Citrus are a great fruit tree for any garden. They provide shade, shelter and delicious fruit. They are highly versatile, growing well in Perth’s conditions and there are varieties suitable for planting in the ground or in a pot.

Preparing the soil

Before planting, ensure the soil has been cultivated and improved. For guidelines on how to do this, see our planting guide.

The citrus should be watered prior to planting to ensure the root ball is moist. Gently remove the plant from the pot or bag and lightly tease the roots at the base of the ball. Place in the hole and back fill. Apply a seaweed tonic and water in.

Fertilising

Citrus are gross feeders, this means they require regular feeds with a good quality citrus fertiliser. Apply a controlled release in spring and autumn or use liquid feeds more frequently. Spread the fertiliser evenly around the tree’s dripzone and water in well.

Even with regular feeding, citrus are prone to nutrient deficiencies – particularly iron. This can be seen when leaves become pale or yellowed and should be treated with trace elements.

Watering

Regular watering is essential to ensure a good crop. Irregular watering will result in fruit dropping, splitting or of poor quality.

Pruning

Citrus generally do not require a great amount of pruning. Cutback as needed to keep the tree to a manageable size, remove diseased, weak or rubbing branches. Remove any shoots coming from below the graft on grafted trees. These are called suckers and will weaken the strength of the tree.

Pests and Diseases

There are a few common pests and disease that citrus are susceptible to.

Citrus leaf miner affects the leaves by burrowing between the layers of tissue and leaving silvery lines on the leaves. Squash the small green miners when you see them, and apply a systemic pesticide to control.

Woody lumps on stems and branches are evidence of Citrus Gall Wasp. This is difficult to control and needs ongoing management to minimise damage and prevent its spread. Read the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development’s comprehensive guide to controlling Gall Wasp here.

A sticky black coating on the tree is usually sooty mould and is caused sap sucking insects such as scale and mealybugs. Ants on your tree can also indicate the presence of scale. Scale and mealybug can be treated with a horticultural oil or systemic pesticide.

Fruit fly can also be problematic for some citrus when the fly can pierce the skin and lay its eggs. We have a great range of bagging, netting, traps and baits to assist in combating fruit fly.

Planting in a Pot

If planting in a pot, a half wine barrel or 600mm pot is a good size to aim for. Select an appropriately sized tree, such as a dwarf or semi-dwarf. Always use a premium potting mix with all the Australian Quality Standard ticks. Regular applications of a controlled release fertiliser will provide consistent nutrition. Watering needs to be regular to ensure good fruit quality. Citrus are shallow rooted so avoid growing anything under the tree.

Why not try growing some Citrus trees for yourself? Shop Citrus Trees

Please note that this is intended as general information only. Please ask one of our qualified horticulturists for more specific advice for your situation.