. Watch for pests.

Pre-flowering/Early Bearing

1-2 years

Tree develops fuller canopy, produces fragrant white or pink flowers (typically spring), first commercial-quality fruits appear

Continue regular watering and feeding with citrus-specific fertilizer (higher potassium). Thin excessive fruit to reduce stress on young branches. Hand-pollinate if low bee activity.

Fruiting/Productive

6-8 months per cycle

Mature tree produces abundant clusters of fragrant flowers followed by developing fruits over several months, with fruits ripening to full color

Maintain consistent watering throughout fruit development. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer. Thin fruit if necessary for better size and quality. Monitor for pests and diseases which thrive in fruit season.

Dormancy (Winter)

2-4 months

Growth slows significantly; tree maintains full evergreen foliage but minimal activity; mature fruits remain on tree

Reduce watering frequency. Minimal fertilizer needed. Protect from frost/freeze damage. Prune if needed (late winter before spring growth). Harvest mature fruit as needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Nasturtium Marigold Borage Alyssum Lavender Rosemary Mulch plants like clover or nitrogen-fixing legumes in cover crop

Avoid planting near:

Walnut trees (juglone toxicity) Other citrus in monoculture (pest/disease concentration) Fennel (allelopathic) Black locusts (excessive shade and competition)

Common Pests

Monitor with yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap or neem oil; reflective mulch; remove heavily infested branches; resistant rootstocks when available
Horticultural oil spray during dormant or crawler stage; insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; prune infested branches
Increase humidity through misting; strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil; horticultural sulfur; encourage predatory mites
Insecticidal soap; neem oil; remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; encourage natural enemies; reflective mulches
Monitor new growth for serpentine mines; remove affected leaves; spinosad spray; horticultural oil; natural parasites
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings; reflective mulch

Uses

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Fresh juice and eating

Culinary

Tangerines, tangelos, and tangor varieties offer seedless, easy-peeling fruit excellent for fresh eating or juicing. Most other citrus varieties provide tart juice for beverages, cooking, and marinades. [source]

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Zest and flavoring

Culinary

The aromatic outer peel (zest) of pomelos, citrons, and other citrus trees adds intense citrus flavor to baking, desserts, and savory dishes. Candied citrus peel is a traditional confection. [source]

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Vitamin C and immune support

Medicinal

Citrus fruits are excellent sources of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), supporting immune function and collagen production. Traditional medicine uses citrus peel preparations for digestive and respiratory health. [source]

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Natural cleaning and fragrance

Household

Citrus peels and essential oils from trees like citrons and pomelos work as natural degreasers, disinfectants, and air fresheners. Dried peels add fragrance to closets and living spaces. [source]

🦋

Pollinator and wildlife support

Wildlife

Fragrant citrus blossoms attract bees and hoverflies essential for pollination. Fruit trees provide shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects year-round. [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 when fruit reaches full mature color specific to variety (fully ripe on tree for best flavor). Gently twist and lift, or cut with pruning shears to avoid branch damage. Most other citrus varieties ripen fall-winter (Nov-Mar). Fruits can remain on tree 2-4 weeks after ripening; pick before next flower set begins. Store at cool room temperature or refrigerate for extended shelf life.

Fun Facts

🌱 Citrus trees can live 50+ years and remain productive; some heritage specimens are over 100 years old and still bearing fruit.
🌱 The fragrant citrus flowers (neroli or orange blossom) are used in perfumery and traditional medicine; the essential oil is valued at premium prices.
🌱 Most commercial citrus is grafted onto disease-resistant rootstocks; the scion (fruiting variety) is spliced onto a different root system to prevent soil-borne diseases like citrus tristeza virus.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun

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