I’ve had loads of queries this month about citrus and so I thought I’d dedicate my next 4 blogs to this varied and adaptable family.
Growing Guide
Citrus trees have proven themselves in the Perth climate well and truly, and in fact all over the world. Used in ancient times and prized for their capacity to stay fresh for long periods of time and ward off vitamin C deficiencies, the humble citrus deserves a place in any garden. Plant a citrus and you’ll be rewarded with months of fresh fruit even if space only permits a small pot.
Well now is a perfect time to plant your citrus. So let’s start at the beginning with you standing in a nursery wondering which tree to buy. Keep these things in mind.
1. Buy a fruit type that you’re likely to eat. I know it sounds obvious, but I know many people who’ve bought a cumquat only to realise that they may fruit prolifically but unless you’re a jam-maker, you’re unlikely to eat all the fruit. Likewise, if you plan to plant a lemon tree in the garden, you may find yourself with hundreds of rotting fruit and a fruit fly problem – how many lemons can you eat after all?
2. This brings me to my second point, consider where you’re going to plant the tree. All citrus need good strong sunlight – full sun is best. Some trees grow very large so you may be better to consider a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety. Don’t be put off by the word ‘dwarf,’ they still crank out the fruit if well cared for – even in a pot. Pots have an additional benefit of being able to move around.
3. Always buy fruit trees from a reputable retailer like Dawsons and ask loads of questions before buying. If you want a truly organic tree for example, you may have to do a bit of digging before finding one that hasn’t been sprayed. Make sure your tree is showing good shiny new growth of leaves and at this time of year some blossom to show that it’s happy. I like to always buy happy plants – I feel that this improves my mood!
Your shiny new tree will do best if you dig in loads of good quality compost to the planting hole. Don’t skimp on this step as citrus are hungry plants. By all means, add some bentonite clay for water retention if you have sandy soil, and it’s really useful to add some pelletised chook manure and rock dust to the planting hole. I know that this can be tricky to find, so in a pinch you can add some good quality slow-release citrus fertiliser to the mix instead.
Follow the usual rules about planting to the existing soil depth and using the specified rate of fertiliser. Top dress with your compost and make a little dam around your tree to retain water. Water in very well with a seaweed solution and stand back to admire your work and dream about all the lovely fruit you’ll be eating very soon.
As a final word, I’ve heard that it’s best in the first couple of years to remove all flowers and fruit so that your tree can build a strong root system. I’ve never been able to resist letting a few fruits come to maturity but by all means follow this rule if you can.
In the following weeks I’ll be posting about follow-up care, pruning and some common problems, so stay tuned.