Searching...
Plant Search
Search for any plant to learn how to grow it.
Citrus Trees
Citrus spp.
treeCitrus trees are evergreen woody plants that produce fragrant white flowers and acidic to sweet fruits. They are long-lived, productive trees that can thrive in warm climates and container growing. Common varieties include lemon (Citrus limon) and orange (Citrus sinensis), both prized for fresh consumption and culinary uses.
Looking for a specific variety?
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone βThrives in zones 9-11; can survive zone 8b with protection. Container growing allows cultivation in cooler zones.
Sign up to see your zone highlighted.
Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree with developing root system and initial canopy growth. Modest foliage expansion, few or no flowers.
Water deeply and regularly; avoid fertilizing heavily first 6 months. Remove early flowers to encourage root and branch development. Stake if needed for support. Prune only to remove dead wood.
Growth & Development (Years 2-3)
12-24 monthsIncreased branch development and canopy fill-out. Flowering begins but fruit set may be light as tree matures.
Apply citrus-specific fertilizer in spring and summer (3-4 applications). Maintain consistent moisture. Begin light structural pruning to shape canopy. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Flowering
2-4 weeksFragrant white or pale pink flowers appear in clusters (axillary blooms). Blooming typically occurs in spring, with some varieties blooming year-round in warm climates.
Do not fertilize during bloom to avoid flower drop. Maintain consistent watering. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Prune only after bloom.
Fruit Development & Ripening (4-12 months depending on variety)
4-12 months depending on varietySmall green fruit forms from pollinated flowers and gradually enlarges. Color transitions from green to yellow, orange, or remain green (limes) as maturity approaches.
Thin fruit early if set is excessive (prevent stress and improve fruit size). Continue regular watering and fertilizing through development. Ensure drainage to prevent root rot. Watch for fruit splitting from erratic watering.
Harvest & Production
Ongoing in mature treesMature fruit ready for picking. Established trees (4+ years) produce abundant fruit year after year.
Harvest when fully colored and slightly soft to touch (varies by variety). Use hand-picking or gentle twisting to avoid branch damage. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering.
Common Pests
-
Remove affected leaves; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; reflective mulches can deter adults
-
Spray insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; remove heavily infested branches; quarantine new trees; use yellow sticky traps to monitor populations
-
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or sulfur; ensure adequate soil moisture
-
Spray with horticultural oil during dormant season; prune heavily infested branches; use insecticidal soap in growing season
-
Prune and destroy infected branches; sterilize pruning tools; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide
-
No cure; prevention is keyβpurchase virus-free nursery stock; control aphids (vectors) with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove infected trees
Uses
Fresh juice, cooking & baking
CulinaryLemons and oranges are staples in cooking, providing acidity, flavor, and nutrition to beverages, desserts, dressings, and savory dishes. Fresh juice is rich in vitamin C and widely used in beverages, marinades, and condiments. [source]
Immune support & wellness
MedicinalCitrus fruits are renowned for high vitamin C content, supporting immune function and antioxidant health. Traditionally used in remedies for colds, coughs, and general vitality. [source]
Natural cleaning & deodorizing
HouseholdCitrus peels and juice serve as natural, non-toxic cleaning agents due to limonene content. Peels can be used to make cleaners, and zest adds pleasant fragrance to household products. [source]
Fragrance & essential oils
CraftCitrus essential oils (especially from peels and blossoms) are used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and cosmetic products for uplifting and refreshing properties. [source]
Pollinator-friendly flowers & bird habitat
WildlifeFragrant citrus blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The dense evergreen canopy provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds. [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 citrus fruits do not ripen after picking, so harvest only when fully colored and at desired maturity. Lemons can be picked when yellow; oranges when fully orange. Gently twist and lift fruit or use pruning shears to avoid damaging branches. Morning harvest generally yields best flavor. Established trees typically produce fruit year-round in tropical climates, or seasonally in subtropical zones (winter to early spring for most oranges and lemons).
Fun Facts
- π± Citrus trees can live and produce fruit for 50+ years; some heritage trees are over 100 years old and still productive.
- π± Lemon trees are believed to have originated in Asia (likely northeastern India or southern China) and were brought to Europe via the Silk Road in medieval times.
- π± Citrus flowers are extremely fragrant and have been used in perfumery and traditional medicine for centuries; a single tree can produce thousands of blossoms in a season.
Want to save this plant and get personalized recommendations?
Sign up to add plants to your list, see your growing zone highlighted, and get planting timelines based on your frost dates.