How to Grow & Care for Citrus Trees

Planting citrus trees

The right time to plant your citrus tree depends on where you live in Australia. In cooler parts of the country, wait until spring when the soil is warmer to plant. For warmer areas, you can plant a citrus tree in your garden in autumn. You should always avoid planting a citrus tree in the heat of summer.

You can transplant citrus plants directly into your garden. Just make sure you use both Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver and Scotts Osmocote Plus Organics Citrus & Fruit Plant Food & Soil Improver. You also have the option of planting citrus trees in pots in your garden – read our tips and tricks for planting fruit and citrus trees to find out exactly how to do it.

 

Watering citrus trees

Water citrus trees deeply twice a week during establishment.

The frequency of watering can be cut back when citrus trees are established, so you're only watering during dry periods and when fruits are developing.

It’s important to maintain soil moisture from fruit set to harvest to prevent citrus trees becoming stressed, which could result in a significant part of the crop dropping before it's ripe. 

Fertilising citrus trees

Fertilise citrus trees at the start of autumn and spring. Apply a generous amount of Scotts Osmocote^® Controlled Release Fertiliser for Citrus & Fruit to the soil around your tree. The controlled release technology only feeds when the plant needs it most, helping sustain healthy growth all season long.

Here’s how:

1. Clear any mulch from the area immediately beneath the tree canopy.
2. Sprinkle some Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser, in a band around the dripline (immediately below the external perimeter of the foliage).
3. Water well.
4. Replenish the mulch.

NOTE: The application of controlled release fertilisers in addition to the organics will help to ensure a range of nutrients is available to your citrus trees when they need it most.

For more information on fertilising citrus trees, visit our page fertilising fruit and citrus trees.

How to keep pests and diseases away from citrus trees

Problems with pests and diseases can be largely avoided by ensuring your citrus trees are healthy.

To give your citrus trees the best possible start:

• Prepare the soil prior to planting by enriching with compost.
• Dig a hole at least twice as large as the pot your citrus trees comes in so roots are not damaged.
• Plant citrus trees in full sun - at least 5-6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Apply Scotts Osmocote^® Controlled Release Fertiliser at the best time, which is during autumn and spring.

Of course, no matter what you do, sometimes pests and diseases can attack your citrus trees. Look out for:

• Scale, leaf miners and aphids. These are common citrus pests but rarely cause major damage. Treat with an environment-friendly oil spray.
• Stink bugs can cause damage to your tree and harvest. Remove by hand immediately (make sure you are wearing gloves and eye protection).
• Yellow leaves are a common complaint with citrus trees but if you have prepared the soil well and replenish it each season, your citrus will survive. Look for fertilisers with boosted magnesium and iron to assist in the prevention of yellowing.

Pruning citrus trees

When it comes to pruning, citrus trees are quite different to the majority of fruit trees because they are evergreen. Forget all those fancy pruning techniques and simply:

• Remove old or dead wood.
• Remove any unwanted growth or branches touching the soil.
• Reduce overall height and maintain a neat shape (if you want).

That’s all there is to it - caring for your citrus trees couldn’t be easier!

When to pick citrus fruit

The right time to pick your citrus fruit will depend on where you’re based in Australia, but you can use the following as a guide:

• Lemons: January to April
• Limes: January to April
• Grapefruits: Year round
• Mandarins: April to October
• Valencias: November to February
• Navel Oranges: June to October

 

Look for fruit that’s reached a mature size and smell it to see if it gives off a citrus aroma. To really be safe and sure that the fruit is ready to pick, peel one and give it a taste. This is the guarantee you need to know it’s ready to be eaten or to be used in your cooking.