Get the atmosphere in your home and outside in summer with fragrant citrus plants!

The right place for citrus plants

Citrus plants can be on your terrace in summer, in a sheltered and sunny spot. In winter, they should overwinter inside, in a cool place. It is good to leave citrus trees outside as long as possible to stretch the growing season as long as possible. They thrive better outside than inside. But before the first night frost, the plant or tree should go inside.

In winter, a lot of leaves often fall off the trees. This can be a sign of too little light and a little too much water. Because the plant is dormant in winter, there is no need to fertilise. The plant can do with just a splash of water once every two or three weeks.

After Christmastime, you can bring your citrus back outside. First put it in partial shade and after ten days or so, when it gets used to the light, it can go out into the sun. That is where it prefers to be. There is no need to bring it back inside at night for the first time. The citrus can survive a little night frost (provided you cover it with fleece), but preferably not, of course.

Spots on the leaves

Does your citrus plant get spots on the leaves? It could be burnt. This sometimes happens in bright spring sunlight, so put it in partial shade first. If the citrus tree is in the greenhouse, it is advisable to use fleece or shade cloth. Better still is brute glass at the top of your greenhouse, which breaks the sun's rays. If the plant is still in full bud, don't worry.

Fertilising citrus trees

In spring fertilise the citrus plant with special citrus food*. Check the dosage on the packaging. In between times you can add a little hornmeal or blood meal as extra fertiliser.

Watering citrus plants

Rain alone is not enough for a citrus tree. Tub plants dry out quickly, and that certainly applies to citrus too. So water it regularly. The soil may feel dry between waterings, but do not wait until the leaves are limp.

It is best to give rainwater or groundwater that is slightly warm. Because of its composition, it is better than tap water.

Potting soil for citrus plants

There is special potting soil for citrus plants*. This is usually a loamy soil that does not let the nutrients wash out too quickly. The nutrients stick to the loam particles, as it were. Potting soil for Mediterranean plants* may also be suitable.

Pruning

A citrus plant should be pruned in spring (March, April, before it goes outside). Prune the inward-facing branches. This way you create an open crown, and the sun can shine in.

Flowering citrus trees

Depending on overwintering and degree of care, citrus trees bloom in spring and summer. The special thing is: you can see flowers and fruit on the same tree at the same time.