Citrus fruits are rather fragile plants that can only be grown in the ground in regions where frost is not a problem. Everywhere else, it is recommended to grow them in pots in order to winter them in a frost-free area.
When to overwinter potted citrus?
After a beautiful season spent outdoors and in the sun, citrus trees have put on new leaves and sometimes flower buds that it would be a shame to see disappear under the first frosts. Depending on your region, it is advisable to bring in citrus fruits as early as September. In some regions of the South of France and in very sheltered gardens, you can wait until mid-October if the weather remains nice and warm. Generally speaking, as soon as the temperature drops below 10°C, it is better to bring them in. You will only take them out again when there is no risk of frost.
What operations should be carried out before overwintering citrus trees?
Before bringing in your citrus pots, check the foliage for diseases or parasites. To do this, look carefully at the back of each leaf where mites or mealy bugs can hide. Also inspect the top of the leaves to rule out the presence of fumaginia, which is often a companion of aphids.
If a presence is detected, treat the shrub before overwintering it because in an enclosed area, the risks of propagation are much greater.
Prune the dead branches if there are any and shorten the too long stems if you do not have much space in your premises.
Where to winterize citrus trees in pots?
The chosen room should be very bright and if possible well ventilated but without cold draughts. It must be frost-free. A veranda, a winter garden or a greenhouse will be perfect for this purpose. In the coldest regions, a heater should be installed to maintain the temperature at a minimum of 5°C.
How to care for overwintered citrus?
Water your plants only when the substrate has dried a few centimeters and never let water stagnate in the saucer. A watering every 10 to 15 days can be sufficient during this rest period, it will be necessary to adapt to the temperature of the room. In a heated greenhouse, a more consistent watering will be implemented.
Remember to air your premises often, especially in hot and sunny weather. If your citrus fruits are placed behind a glass, for example in a room of the house behind a bay window, think of turning them of 1/4 every 10 days to preserve a harmonious growth. Beware of the midday sun behind a south-facing window, which should be mitigated by blinds so as not to burn the foliage.
