Blog

When Life Gives You Lemons!

Growing citrus trees indoors in containers is easier than you might think. Plus, they make beautiful accent pieces for your home. Their white blossoms fill the house with a sweet fragrance, and picking your own organic, perfectly ripe lemons is a rewarding experience. Citrus trees need 8-12 hours of sunlight each day. Place your tree near a south-facing window or use an indoor grow light. They thrive in temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees and don’t like sudden temperature changes. Avoid placing your tree near chilly drafts or space heaters. In the warm summer months, you can move your citrus tree outside until fall.

How to Grow a Citrus Tree Indoors:

1. Choose Your Container:
   • Select a sturdy container that can support the height of your citrus tree without tipping over. Make sure the container has drainage holes.
2. Use the Right Soil:
   • Citrus trees don’t like wet soil. Use a light, well-drained soil mix such as cactus potting soil. This mix provides the right amount of water and drains excess moisture quickly. Fill the container with enough soil so that the root ball is just below the lip of the container. This ensures proper drainage and nutrient access.
3. Plant Your Tree:
   • Before placing the root ball in the container, sprinkle Espoma’s Citrus-Tone on the soil as directed. Center the root ball and fill in the sides with soil. Firmly pack the soil around the sides to keep the tree upright. Feed your tree regularly to ensure healthy, juicy citrus.
4. Choose the Right Location:
   • Citrus trees need 8-12 hours of sunlight a day. Place your tree near a south-facing window with good airflow. During the winter, supplement with a grow light if natural daylight is insufficient.
5. Watering:
   • Citrus trees don’t like soggy soil, but they also shouldn’t dry out completely. Water your tree when the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, watering once a week with about ¼ gallon of water is sufficient. Ensure the container drains well and let it dry out before watering again.
6. Feeding:
   • Dwarf citrus trees are ideal for indoor growing. They are regular fruit trees grafted onto smaller rootstocks to keep them compact. Regular feeding is crucial for healthy growth and flavorful fruit. Use Espoma Citrus Tone, an organic fertilizer designed for citrus plants. Feed your tree every 2 to 4 weeks, as nutrients can be washed away with regular watering. Water thoroughly until it drains into a saucer underneath. To avoid sitting in excess water, place the container on feet or small blocks.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown citrus!