Regardless of where you purchased your trees, from on line / internet garden sites and plant stores or at a local nursery, your baby plants should be potted up in their new homes as soon as possible.

Some basics to know prior to planting your dwarf citrus trees:

Temperature: Citrus plants thrive in temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees

Placement: Citrus light and need sun, but not too much. Outside they prefer southern or western exposure; inside you should place them near a sunny window or under “grow lights“.

Soil: Citrus trees and plants need an acidic soil. Some signs that your soil is off include leaves turning yellow, indicating that the soil needs more acid.

Maintain the acidity of the soil by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of magnesium sulfate (aka: epsom salt) into 1 quart water. Use this formula once every 2-3 months. Also, every 3 months, feed your citrus trees with an acidic fertilizer.

Watering: Citrus trees like water so keep the soil moist, but not saturated. Test the wetness of the soil by poking down into it with your finger about 3 inches. If the soil is dry tothat depth, water the tree.

Pot Size: Matters! To save on excessive re-potting, start even small plants in a 10-15 gallon pot, this will accomodate a tree for growth up to 8 feet or so. Don’t go much bigger than that or your “dwarf” tree might grow larger than intended. Since citrus trees have shallow root systems, a wider pot will always be better than a deeper pot. Make sure the pot has good drainage.

Planting: Start by layering stones on the bottom of the pot – this will greatly aid drainage. Then use potting soil mixed with perlite*, being sure to cover only up to the top of the root ball, then finish with peat moss.

Re-Potting: Should be done every 3 years or so.

*Perlite: A light and porous substance that helps root development by allowing for better drainage. Natural volcanic rock that is heat expanded to increase soil porosity. Perlite provides aeration and drainage retaining and holding substantial amounts of water and later release it as needed, it is sterile and free from diseases. Encourages strong root development. Has a neutral pH

*Peat Moss. : An additive to improve soil texture. Increases water-holding capacity. Provides natural organic matter to help improve all soils. A soil conditioner used to loosen soil, add organic matter, and improve moisture retention. Enhances a soil’s ability to store and release nutrients. Can be mixed into potting soil to help reduce the impact of over watering.

My next post will talk more about growing citrus, especially dwarf citrus, trees on your patio in pots. We’ll cover ongoing care and pruning.

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