Citrus trees can be planted throughout the year, provided the tree is not going through shock.
GROUND PLANTING – Pick a location with 50% or more sun on well-drained soil, which is usually the West or Southwest part of your property. Preferably where it will have protection in winter from cold north and west winds. Avoid septic tanks and drain lines.
Clear away any weeds and grass. Dig a hole wider but not deeper than the dirt ball on the tree. Remove plastic container. Shave away fiber roots from the sides of root ball (Important).
Make sure to stimulate roots by cutting off an inch or more of the legs of the roots. Place tree in hole so that the top of the ball is level with the ground (Important).
Fill hole with soil until half full. Water until soil is saturated. Finish filling hole with remaining soil and saturate with water again. Pack soil to remove air pockets. NEVER COVER BUD UNION where the tree was “Grafted” about 2-6″ above the root ball. Do not fertilize at the time of planting, wait about six weeks until the tree show’s signs of new growth.
POT PLANTING – When picking out a plastic container, slowly bump up the tree to a larger container. Don’t automatically transplant into a 25 gal or larger pot. As the tree out grows the existing pot transplant into a larger pot. Follow the above instructions starting with remove plastic container . . . . . .
CONTAINERIZE CITRUS TREES MAY GO THROUGH A SHOCK PROCESS & LOSE LEAVES WHEN CHANGED FROM OUTDOOR TO INDOOR OR THE REVERSED.
When indoors try to keep tree as close to its outdoor environment. Avoid placing near heater.
SPRAYING – Use the following chemicals when experiencing these symptoms:
Curly leaves – caused by aphids, Malathion
Spots on leaves – caused by white fly, mixture of Malathion and Oil-O-Cide
Holes in leaves – caused by orange dog, Malathion
Yellow spots on leaves – caused by red spider, use Kelthane or Oil-O-Cide
Stink bugs – use SEVIN by Garden Tech
Asian citrus psyllid – use MISTURE OF 55% Malathion Spray by Hi-Yield and Pest Out by Safegro
Citrus leaf miner – use Pest Out by Safegro
Spiderweb’s – caused by spider mite – Dawn dish soap and rise or Pest Out by Safegro
All citrus trees must be treated with a systemic drench prior to being sold. This is to prevent the Asian citrus psyllid from spreading that could turn into citrus greening. This treatment also kills any insect that feeds on the leaves (aphids, white flies, leaf miner).
These are just suggested pesticides and insecticides. Other brands can also be used: Bonide-All Season Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil, Bonide Fruit Spray, Bonide Copper Fungicide, Monterey Citrus Leafminer Trap & Lure, Hi Yield Slug & Snail Bait, Fertilome Tree & Shrub Systemic Insect Drench
**USE ALL CHEMICALS ACCORDING TO PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS**
COLD WEATHER CARE
IN CASE OF FROST OR FREEZE WARNINGS – Plants can be covered with regular blankets.
Soil can be banked up to bottom limbs prior to winter in December and removed March 1st.
Plants in containers should be brought indoors
PLANTS AFFECTED BY A FREEZE – Some leaf drop can be expected. This should be temporary. Never prune trees until new growth starts back in late spring (April). At that time all cuts should be made at least 1/2″ below damage wood.
