If you'd like to grow citrus trees in pots, here are some helpful tips. All citrus fruits are warm-weather plants that need protection from frost in cold-winter areas. If frost is predicted, cover plants or move them inside. To protect trees from frost in a mild-winter area, use a floating row cover made from light landscape fabric. You can also use a sheet, a piece of burlap or even newspaper. Provide some sort of support to prevent the covering from resting directly on the leaves, or they may freeze to the cover and become damaged in spite of your efforts. For small trees, an inverted tomato cage works well. For larger trees, use bamboo stakes. Use bricks to keep the wind from blowing away the covers. Use a fertilizer formulated especially for citrus, as these plants have special requirements. Follow the directions on the label exactly. If you live in a frost-prone area, fertilize only after the last spring frost, and stop fertilizing altogether in late summer. In rainy areas nutrients leach out of soil more quickly, so frequent smaller feedings are appropriate. Citrus plants may drop flowers if they're getting excess nitrogen. Citrus trees require a rich, fast-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet at all times. Use a mulch to cover the soil surface to prevent moisture loss. If your plants have yellow leaves, check for scale insects, which look like bumps on the stems and scrape off easily with your fingernail. If you find them, use an insecticidal soap for control. To grow a citrus plant in a pot, choose a dwarf variety. Place a layer of rich, fast-draining potting soil in the bottom of the pot. Set the tree in place, and check the top of the root ball for correct planting depth. The top of the root ball should be 2" to 3" below the rim of the pot. Fill the pot with potting soil, firming gently. Don't cover the top of the root ball with soil. Move the potted tree to a location in the warmest, sunniest part of the garden, and water well.
RESOURCES :
Tropical-plant specialists
Stokes Tropical
New Iberia, LA 70562-9868
Citrus trees
Logee's Greenhouses Ltd.
Danielson, CT 06239-1939
Fax: 888-774-9932
| 
)
)
