Bright winter fruit
Growing citrus in Kentucky
GROWING CITRUS TREES in Kentucky is easier than you think—and it’s very rewarding. To succeed, just follow a few important guidelines. First, plant citrus trees in containers, because they must be overwintered indoors in our Kentucky climate. Citrus varieties well-suited for container growing include calamondin orange, Persian lime, satsuma orange, Meyer lemon and kumquat.
Choose a container big enough to support your tree. Citrus can be grown snugly in the container and should be repotted only when absolutely necessary. If repotting is needed, go just 2 to 4 inches larger than the current container, and always use a well-draining soil with no moisture-holding additives.
Citrus in Kentucky should be grown outdoors from April to late October and overwintered indoors from November through March. While they’re indoors, choose the sunniest spot possible, right in or very near a window, and use supplemental lighting with a full spectrum grow light if necessary.
Fertilize citrus only during their time outside, from April through September. Whether indoors or out, water only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering is the quickest way to cause stress, decline and often death.
Citrus plants can bloom and fruit throughout the year, but the most successful fruit production occurs when trees bloom regularly in the spring. Even though most citrus are self-fruitful, it’s best to get your citrus outside as soon as possible so natural pollinators can help. On this schedule, fruit typically ripens sometime between November and March. Citrus fruit can take up to six months to fully mature. That gives plenty of time to enjoy watching your beautiful citrus trees and fruit grow.
SHELLY NOLD is a horticulturist and owner of The Plant Kingdom. Send stories and ideas to her at The Plant Kingdom, 1000 E Market St., Louisville, KY 40206.
