Growing Citrus in the Home Landscape

There is nothing more iconic to Florida than growing citrus in the home garden. But with challenges from greening, this has become increasingly difficult for homeowners. Luckily, there are still options available, and by following UF/IFAS guidelines from selection to maintenance, it is possible to harvest your own citrus.

WHAT IS GREENING?

If you are not familiar with citrus greening (huanglongbing (HLB)), it is a bacterial disease spread by a tiny insect called the Asian citrus psyllid. Affected trees decline in health and produce a reduced, lowquality harvest. Some citrus varieties show greater tolerance to greening, but homeowners should expect to provide a higher level of maintenance than was required before the disease became widespread.

HOW CAN YOU SELECT CITRUS FOR THE HOME LANDSCAPE?

Citrus thrives in full sun, well-drained soils, and areas with protection from strong winds. Avoid low spots and areas that may have drainage issues. Give trees room to grow as roots and canopies will expand as the tree grows.

Start with good quality plants from a USDA certified nursery (the tree will be tagged so you will know) and select a variety that will work for you.

• SWEET ORANGES Classic dessert and juice oranges like Hamlin and Valencia offer reliable performance and sweet fruit. Try OLL-4 (a new HLB-tolerant hybrid) if you like sweet oranges.

• MANDARINS & HYBRIDS Easy-peel varieties such as tangerines and tangelos (Minneola, Temple) are sweet and attractive. Try Sugar Belle® (a new HLB-tolerant hybrid) if you like mandarins and an early harvest time. *Try Marathon mandarin (a new HLB-tolerant hybrid) if you like the easy-peel fruit.

• ACID CITRUS Lemons (especially Meyer) and limes provide tart flavor for drinks and cooking, though many acid types are more cold-sensitive.

• ORNAMENTAL & UNIQUE Kumquats and calamondin are prized for both ornamental charm and edible fruit. Finger lime cultivars (HLB-tolerant) are also a fun choice for unusual fruits.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A CITRUS TREE FOR BEST HARVEST AND LONG LIFE?

When preparing to plant your citrus tree, select a planting site with good drainage, and avoid burying the graft union. After planting, water regularly.

Once established, proper care includes:

• Irrigation: Keep water consistent, especially during dry spells.

• Fertilization: Follow a citrus-specific nutrition program to support steady growth and fruiting.

• Weed control: Minimizing competition helps young trees gain strength.

• Pest management: Monitor for psyllids, leaf miners, and scale insects; consult UF/IFAS guidance for appropriate responses

Unlike grocery fruit that’s picked early for shipping, home citrus can stay on the tree until it reaches peak flavor.

Oranges and mandarins are best when they’ve gained full color and sweetness, while lemons and limes can be picked as they reach usable size. Picking fruit right from your yard is a special treat and while it can be some work, growing citrus in central Florida is possible and productive.

For more information on growing citrus in the home landscape, go to: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/home-citrus. You will find resources on everything from planting to pruning to harvest times.

You may also contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ polk if you have questions on growing citrus. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are interested in purchasing a garden journal, contact the Plant Clinic. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.

To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the Your Central Florida Yard podcast. You can find the podcast wherever you listen or find out more on our Substack: substack.com/@yourcentralfloridayard.

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Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu.