Native to Southeast Asia, Citrus trees thrive in the sun and in warmer temperatures. Not only do they brighten up your home & garden, but citrus fruits are also very good for your health. They are rich in antioxidants, provide magnesium and calcium to fight against aging and help strengthen your bones.

PLANT

For planting in pots, ensure it is a reasonable size, otherwise you will have more leaves than fruits if your pot is too big. Use clay ball for good drainage & a specialist soil for a quality substrate.

Planted in the autumn, the citrus will strengthen and take root in the soil, whereas when planted in spring the vegetation will be immediate.

CARE

During summer, water your tree frequently: every two or three days. Reduce the rate in winter and feed your tree regularly with citrus fertilizer.

Prune citrus trees every two years, very lightly and re-pot your tree about every 4 years. 

When it’s freezing, move your pot into an area with little heat, but in the sun. If the room is heated and the air is too dry, your citrus tree will suffer.

In the spring, bring your citrus fruit out without exposing it to direct sunlight. Prepare it gradually for summer.

Be careful, citrus fruits are very sensitive to diseases! Common signs of disease are cracks in the leaves, that turn yellow and fall off. These diseases are often due to a too dry air when the trees are indoors.

HARVEST

Pick your fruit as they ripen and as you need them. Otherwise, you will weaken your citrus fruit.

Most lemons are harvested in winter and spring, some year-round. Clementines are harvested in November and December; oranges are harvested all winter; bergamots and tangerines in January and February.

If you don’t need them right away, leave the lemon on its branch as it will last longer. It will last up to two weeks in a dry, airy place; sometimes even up to a month in the refrigerator.