Citrus fruits are very cold plants; they cannot be grown in the ground outside of the very sheltered regions. Everywhere else, growing them in pots will allow them to overwinter under cover.
The choice of the container
Citrus fruits have extensive roots and do not tolerate stagnant humidity. Based on this observation, the choice of the container will be a large vat or a terracotta pot which favors gas exchanges. Water reserve containers should be avoided because they keep the soil constantly moist, which is not very suitable for the needs of these plants.
Wooden boxes that can be dismantled are much more suitable because they make it easier to unpack the plants when it becomes necessary to change the pot.
Consider placing your container on wheels, it will be easier to move.
A suitable substrate
As we have seen, citrus plants need well-drained soil to avoid suffering. It will be necessary to provide a thick layer of clay balls at the bottom of the pot to facilitate the water flow and to avoid the asphyxiation of the roots which is always fatal. The substrate should be composed of one part acidic soil for one part good potting soil to which you will add two handfuls of compost and ground horn powder.
Planting citrus trees in pots
Choose a young subject without any black trace on the foliage. The foliage should be shiny and smooth. Also check for the presence of parasites on the back of the leaves before buying. The roots must not form a bun or escape from the pot as this would compromise the recovery.
In the spring, when all risk of frost has been eliminated, prepare the planting of your tree. To do this, soak the root ball for one hour in water at room temperature. Spread a bed of clay balls at the bottom of the pot and a layer of substrate. Place the root ball so that the neck of the plant is flush with the surface. Top up with the remaining substrate and pack the soil around the collar.
Water thoroughly.
Maintenance of potted citrus
Throughout the summer, your citrus trees can be installed in the garden or on the balcony to take the sun. Frequent watering is necessary because the soil dries out very quickly in these conditions. Remember to add a 'special citrus fertilizer' every two weeks during the growing season.
The pruning of the citrus fruits intervenes after the bloom. It consists in clearing the center of the plant to let air and light penetrate and to avoid the formation of pest nests and diseases to find a favorable ground for their propagation. It is also possible to pinch the new shoots on young plants to encourage a beautiful branching in early summer.
In autumn, bring in your citrus fruits before the first cold weather in a room that is not very heated but always free of frost and where the light will be maximum.
