Can I really grow citrus trees at home?
If you love your garden but need advice on how to keep it looking lush and welcoming all year round, top head gardener Tom Brown can help. In this regular column he demystifies common gardening problems, explains what to tackle when, and shows how to make every moment on the plot more fun and productive. Happy gardening!
Can I really grow citrus trees at home?
Seeing young orange and lemon trees in garden centres can lead to fantasies of plucking fruit straight from the branch to use in the kitchen. Unfortunately, reality can kick in quickly, with the tree deteriorating before your eyes as it struggles to adapt to your home’s central heating. But by following a few simple rules, it is possible to keep a citrus tree thriving.
As the majority of citrus trees will not tolerate our climate, growing in the UK is often confined to indoor containers. Citrus trees do not require excessively large pots compared to their root ball size, but if the root ball is starting to lift, move the plant up a pot size. A good tip is to plant it in a plastic pot, which can then sit inside a more decorative terracotta one. This should make the repotting process an easier, less cumbersome prospect.
Citrus trees prefer a slightly acidic soil, so when selecting compost, go for an ericaceous type, available from most garden centres. Try to avoid general, multipurpose composts as they contain lime and will cause yellowing leaves and nutrient deficiencies in trees over time. Good drainage is also vital, so add a few handfuls of grit to the compost.
Citrus trees are hungry and need supplementary feeding for most of the year, but it’s very straightforward. The Citrus Centre in Pulborough, West Sussex (citruscentre.co.uk), is a specialist nursery that sells a wide range of trees and an excellent fertiliser, which can be applied at each watering. A well-fed citrus tree will help to prevent premature fruit loss and will boost and encourage a healthy canopy as well as a good show of flowers.
Finally, and most importantly, citrus trees dislike dark, warm environments and need bright, cool conditions to thrive, so find a spot that gives these precious trees good light all year, such as a conservatory or frost-free porch. They will benefit from a summer holiday, however, making them perfect for summers on the patio.
