Fruit & Citrus

Every garden deserves a citrus tree. In all but the coldest districts, citrus trees feature in backyards. They’re incredible survivors, but will perform better and bear wonderful crops if they’re well cared for.

Tips

Useful fruit and citrus articles for gardeners of all abilities.

How to

Projects to get you started growing fruit and citrus plants in the home garden.

Grow

Handy advice on growing specific fruit and citrus plant varieties.

Where to grow

Plenty of Sun

Citrus trees need to be in full sun. If you’re short of sunny spots in the garden, grow citrus in pots that can be moved to take advantage of changing patterns of sunlight. Although citrus are traditionally grown in terracotta, these pots can be heavy (and expensive!). Yates have the perfect solution: their Tuscan pots are lightweight, surprisingly inexpensive and have that wonderful Mediterranean look that goes so well with citrus. Tuscan pots come in a range of sizes. The large 50 cm size is big enough to grow almost any type of citrus tree happily for many years.

Good Drainage

In the garden citrus must have good drainage. This is particularly important for the popular, long-bearing lemon variety called ‘Eureka’ because it’s more susceptible to the problems caused by water-retaining soils. In heavy clay soils it’s best to put some extra effort into preparation. Before planting, raise the level of the bed as much as possible, dig in some gypsum and plenty of old organic matter (compost, aged manure or commercial soil improver).

Fertiliser

Before Planting

Mix some Dynamic Lifter organic pellets into the soil before planting. Dynamic Lifter’s gentle organic nature means that it won’t cause root burn, even if it accidentally contacts some of the roots.

Established Citrus

Feed with Thrive Granular Citrus Food at least twice a year. Citrus are very greedy plants and, because of the extra demands imposed by their heavy crop, it’s always best to use a specifically formulated food. Occasionally switch to Dynamic Lifter organic pellets to improve the levels of microbial activity in the soil.

Potted Citrus

To reduce the risk of root burn, citrus in pots should be fertilised with a slow release plant food. Here again, Dynamic Lifter is suitable, or choose controlled release Nutricote pellets.

Pests & Diseases

Scale

Symptom: Lumps on fruit and leaves that can easily be scratched off.
Remedy: Spray with Yates PestOil, or a horticultural white oil.

Fruit Fly

Symptom: Grubs inside fruit
Remedy: Use Yates Nature’s Way Fruit Fly Control, carefully following directions (there’s no need to spray the fruit). Pick up and bin grub-infested fruit.