Fresh citrus is arriving at Rainbow Gardens and we’re bringing in all the varieties that perform the best here in San Antonio. Take a look at a few citrus facts we’ve compiled to think about when picking out citrus for your home landscape. For smaller landscapes, be sure to check out our blog on growing citrus in containers. Everyone should have at least one citrus tree!
6 Citrus Facts for San Antonio Landscapes
One of the most important things to know about citrus is that they are subtropical to tropical plants. This means all citrus varieties are vulnerable to freeze damage. However, some varieties are more winter hardy than others, and these are recommend for your landscape in San Antonio. Winter protection is necessary for new, and sometimes times mature, citrus plants. For recommended varieties and their characteristics, see this list: https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/fact-sheets/citrus/table-1-common-texas-citrus-varieties/
Citrus requires full sun, and soils that are well draining and deep enough to provide space for roots to stretch out. Well-draining soil means soils should be able to drain within a 48 hour period. If your soil takes longer than that to drain, either plant your citrus in raised beds, containers, or find another location. Full sun means all day, hot, sunshine. If your citrus isn’t setting blossoms, check to see if your citrus is in an area with too much shade in the afternoons.
Most citrus are self-fruitful and don’t need an extra pollinator plant to produce fruit. If you only have a small area to grow plants, you can still enjoy one lemon or lime tree. However, keep in mind, that it is a fact that most fruit producing plants increase their yield when an extra pollinator plant is nearby. The more pollinating insects that can be attracted to your fruits, the better! So in this case, two is still better than one, although one will do. (A few citrus varieties, mostly mandarins and tangerines, do require cross-pollination.)
Citrus doesn’t need much pruning, hooray! Lower branches should naturally droop towards the ground when they are laden with fruit. Allow for 6-8 feet distance between planting multiple citrus trees, as well as offering that amount of space from buildings, fences, sidewalks and other pedestrian areas. This allows the tree to grow in its natural state to its full potential without the need to prune it back to contain its size.
When given the correct growing conditions, citrus encounters relatively few pests and disease issues, hurray! Pesticides are rarely needed or advised, especially because citrus is also a host plant for Giant Swallowtail butterflies. So if you notice a couple of your citrus leaves looking like they’ve been chewed on, check first for the larvae of this beautiful butterfly before spraying with any insecticide.
Most citrus fruits reach maturity and are harvested in fall or just before winter in San Antonio. I have a neighbor who graces us with the most delicious Christmas gift every year, a basket full of juicy mandarins! Some lemon, lime, and kumquat trees are an exception as they can set flowers and produce fruit throughout the year. (So you can still have that fresh lemonade or margarita by the pool in summer!)
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
Do you have an ornamental lemon tree that can be grown in a container planter?
Yes, we sure do. All of our lemons can be potted up and grown in containers. Here is a blog all about container citrus. Come on in and choose from our varieties. Heads up, we will be closed 2/14 – 2/15 due to inclement weather.
Hello Lisa,
Is there anyone in San Antonio growing citrus in a conservatory or greenhouse. I am planning to move to San Antonio and would like to consider growing potted citrus in a conservatory.
Thank you
John
Hi John,
We know of multiple customers that choose to grow citrus in greenhouse, but if you mean a community greenhouse or conservatory, I am not aware of one and would need to do some research about that.
Do you have mature orange trees
Hi Felice,
Our citrus trees are generally around 12-18 months old by the time they arrive to our nurseries. Oranges generally bear fruit in 3-5 years.
Does Rainbow Gardens stock Makrut lime trees?
Hi John,
Yes we bring them in whenever we can. Both locations currently have some in stock. They are 3 gal containers that are $54.99 each.