Caring for Container Citrus Year-Round

1. Light: Citrus needs at least six to eight hours of bright, daily light— more is better.
2. Water: Never let pots dry out completely, but avoid overwatering.
3. Fertilizer: Citrus trees need generous amounts of nitrogen plus essential trace nutrients.

Can grapefruit grow in a container?

Although any citrus tree can grow in a container, full sized grapefruit or orange trees may be hard pressed to survive many years even in a large container. In cold areas the ‘Improved Meyer’ lemon, ‘Calamondin’ orange, and kumquats are good choices since they’re most likely to fruit indoors.

How do you care for an indoor grapefruit tree?

Water your grapefruit tree only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering a grapefruit tree may cause the roots to rot. Maintain healthy humidity levels. In the winter, many homes get too dry for citrus trees to thrive.

Do grapefruit trees need direct sunlight?

Grapefruit trees need well-draining soil and should be planted in an area that gets full sun —at least six to eight hours a day.

How do you look after citrus trees in pots?

Growing Citrus in Containers

1. Citrus fruits are well suited to containers.
2. Citrus need a very free-draining potting mix.
3. Stand potted citrus on pebbles in trays of water to increase humidity.
4. Citrus flowers and fruits may appear on the same plant at the same time!

What is the best fertilizer for grapefruit?

Typically, fertilizers for grapefruit trees are well-balanced, having nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in large, nearly equal amounts and a wide array of micronurients. These products reveal a prominent triple formula ratio like 6-6-6, 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. They also often state “with micronutrients” prominently, too.

What do I feed my grapefruit tree?

Avoid using fertilizer for the tree’s first spring, then lightly feed it with an organic fertilizer or compost during the first summer. Feel free to fertilize the tree once during the next spring and again in summer.

How long does it take for a grapefruit tree to bear fruit?

Keep in mind that newly planted grapefruit trees will take at least three years before producing quality fruit. Any fruit set in the first or second years should be removed to direct all its energy into growth.

How often do you water citrus in pots?

Water as needed to keep soil moist, not soggy. Generally 1/4 – 1/2 gallon of water every 5-7 days indoors is adequate. Be sure the bottom of the pot is elevated above standing drainage water.

Why are the leaves on my grapefruit tree curling?

Drought stress is the most common cause of leaf curl in citrus but is also the easiest to remedy. If leaves begin to curl inward while retaining their green coloration and the soil around your tree feels dry to the touch, you’re not watering enough. Stepping up watering efforts and applying 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm.)

Why grapefruit is bad for you?

Grapefruit juice can block the action of intestinal CYP3A4, so instead of being metabolized, more of the drug enters the blood and stays in the body longer. The result: too much drug in your body. The amount of the CYP3A4 enzyme in the intestine varies from person to person.

How long does a grapefruit tree live?

Grapefruit trees can live to be 50 years under ideal conditions but insects, diseases, and user errors often take their toll and shorten life spans.

What is the best fertilizer for potted citrus trees?

During the growing season only (from late March thru early August), fertilize your citrus plant with a liquid, organic fertilizer – such as liquid kelp, seaweed, or fish emulsion – or an organic granular fertilizer every two to three weeks.

Should I pee on my lemon tree?

Urine makes a good fertilizer for citrus trees, but it should be diluted or composted first. Urine is high in nitrogen (also called urea), so it can be too potent for citrus trees on its own. Urinating on citrus trees on occasion won’t harm them.

What is best fertilizer for citrus trees?

All citrus trees will benefit from a slightly nitrogen rich or balanced NPK fertilizer that also has some micro-nutrients in it like: magnesium. manganese.